College Football Recruiting 2012: Which Teams Have a Shot at Noah Spence?

Considered by many to be the best pass pure pass rusher in the country, Noah Spence is a hot name in the recruiting industry this year. The talented DE has well over 35 scholarship offers and has a bright future.

Just recently, Spence narrowed his list down to a top seven and has been taking trips all summer to get a feel for the schools he is seriously considering. 

Who are those schools? Let's find out.

Who Is Noah Spence?

Spence is a 6'4", 240 pound DE prospect and one of the 10 best overall players in the country. His father played at NC State, so he has a good pedigree.

He's a super-athletic edge defender that can also stand up. Spence uses a quick first step to jump on top of blockers, play speed and a burst to close on the passer.

While he possess good length in his arms to keep clean during the rush, Spence also has the range and pursuit-speed to catch any runner from the backside.

He's a big time recruit that has a chance to make an early impact for a team.

Key Favorite No. 1: Penn State

Spence just came back from a recent unofficial visit to Happy Valley and is raving about it. He says the energy around the program is very impressive and he loves DL coach Larry Johnson.

What has impressed Spence the most is Johnson's genuine care about his players off the field, aside from being a great DL coach. 

With Spence living in Pennsylvania, Penn State may be the early favorite.

Key Favorite No. 2: NC State

Spence's father played for the Wolfpack and he has many other family members that not only live in Raleigh, but also graduated from NC State. So one has to imagine he is getting a little family heat to keep the tradition of being a Wolfpack member alive.

Spence took a trip to NC State earlier this summer and really enjoyed his time down there. With recent great pass rushers like Manny Lawson and Mario Williams coming from NC State, there is some positional tradition in play.

Key Favorite No. 3: North Carolina

While visiting Raleigh, Spence also took a trip to Chapel Hill and fell in love with the UNC football program. Yet that was before Butch Davis was fired.

Spence did tell Scout.com that "it just felt like it was going to be my school." The Tar Heels give him an early opportunity for playing time, have great facilities and he really digs the coaches.

Will the firing of Butch Davis hinder UNC's chances at landing one the top overall recruits in the country?

Key Favorite No. 4: Florida

Spence really likes the makeup of Will Muschamp and DC Dan Quinn. He says he speaks to them routinely and has developed a "strong relationship" with them, as he told Scout.com.

Another key aspect of Spence's recruitment by Florida is he has stated that he likes how Muschamp and Quinn have told him they would use him defensively in Gainesville.

With Florida playing in the SEC, Spence could opt to head to UF to light up SEC competition as a pass rusher, which could make him a top flight NFL prospect.

Others in Spence's Top Seven

Spence rounds out his top seven with USC, Maryland and Notre Dame.

While acknowledging that Troy is far from home, Spence loves the fact that the Trojan coaches have come by his school more than any other school. He loves their tradition and their commitment to recruiting him.

Maryland has a commitment from Brock Dean, who is Spence's best friend. Spence also digs Randy Edsall and coach Grag Gattuso has had a relationship with him since his freshman year in high school.

Notre Dame is in the top seven for Spence as he loves the tradition and academics of the Irish program. With ND running a 3-4 scheme, Spence likely would kick out to OLB as a rusher in South Bend. 

When Will He Make a Decision?

Spence is not making a decision anytime soon. He may not even take anymore trips until after his high school senior season concludes.

He's going to be at the Under Armour game, and says he could use that as a platform to announce his choice. However, don't be shocked if this lasts all the way to singing day.