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Strengths: Plays with a mean streak and flashes a strong punch. Gets adequate hand placement and flashes the ability to sustain blocks once locked on. Keeps head up when combo blocking up to the second level and does an adequate job when asked to slide off the initial block to pick up the linebacker. Takes sound angles to downfield blocks, can get into position at the second level and engulfs linebackers. While doesn't do a great job of sinking hips in pass set, leans into bull rushers and rarely gives ground. Locks out arms once in position and forces pass rushers to take a wider angle to the quarterback. Can line up at any position along the offensive line and is versatile. Has good size and can bulk up frame.
Weaknesses: Rarely gets under defenders' pads, hasn't shown great lower body strength and isn't going to drive many nose tackles off the ball. Slow getting out of stance and is going to have problems preventing penetration working against one-gap defensive tackles. Lacks ideal awareness and struggles to adjust on the fly when zone blocking. Plays with a narrow base, slides off too many blocks and gets caught off balance at times. Takes too many false steps and footwork is inconsistent at best. Over commits, takes too long to redirect in pass protection and is vulnerable to line stunts, blitzes and double moves. Missed four games with a foot injury in 2004, sprained right ankle during 2007 spring practices, missed the first three games of the 2007 season with a torn right triceps and durability is a concern.
Overall: Spanos arrived at USC as a guard and redshirted his first year (2003). He was converted into an offensive tackle and appeared in nine games as a reserve in 2004. In the spring of 2005, he moved to center and played sparingly in all 13 games that season. He switched to guard in the spring of 2006 but sat out the season while academically ineligible. As a senior, he slid back to center and played in USC's final 10 games (starting the last nine) after missing the first three because of a right triceps tear. Spanos also missed four games in '04 because of a left arch sprain. He played every position on the line during his Trojans career. There's a lot to like about Spanos' versatility, size and toughness and he could develop into a valuable reserve. The problem is he doesn't have the strength or burst to develop into a starter at any position in the NFL. In addition, Spanos has had some problems staying healthy so he projects as a sixth round pick
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