The man who was known as a silent leader that led by example, will rush his way into the Ohio State Hall of Fame. Tim Spencer, running back at OSU from 1979-82 and current Buckeye running back coach, will be inducted on Sept. 19th. “Tim was a great young man on and off the field,” said Earle Bruce, OSU football coach during Spencer’s collegiate career. “When he spoke people sat up and listened. He was a great young man to coach, who was very talented and loved the game of football.”Spencer, who rushed a total of 3,553 yards, is currently third behind Archie Griffin and Eddie George on the list of career rushing leaders at OSU .”It feels good to be in the company of two great running backs like Archie and Eddie,” Spencer said. “In company like that you don’t mind being third.” Spencer came to OSU in 1979 from St. Clairsville, Ohio, as a heavily-recruited high school All-American. He began his career as fullback before moving to tailback his junior year.When Spencer reflects back on his collegiate playing days, two games stand out from all the others.”My junior year against Duke was my first start,” Spencer said. “I broke off a 82 yard touchdown run on my first play-that was an incredible feeling.”He then reminisces about the game against Michigan at the Horseshoe during his senior year. “The game was close and we had the ball down near the goal line with time winding down,” Spencer said. “I remember diving up and over the offensive line and rolling into the endzone. The roar of the of the fans was deafening, and OSU went on to win 24-14.”Following his senior year, Spencer played professionally, devoting a year each to Chicago, Arizona and Memphis before going to the San Diego Chargers where he started at fullback for four years.Spencer retired from professional football after the 1990 season and returned to OSU where he volunteered with the Buckeye’s strength and conditioning program. When former running back coach Frank Falks left in 1994, head coach John Cooper named Spencer to his staff.”Since he’s been coach at OSU, we’ve had three straight 1,000 yard rushers,” Cooper said. “It’s a fantastic honor for Tim to go into the hall of fame. I’m happy for Tim and his family.” Tim is clear to state that records are made to be broken.”I joke around and tease all the running backs by saying you think you can catch me,” Spencer said. “In reality I want them all to catch me and have great careers at OSU.”Spencer said he had a lot to offer the young players at OSU. “I’ve been there and done that, if I see a young man heading down the wrong path I can help him straighten it out,” Spencer said.Senior running back Pepe Pearson agrees. “Coach Spencer is the best coach you could have,” Pearson said. “He’s easy to talk with and knows the game of football. He’s a younger guy who knows what student-athletes go through at OSU. I would never want to play for another coach.”