Dandy Dozen: Akeem Spence (with VIDEO)

By TRAVIS DOWNEY

travisd@nwfdailynews.com

FORT WALTON BEACH - The words had just left his lips and already Akeem Spence could hardly believe what he had just said.

As if in disbelief, he repeated them, this time more slowly.

"It's my last season playing football for Fort Walton Beach," Spence said. "Ever."

A senior at Fort Walton Beach, Spence was named to the 2008 Daily News Dandy Dozen one year after earning big school Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.

As a junior, Spence registered 67 tackles, including 51 solo stops, 16 for a loss and two sacks.

But that was as a junior.

Today, Spence says his status as a senior on a veteran Vikings squad will lead him to change his approach to Friday night games.

With the number of games as a high school football player dwindling, Spence wants to leave a legacy.

"Before, I was looked on as a younger guy, one that's always talking," Spence began. "Now I have to let them know what to expect."

It's then that Spence talks about the 2008 season being his last.

"It's sad. Ever since I first stepped onto campus, coach (Mike) Owens took me in," Spence said.

It was during his freshman year that Spence caught a glimpse - albeit brief - of varsity football.

"(Owens) brought me up my freshman year for one game," Spence said. "I watched all the seniors and how hard they worked."

Now, Spence's career at Fort Walton Beach has come full-circle.

"I want to keep my teammates going and try to be a leader for them," Spence said. "When that fourth quarter comes, I want to help them."

"(Leadership) is one of the most important things," Spence added.