Rocket Gets Popped By Freshman Laying That Wood

Fall camp is well underway for Razorback football and freshman Brad Spence is already making some noise on the field. Literally. 

A hype video shared by the Arkansas Razorbacks’ social media team shows plenty for Hog fans to get excited about. While it’s always fun to see KJ Jefferson’s perfect pass placement and other fan favorites displaying flashy moves, one play caught the attention of many Razorback fans. 

At around the 7 second mark of the video, we see Raheim Sanders take a routine handoff, cut inside the offensive line and lower his shoulder, preparing to run over the opposing linebacker. This sight is familiar for those that have enjoyed watching Rocket, a pre-season All-American, truck defenders and keep on running over the last 2 years. However, this wasn’t the case. In the video, Sanders braces for impact and is met by a brick wall, dropped to the ground immediately. 

22 is LB Brad Spence, a true freshman. Dude laid a hit on Rocket at 0:07.

Coaches have been high on Spence throughout camp. pic.twitter.com/LEQefYic4q

— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) August 21, 2023

The hit was laid by number 22, Brad Spence. Spence, a true freshman, stands at 6’2” and 237 pounds, and he used every bit of it to surprise the heavy-hitting running back. Despite his evaluation as a 3 star linebacker coming out of Klein Forest High School in Houston, Texas, he has already been identified as a player that can land SEC level hits, like the one seen in this video. 

Coach Travis Williams said this about Spence, “He has a physical presence. He comes in, and you can see him, he looks like he’s a sophomore or junior in college. He has heavy hands and does a really good job striking, has a really good change of direction, really good speed [and] he’s running his system.” Williams, known for his proactive defensive system, has spoken highly of Spence throughout fall camp, and seems to have plenty of reason to believe that Spence fits into that system well. 

His aggressive play style and efficient use of his size and strength have impressed the coaching staff, and we may see him make an impact on the field sooner than later.