2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Spencer Waege, DL, North Dakota State

• Name: Spencer Waege
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 280 lbs.
• Position: DL
• College: North Dakota State University
• Twitter: Waege70
• Instagram: Waege70

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I graduated this past Spring with a General Agricultural Degree.  I’ve been working with a company called Corteva which is an agricultural company. I have participated with team volunteering events including elementary school outreach, working with a food pantry and helping to set up for events such as carnivals in our area.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They know that I’m a hard worker and that they can always count on me to do my job.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
As one of the older players on the team, I will be stepping into a bigger role this season as a leader. Since I’ve been a starting DL, I’ve mostly played as a DE in a 4-3 scheme. I have occasionally played inside as the 3-tech or nose. With my size, I have decent position flexibility which should translate well to the next level, being on the edge or the interior of the line. I feel that I am a good all-around player who can stop the run and bend very well for my size getting after the QB.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have some of the most talented offensive lineman as teammates. Being able to practice against guys like Dylan Radunz and Cordell Volson has really helped my game. Cordell was so strong with his hands that you knew it was over when he was on you.

When I think about the toughest competition that I’ve had over the years, UNI’s Spencer Brown comes to mind. He was very strong and physical as well as a very lengthy player. You always had to bring your “A” game when matched up against him.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Cody Mauch has really impressed me over the years. He came in as a walk-on playing DE when he first came to camp. Eventually, he moved to TE and then to OT. It’s amazing to see how he has developed over the years. He’s so athletic for how big he is.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During my first spring ball my freshman season, I remember getting a phone call from my mom, telling me that one of my best friends from back home had been diagnosed with cancer. That certainly put things into perspective, and football wasn’t that big of a priority. I had a heavy heart during that spring. Only a few people at school knew about the situation. Coming back for summer ball, I got a phone call from my dad. I was saddened to hear that my friend had just passed away. It was hard to comprehend, and I didn’t want to believe what had happened. I took at least a week, staying home, trying to get myself in a mindset about going back to school and playing football.

I had support from many people during that time. Coach Buddha was very encouraging. He lost his dad around the same time and told me to try to remember the good times, allowing that to be my spark of happiness. Coach Roehl also gave me a lot of support. He was actually the one who originally recruited me and told me that he would always be in my corner. He was the first person I called when it happened. Coach Roehl had a daughter around that time, and coincidentally named her Evelyn which was the name of the friend that I had lost. Seeing his daughter always brightens my day and helps me remember the good times I had with my friend.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Definitely basketball. I was an all-conference player in high school. I had played 3 years on varsity, and as a senior was named 2nd Team All-State.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud that I was named First Team All-Conference and an All-American during the 2021 Spring Season. I feel like that showed how all the hard work has paid off. Yet, I’m most proud of when I first got my scholarship from NDSU. It’s one of the biggest things that has happened to me. It changed my life forever, allowing me to obtain a college degree and winning several championships.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my favorite moments happened during the 2019 season. It was College GameDay at South Dakota State. Being from South Dakota, I had a lot of family and friends in the crowd. I remember warming up down near the student section hearing a mix of smack talk and encouragement. During the 2nd quarter, I was able to get a strip sack down near that section around the 25-yard line. I was elated that moment, posing and going nuts in front of that crowd.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’ve always been a fan of JJ and TJ Watt. Those are the guys that I’ve watched the most tape on. I like how JJ has great size and that he’s been dominant at every position he’s played. TJ is a bit more of a standup edge rusher, and I like how quick he is off the snap, always able to get in the backfield and disrupt plays.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is George Strait. During pre-game, if I’m listening to anything, it’s probably country music. Just something to sing along with, help me relax and get in the mood.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Anything my mom makes is always comfort food. Although, she knows to make dumplings and side pork on special days like my birthday.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite actor is Bill Murray. Smokey and the Bandit is one of my all-time favorite movies. M.A.S.H. is a TV show that I really enjoy.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
My family has a farm in South Dakota, and I’m normally helping them out. One of the things that I like to do on the side is buy, collect and restore old John Deere tractors.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Playing football has always been a dream of mine. I remember always going out in the backyard, playing football with my family and taking a football wherever we went just to have something to play with. All of my family knows how much football really means to me. They’ve supported me since day one, and have been one of my biggest motivators. I’m also motivated by my friend Evie. She was one of my biggest supporters. Her memory continues to motivate me to be the best player that I can be.