Spencer Brown
Offensive Tackle / Northern Iowa

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Spencer Brown:  I am 6’9 and 319 pounds.  

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Spencer Brown:  Once the pandemic hit, I went back home.  I was working out in my mom’s garage.  We had a workout plan.  Our strength coach put it together.  He had documents prepared for us.  Once I got back to college, I have been lifting in the garage with my teammates.  I have a full rack and dumbbells.     

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Spencer Brown:  I went to a super small school.  I played baseball, basketball and ran track.  I played center and fared well in basketball.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Spencer Brown:  I was a tight end and DE.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Spencer Brown:  UNI was my first interest.  Iowa didn’t offer me even though they showed some interest.  Iowa State offered me as a preferred walk-on.  I also had Western Illinois, South Dakota, and NW Missouri State. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Northern Iowa? 

Spencer Brown:  I liked UNI’s coaching style.  Coach Farley is a hard-nosed guy.  I wanted for coaches to push me.     

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.        

Spencer Brown:  I redshirted the first year.  I started the first five games as a redshirt freshman, but I hurt my knee and missed the remainder of the season.  I started all of the games my sophomore and junior year.  I was second team all-conference as a junior.  We lost to JMU in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.  I have played RT the whole time.     

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Northern Iowa this upcoming season? 

Spencer Brown:  We should have an even better defense this year than we did last year.  We have some guys coming back from injury.  Our QB has a season under his belt.  The offense will be rolling.  We have high hopes.  We just have to work. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Spencer Brown:  I am definitely an athletic player for my size.  I am not slow.  I am quick out of my stance.  I can bend and get under defenders for a big guy in pass pro.  I use my long arms very well.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Spencer Brown:  I need to improve in the run game a little bit.  I need to get better on those inside zone plays. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Spencer Brown:  Two games.  The first game was last year against Iowa State.  We gave them a run.  It was a triple OT game, and we lost a close one.  Also coming back and beating South Dakota State in the playoffs.  We lost to them in the regular season.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Spencer Brown:  You only get what you deserve.  You have to work your tail off.  

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Spencer Brown:  Taylor Lewan.  I love his personality.  I love the way he plays.  I try to model myself after him.     

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Spencer Brown:  Elerson Smith, Xavior Williams, Jared Brinkman, and Isaiah Weston.  Brawntae Wells is a secret weapon.  He is a nasty, good player.  CB Omar Brown and QB Will McElwain.  

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Spencer Brown:  Anthony Nelson when we played against Iowa.  He plays for the Bucs now.  It was a humbling and fun experience.  But the best guy is my own teammate Elerson Smith.  It is fun to go up against him in practice.  He is the best guy in the conference and in the country. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL?

Spencer Brown:  Nastiness, followed by smarts.  You have to be a mauler.  You also have to understand the play and read the defense.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Spencer Brown:  I like putting people on the ground.  I also love camaraderie.  Watching other guys being successful.  It is an amazing sport.  You get to meet guys from different states. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Spencer Brown:  I like to go outdoors.  Frisbee golf, fishing, boating and regular golf.  I am a decent golfer.  I like watching movies and playing Xbox.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Spencer Brown:  I should graduate in December in communications.  I don’t have a plan B right now.  I want to play football, which is plan A. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Spencer Brown:  Guys know that I am not super serious.  I always give 100% on the field.  I have a weird personality.  I am a fun loving guy off the field.  On the field, I am an athletic player who can bend.  I am not your typical 6’9 OT.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Spencer Brown:  Tall, funny, unique, laid-back, and energetic.