Noah Spence Comments on Drug Use, Testing Since Leaving Ohio State, More

Defensive end Noah Spence, who has worked to clean up his life after the Big Ten ruled him permanently ineligible in 2014 after two failed drug tests while playing for Ohio State, is now one step away from realizing the dream of playing in the NFL.  

Before Spence can make that dream a reality, though, he has to go through the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. Part of this week in Indianapolis involves meeting with reporters to discuss what teams have asked him about.

Given that Spence, who finished his college career at Eastern Kentucky, has a very unique past compared to the average draft-eligible player, he did his best to explain how he's changed in the last two years.

Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Spence said he got past using ecstasy with help from his father, changing his lifestyle and staying home more often. He also explained what led to the failed drug tests at Ohio State:

Spence added, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, that he gets drug tested every week. He also mentioned he has not failed a test since leaving Ohio State, per Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan.

Even though Spence made it clear drugs are in his past, per Bruce Feldman of FoxSports.com, he also knew "these questions were coming. I'm not tired of answering it."

Per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Spence acknowledged he doesn't have skeletons in the closet because they are all out in the open:

While Spence's past can be uncomfortable to talk about in a room full of strangers, he handled everything like a professional. It's obviously going to be a huge part of his story and a key piece of information teams examine while trying to determine his draft stock. 

It certainly seems like Spence is slowly gaining some believers. ESPN's Mel Kiper had the former Eastern Kentucky star going No. 10 overall to the New York Giants in his most recent mock draft, saying Spence does come with "off-field concerns," as well as the "upside to be a major force as an edge-rusher."

Fittingly, per Wilson, the Giants are one of the teams Spence said he has already met with, as well as Kansas City, Washington and Baltimore.

Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News added Spence said he previously met with the Dallas Cowboys at the Senior Bowl and will have a second meeting with the team this weekend at the combine. 

Character questions have become just as important to the NFL evaluation process as 40-yard dash times and bench-press reps. Teams need to believe they are getting a quality person, as well as a great talent, especially in the first round because of the money being paid out. 

Spence has battled his own personal demons and come out on the other side with a clear perspective. He's still going to be put under a microscope with two months before the draft, but his stock should see a surge based on Friday's press conference.