Spencer Adkins


Spencer Adkins is a former American football linebacker. Adkins played college football at the University of Miami and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of 2009 NFL Draft.

Early years

Adkins was born to Lester and Mable Adkins and attended Naples High School in Naples, Florida and played for the Golden Eagles football team under Bill Kramer. In fact, Adkins didn't begin playing until high school. He started playing on varsity as a defensive end as a sophomore, but the next year, moved up to linebacker and had 80 tackles and 12 sacks as Naples reached the state championship game. As a senior in 2004, he made 11 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss. He was awarded the Naples Daily News Broxson Trophy for best area player, and was All-State. He was a four-star recruit and signed to the University of Miami.

College career

Adkins saw action in 31 collegiate games at the University of Miami. He totaled 72 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception. In 2007, he recorded a career-high 52 tackles. He majored in Psychology.

Professional career

Signed with agent Ken Sarnoff. Adkins was selected by the Falcons in the 6th round of 2009 NFL Draft. and signed on June 24. However, his contract was disapproved by the NFL because of "language oversight" relating to team incentives and individual "not likely to be earned" incentives. Adkins was one of the five previous defensive selections in the 2009 Draft by the Falcons and was the first linebacker taken by the team. Adkins boosted his stock by a solid performance at Miami's Pro Day: he ran 40 yards in 4.43 seconds, broad jumped 10-2, vertical jumped 36 inches and bench pressed 225 pounds a total of 30 times.