FSU commit Keyshawn Spencer takes a top honor in Orlando: An interview with his coach

The Rivals Camp Series made a stop in Orlando this weekend with a combine on Saturday and camp on Sunday. Florida State running back commit Keyshawn Spencer was one of the participants at the camp. And Spencer did not disappoint. The 2021 commit walked away from the camp with the running back MVP.

Spencer’s head football coach, Dwayne Byrd, was in attendance for the camp and took time to answer a few of our questions.

TN: With Keyshawn winning the running back MVP today, what is the one skill that separates him from the other running backs?

Coach Byrd: The thing about Keyshawn that separates him from the rest is his work ethic. You will never hear him complain about work, and that is huge as a leader. When it’s time to work, he is quiet and just gets to it. It really forces everyone else to do it. He has a natural ability to make whatever he is doing look like it’s easy. He is the perfect blend of RB, he is explosive and fast/elusive, while also having a hard edge to him that makes him love contact and running people over.

TN: I see that you were named the head coach at Palm Bay last year (June of 2019). What area do you believe Keyshawn has improved the most since you first began coaching him?

Coach Byrd: I was named Head Coach at Palm Bay High in 2019, but what some people don’t realize is that I have been coaching Keyshawn since he was 10 or 11. I saw him from the beginning. He has always had a nice frame and speed, but he has really developed his footwork. A lot of that comes naturally to him and he can do drills or complete moves just by seeing it once. Keyshawn has always played up in age with guys older than him. He was 12 years old on a team with 15-year-olds (some D-1 guys), and he was a starter. I saw him in the 8th grade playing, with him being the older of the group, and it was crazy, he just dominated. I really believe that is how it will be this year for him

TN: Overall what are the trait(s) about Keyshawn that make him a special player?

Coach Byrd: The one trait about Keyshawn that makes him a special player is his willingness to learn, listen, and put it to use. He is a very respectful young man that takes coaching well. Obviously him and I have a unique bond in that he is like one of my sons, so we definitely trust what each other is seeing on the field, but he is special. His patient, yet aggressive running style, paired with his great hands and elite speed will take him where he needs to go. He is also one of the most humble kids I know! I am excited to see him on Friday nights this year, Saturdays for the next couple of years and hopefully Sundays after that!

Coach Byrd also shared several videos from Spencer’s performance at the Orlando camp.

Keyshawn Spencer committed to Florida State under Coach Willie Taggart’s tenure. The current staff was able to have Spencer visit during the first Junior Day of 2020 and will continue to work on the already established relationship. We appreciate Coach Byrd for his time and insight on a future Seminole.