Ex-Lobo reflects on year as a pro

by Vanessa Strobbe

Daily Lobo

Nick Speegle has made the first-year transition from a Lobo to a Cleveland Brown.

April's 2005 NFL Draft sent the UNM graduate and ex-Lobo football player to the Browns in the sixth round with the 176th pick overall. In July, the Browns signed him to a four-year contract.

Speegle said it was Lobo football that prepared him for the transition from college to the pros.

"At UNM I learned to never doubt myself, to never give up and to never make excuses," he said. "Those things carried me through my rookie season."

UNM head coach Rocky Long, who coached Speegle for his entire college career, said the former redshirt paved his own road to professional football.

"He's very intelligent, and extremely tough mentally and physically," Long said. "He was such a great player for us, and the NFL would (have made) a big mistake if they didn't draft him."

Speegle was a four-year starting outside linebacker for the Lobos, an Academic All-Mountain West Conference honoree all four years and a First Team All-MWC honoree his senior year. He finished his career with 317 career tackles in 50 games.

For Cleveland, Speegle spent most of his time on special teams, racking up 11 tackles, including eight solo tackles in 2005.

"It's a great feeling to tackle someone who you have watched on TV many times before," Speegle said. "It's also fun when watching the playoffs to say, 'I've tackled him.'"

Although listed on the roster as a linebacker, Speegle takes what he can get on special teams.

"My No. 1 goal right now is to make the team, and if that means only playing 20 special-teams plays a game, then that is fine," he said. "I don't know if there is anything that I can do to ensure playing time, but if I keep improving and developing as a linebacker, then hopefully that will turn into playing time."

Long sees experience as Speegle's key to defensive playing time.

"As he gets experienced in the NFL, he'll become full-time special teams," Long said. "He's tough enough and willing to play special teams, but I think he'll turn into a defensive starter."

Even with a 6-foot-5-inch, 250-pound body, Speegle said he is making constant adjustments to keep up with the fast pace of professional football.

"Because everyone is so good in the NFL, I cannot rely on my physical presence as much as I had in college," he said. "I must focus on using my instincts, staying low and using my hands."

Speegle's drive and ability to adjust to different positions are what Long said gives him a step up on his competition. It's those intangible qualities that will keep Speegle in the NFL, Long said.

"Obviously he has great desire, great work ethic," Long said. "I think as long as he stays healthy, he's going to be in the NFL for a long time."

Speegle has already set his goal.

"Pending my body holds up, my ultimate goal is to have a career of four or more years," he said.

After making it through one season, Speegle's goal looks achievable.

"I think anybody that's drafted late and makes a team is a big accomplishment," Long said. "I look forward to his future. I think we all do."