Spencer Ward Spencer Ward 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Nixa | 2024 State MO has made tremendous progress in his development as a safety prospect. He has picked up multiple offers this fall, and I would expect more to come in during the winter. Be on the lookout for Spencer to commit soon, and don’t be surprised when one year from now we are asking how so many schools passed on the heavy hitter. I was impressed with Spencer’s improved strength and tackling ability displayed in the open field. A rare combination of burst, power, and physicality gets displayed when Spencer explodes from a deep safety alignment and flattens bigger ball carriers in the run game. Good instincts, closing speed, and a quick change of direction displayed in pass coverage highlights Spencer’s potential to be a legit free safety in college.

Spencer Ward Spencer Ward 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Nixa | 2024 State MO has put on some weight and shown huge improvements as a senior for Nixa’s defense. Spencer received an offer from Southern Illinois last month; Be on the lookout for more schools surrounding Missouri to offer the hard-hitting safety this fall. Spencer’s acceleration allows him to fill quickly in run support, while next level strength allows him to drop bigger ball carriers in one-on-one situations. Spencer displays good speed and tackling ability closing on bubble screen recipients from depth in coverage. Good instincts, size, power, and effort highlight Spencer’s ability to be a versatile back-end defender in college.

Spencer Ward Spencer Ward 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Nixa | 2024 State MO may be the most underrated defensive back in the Show-Me State. Since May, Spencer has received his first offers from Southwest Baptist, Evangel, and William Jewell College. Although I am glad to see colleges offer the hard-hitting safety, I would expect him to be on more regional teams’ radar. Don’t be surprised when Spencer’s senior year production leads to him being one of the most coveted DB prospects in the state.

Spencer displays next level athleticism and good lateral quickness as a ball carrier. Spencer shows a rare combination of burst and power in the way he explodes through bigger ball carriers from a deep pursuit angle. Coaches see Spencer’s combination of instincts, physicality, strength, and tackling ability as an ideal foundation of skills to be a versatile strong safety at the next level.