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Tim Spencer
Class of 2004
Tim Spencer (St. Clairsville High School, Class of 1979) ranks with the greatest running backs ever to grace Ohio Valley high school gridirons. Spencer - who plied his trade for legendary coach George Strager - rushed for some 3,144 yards and 50 touchdowns. He scored 338 points during his Red Devil grid career.As a senior, the Parade All-American gained 1,670 yards and scored 28 touchdowns while his junior numbers totaled 1,280 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Spencer’s top prep game came as a senior when he rushed for 306 yards and scored six touchdowns against Martins Ferry. All told, he scored 40 points in that contest.
He was awarded All-OVAC and All-Ohio football honors following his junior and senior seasons. Spencer also played basketball and ran track for the Red Devils, excelling in the 100- and 200-meters.
After his prep days, Spencer matriculated to Columbus to play for Coach Earle Bruce’s Ohio State Buckeyes.
The 6-1, 210-pounder was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes. He finished his career with 3,553 yards which still ranks third on Ohio State’s all-time rushing charts.
Spencer led the Big Ten in rushing as a senior with 1,371 yards, eighth best in the nation. He was accorded All-Big Ten honors twice and was a second-team UPI All-American selection as a senior.
He served as the Buckeyes’ co-captain as a senior and was voted the team MVP that year. He was also named MVP of the Holiday Bowl as he rushed for 167 yards and two TDs in OSU’s 47-17 win.
Spencer was the second player selected in the United States Football League (USFL) draft by the Chicago Blitz. After a three-year USFL stint, he signed with the San Diego Chargers where he started for four years at fullback.
He gained more than 5,000 rushing yards and scored 45 touchdowns as a professional. Spencer served as Ohio State’s running backs coach from 1994 through the 2003 season. He left the Buckeyes for an assistant’s role with the Chicago Bears.