| Buckeye Bits: Heads into 2008 as the backup at middle linebacker to James Laurinaitis ... has the speed to play at any of the three linebacker spots if needed ... strong, runs well and is a tough, physical player ... has demonstrated a penchant for making plays.
2007 (Sophomore): Versatile linebacker who started on four special teams units ... 26 tackles for the season ... seven tackles and a sack (-12) in the win over Youngstown State ... five tackles against Kent State ... special units player of week: Wisconsin ... Jack Tatum hit of week: Kent State ... special teams dog tags: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan ... Big Ten all-academic ... second-year letterman.
2006 (Freshman): Played in all 13 games ... saw the majority of his time on the special teams ... collected seven tackles, including career-high three in the win at Michigan State ... had two tackles against Cincinnati and one each against Indiana and Northwestern.
2005 (Redshirt): Played with the scout team and impressed the coaches with his overall ability.
High School: Won first-team all-state honors as a senior, when he was in on 132 tackles, including 11 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks ... also had a pair of interceptions as a senior ... was first-team all-conference as a junior and senior and was named conference linebacker of the year both years... recorded 120 tackles as a junior ... played three years of basketball and started as a junior, then concentrated on football ... an honor student.
Personal: Son of Greg and Dawn Spitler ... has a younger sister, Blair ... father is an Ohio State graduate and his mother graduated from Marshall ... enjoys water skiing and spending time around the water. | 
