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Senior Bowl Riser: The vocal defender backed up his all his yapping with an exceptional performance highlighting his versatility. Early in the game, Weatherspoon breaks up a pass intended for Dexter McCluster in the end zone by staying step-for-step with the speedster and alertly turning his head with the ball in the air. He later comes up with an interception by reading the quarterback and positioning himself under the receiver. He was also the first man to the return man in special teams coverage on more than one occasion.

SCOUT'S TAKE

Skinny: Weatherspoon has incredible instincts to go along with amazing closing speed, and that is what makes a playmaker. In 2008 he was all that and more, compiling some impressive stats: 155 total tackles, 18.5 for loss, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), five sacks, and seven pass breakups. His 11.07 tackles per game led the Big 12 conference. In 2007 he racked up 130 total tackles, 9.5 for loss, three sacks, and eight pass breakups. With these stats and the fact that he was a Butkus Award Finalist last season, the sky’s the limit for him in 2009. Weatherspoon is a good all-around linebacker and a very productive player in the Big 12. His ability to play man to man as well as drop into zone coverage should translate well at the next level. He isn’t as good of a pass rusher as Sergio Kindle of Texas, but he can get to the quarterback and is an effective blitzer. He had 18.5 tackles for loss last season as well as five sacks.

Quote of Note: “He’s 6-1, 250, he runs 4.5 (in the 40-yard dash),” Pinkel told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on his way to rattling off all things good about Weatherspoon. “He can jump, he’s quick, he can accelerate, he’s a great person, he’s a good student, he’s a great team player, he’s got a great attitude, he’s the whole package. He’s the whole deal.” - Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel

NEWS

01.31.10 - Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) – Had a pretty outstanding game. Showed why so many fans think the ‘Spoon might be the Falcons pick come April. Weatherspoon had excellent agility, nice speed and range, great coverage skills, and delivered some very big hits. Played mostly outside linebacker, but was lined up inside linebacker as well. In addition to his playing, he had energy and passion on and off the field. Is thought of as an excellent character and potential leader. Some draft experts think a 1st round pick would be a reach. – Atlanta Journal Constitution

10.05.09 - Weatherspoon, who’s legal name is Franklin DeSean, originally committed to Houston, where he was living with a sister briefly after Hurricane Rita leveled Jasper in 2005. But he also liked what he heard from Missouri, and took the rare sight of a MU sweatshirt in a Texas sporting goods store as an omen he should become a Tiger. After earning some playing time as a true freshman, Weatherspoon emerged more as a sophomore before blossoming last season. His impact was such that he considered leaving early for the NFL. After being named defensive MVP in the Tigers’ Alamo Bowl victory against Northwestern, Weatherspoon announced he’d return for his senior season (while also finishing his degree this fall). What sealed that thinking was the NFL Draft Advisory Board later telling him he’d be more likely to be a third-round pick. – Husker Extra

04.14.09 - The care-free attitude Weatherspoon displayed Tuesday is something the Tigers' players and coaches have grown used to during the past four years. “Spoon” as he is called by many players and fans, is the unquestioned vocal leader on the defense. “When it’s time for us to go, he’s going to talk. He’s a natural born speaker,” senior Jaron Baston said. “That’s him and we love it.” Last year, Weatherspoon led the Tigers with 149 total tackles and was a third-team All-American selection.

04.14.09 - Weatherspoon was told that if he had decided to turn pro, he would probably be drafted around the third round. While Weatherspoon is disappointed he won’t have Maclin around this season, he is still happy for his old teammate. “The NFL isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” Weatherspoon said. “I’ve talked to a lot of people at Pro Day and things like that, and everybody has said it was the best decision to come back here.”

12.30.08 - Sean Weatherspoon, the defensive player of the game in Missouri’s 30-23 overtime over Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl, said he would be back for his senior season. He had filed paperwork with the NFL to see where he might land in the draft. His teammate and roommate Jeremy Maclin also filed the paperwork but wasn’t ready to commit to his return to school just yet. “He’s my roommate, I think I can convince him,” Weatherspoon said, putting his arm around Maclin at the post-game press conference.

12.29.08 - Weatherspoon made his mark at Missouri by starting off as special teams ace in 2006. In 2007, he notched 130 tackles, three sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss plus eight pass break ups. This season, he leads the team in tackles (138), tackles for loss (16), interceptions (3) and ranks second in sacks (4.5). He has returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. The numbers are obviously there but Weatherspoon has only one season under his belt as a starter and may opt to stay in school to get more experience.

12.23.08 - WR Jeremy Maclin and LB Sean Weatherspoon last week turned in their paperwork to be officially evaluated for the upcoming NFL draft. Both underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to announce their intentions.

VITALS

Honor Roll: In 2008 Weatherspoon was named a Butkus Award Finalist, third team All-American, and first team All-Big 12. He was named first team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press and second-team by the coaches in 2007.

High School: Weatherspoon attended Jasper High School in Texas. As a senior he was named Texas District 22-3A Player of the Year; making 98 tackles, eight for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions. He was also a second team All-State pick in 2005. He was named first team All-District in 2004 as a junior, registering 105 tackles.

Personal: Weatherspoon finds an interest in studying business administration at Missouri’s School of Business.

Bio

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Missouri)