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FIU signed the best 2018 recruiting class in Conference USA, so it comes to no surprise that the Panthers signed the highest rated 2018 prospect in C-USA as well.
4-Star defensive tackle Teair Tart-Spencer signed with FIU during Early Signing Period and was one of the more sought after Junior College recruits in the country. At East Mississippi College (widely known as Last Chance U) Tart-Spencer was being recruited by just about every blue blood program in the country and was considered an Alabama lean before having his scholarship rescinded due to being kicked out of EMCC.
While it is unclear why Tart-Spencer was removed from EMCC, the dismissal caused several blue blood programs to look elsewhere as only a few SEC teams were willing to take Tart-Spencer. With major Power Five schools turning the other cheek, Butch Davis and the FIU coaching staff seized the opportunity to convince one of the best prospects in the country to call FIU home.
From Looking at the film it’s obvious that Tart-Spencer should become an instant impact player for the Panthers. Listed at 6’4” 295 pounds, he displays great size and speed. Not too many offensive linemen in C-USA are going to be able to handle that type of power and quickness on a play-by-play basis.
We’ve seen what a terrific defensive lineman is capable of achieving in a Group of 5 conference in Ed Oliver, and I don’t think it’s a stretch to expect the same type of production from Teair Tart-Spencer at FIU.
Typically the best incoming prospect in C-USA is a three-star prospect that turned down overtures from lower rung P5 schools. But this isn’t one of those cases.
Teair Tart-Spencer has the talent of a blue chip defensive lineman and ended up teaming with a head coach known for developing NFL players. FIU is a team on the rise and if their coveted defensive lineman plays to his potential, the Panthers could boast one of the best defenses in college football next season.