University of Houston Athletics
FB Program Feature: The Journey Continues
10/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
by: Jazz Tamez, Athletics Communications Intern
At the age of 6, like many young boys, Daniel Spencer dreamed of the day that he could play alongside the very best in the NFL. Spencer's football journey began the moment that his mother dropped him off at his first practice for the peewee football team, the Alvarado Indians.
As Spencer grew, so did his work ethic, dedication and love for football - his passion has transformed his boyhood dream into a tangible reality that is well within reach.
Today, Spencer is fire on the field. His fast feet and sure hands have made him a top receiver for Houston football, and have earned him recognitions such as a place on the 2014 Biletnikoff Award Watch List, the 2014 Phil Steele's Preseason AAC Second Team and most recently, American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll (Sept. 15, 2014).
Remember the 45-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass against BYU, brought down in the end zone with just seconds before the half? That was none other than Daniel Spencer at the receiving end - clutching the ball, rendering a touchdown and completing the play that claimed the #1 spot on SportsCenter's Top 10.
Daniel Spencer has always been a standout player; he is not easy to ignore. At Grandview High School, he helped lead his team to a 32-5 record throughout the three years he played on varsity. During his football career at UH, Spencer has made contributions in over 40 games with nearly 1,750 receiving yards. It is clear that Spencer has been a valuable team player to the football programs for which he's played, and will continue to do so as his college football career approaches its culmination.
When asked to reflect upon the time he has spent as a Houston Cougar, Spencer spoke fondly of his school, his team and the effect this experience has had on his life.
"The time I have spent at UH has been one of the best experiences of my life. I love my team and the relationships that I've built here that are going to be lifelong as well."
Of course, being a star athlete has its advantages. Spencer is well known among his classmates, and it is safe to say that he is surrounded by fans on a day-to-day basis on campus. However, being a star athlete comes with its own set of sacrifices.
"Football players don't have much of a personal life. Most people don't get the gist of all that we do, or understand our schedules. So, for the most part I hang out with my teammates - even outside of practices and games. They know what it's like to have a hectic schedule because they have them, too."
It takes a disciplined, hard-worker to tend to the various responsibilities of college life - and even more so for a student athlete. Spencer is clear about his focus while at UH. During his final year and season at UH, Spencer plans to make contributions on the field that help his team to win games, and ultimately, win conference.
Spencer attributes his work ethic and desire to live and play with passion to his mother. From his childhood, to his time at UH- one factor has remained constant, his mother's continued, loving support.
Many of his fans know that he is a Batman fan. But, with a soft smile, Spencer shared that it is his mother who is the most irreplaceable superhero and role model in his life.
"She is my role model because she was on her own for a little bit, and still she's always been passionate about my siblings and I. She works extremely hard, that's where I get it from. She showed me how to be hard-working. That's how I want to be."
The work ethic that Spencer learned from his mother when he was young follows him still today. He displays it every time he steps foot on a field with a University of Houston jersey.
The future looks promising for Daniel Spencer. He loves football and intends to wear the helmet and pads for many years. When asked about life after college, Spencer expressed hopefulness and excitement about what is to come.
"I keep my momentum going and continue to improve because I want to go further in life," Spencer said. "If I want to go to the league and fulfill my dreams that I've had since I was a little kid, then I have to keep getting better right now. I plan to train for my pro day and hope to have an opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL."
