Noah Spence: Top Schools and Best Situations for Nation's Top Defender

Noah Spence is the top uncommitted defensive player in the country. A five-star DE, Spence is said to be the top pure pass rusher in the country. Of course that honor brings upon many college programs at his door.

However, Spence has finally narrowed his list down top a final seven. What schools made the cut? Where are the best situations for him?

Come inside and let's see.

Penn State

The Nittany Lions continue to impress Spence, as he is being recruited by DL coach Larry Johnson. 

Spence has said that he and Johnson have a great relationship, and he also notes that he loves the way Johnson cares about his players as people.

With Happy Valley being close to where Spence resides, look for the Penn State to stay in the race until the end.

North Carolina State

NC State has family ties that could pull Spence to Raleigh. His father played there, as he has many other family members that graduated from the school. 

Spence has stated he likes the potential fit with their defense and likes the coaches.

He has family in the area, likes the school and and could see immediate playing time. That's a nice fit.

Florida

Spence also lists Florida among his favorites. The Gators are putting together another great recruiting class and Spence could be one of the crown jewels.

He loves defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and is pretty intrigued by the plans Quinn and WIll Muschamp have for him should he come to Gainesville.

I have to imagine that Spence could be used as both a hand down rusher and as a stand up, roaming type of defender.

North Carolina

"I visited there and really felt like it was going to be my school", Spence told Scout.com. Not sure about you, but that's a pretty strong statement.

Then all of a sudden, Butch Davis got fired. Does that change things?

Time will tell. Spence feels he can play early in Chapel Hill and also really digs the academics and facilities at UNC.

USC

The Trojans have shown a good amount of interest in Spence, as he has said that even though they are the furthest school away form him, he saw USC at his school more so than other program.

Spence likes the Trojans' tradition and the fact that USC has shown they are very serious about seeing him in Cardinal and Gold.

I think with the USC being in LA, their tradition, talent and past history, the Trojans could get a visit after the season.

Maryland

Greg Gattuso has been recruiting Noah Spence since he was a freshman in high school and Gattuso was an assistant at Pitt.

Now at Maryland, Gattuso is still on Spence's trail and Randy Edsall has himself has gotten into the mix. Spence's best friend is headed to Maryland, and that bodes well for the Terps.

He also likes the potential fit inside the Maryland defense and the feel he gets when he visits.

Notre Dame

Here's another school Spence likes and cites tradition as one of the leading factors. Notre Dame football speaks for itself and they brought in a stellar DL and pass rushing class last year.

The Irish also have two stout DLs committed this year, and adding another elite pass rusher like Spence would make this class a top notch haul.

Spence says he grew up watching Irish games and since he comes from a Catholic school, the atmosphere at Notre Dame would not be a huge change for him.