It's only fitting that Anthony Spano happened to suit up for the Gulf Coast Sharks in high school.

The MU class of 2011 commitment is a shark on the gridiron, seeking out and destroying nearly everything in his path.

One of the more dominant offensive lineman you will find in the 2011 recruiting class, the Gulf Coast (Naples, Fla.) standout is excellent at finishing his blocks.

Watching his senior highlight film makes you wonder why he wasn't pursued by more schools across the country.

He shoots off the ball with a tremendous amount of power and quickness that opposing defensive tackles struggled mightily with him in the Sunshine State.

From a technique perspective, he's very advanced for a high school offensive lineman and you can tell he's put a tremendous amount of time and effort into his technique, footwork, etc.

The talented offensive lineman has a rigorous workout regimen.

Two weeks ago, Spano started working out with an ex-Navy SEAL who's been studying martial arts since he was five years old.

The Naples, Florida native works with him for three days a week on strength and conditioning and kickboxing.

When he's not training with the ex-seal, his trainer writes up workouts for Spano to do on his own the other three days.

Perhaps one of the more impressive YouTube highlights is of the Gulf Coast standout as a freshman, when he pancakes two defensive lineman at the same time.

It's easy to see the gifted offensive lineman takes great pleasure in embarrassing the player lining up across from him on the line of scrimmage.

The 6'3, 270 pounder excels in run blocking when he's allowed to demonstrate his eagerness to finish his blocks and drive his man into the turf.

Once he gets his hands on a defensive player, his man doesn't stand a chance.

In his senior highlight tape, opposing defensive lineman look like their headed backwards on rollerskates.

Spano is extremely good at extending his arms and continuing to churn his legs once he's locked up with a defensive player.

He doesn't rest until he drives them out of the play and he always finishes the play by driving them into the turf with authority.

That's not even mentioning his pass blocking ability, which is pretty impressive as well.

It's just that when you watch him in run blocking situations, he's truly allowed to demonstrate his killer instinct on the football field.

Maybe that's just the shark in him.

The Sunshine State product figures to be a dominant force in the trenches for Marshall University for years to come and the coaching staff couldn't be happier to have him on board.

HerdNation caught up with the MU class of 2011 commitment to discuss how his visit to Marshall University went (January 14th), his workouts, and other topics.

He was one of the visitors of the now infamous January 14th visit weekend in Huntington.

Below is the interview.

Interview with Gulf Coast Center Anthony Spano

HerdNation: First off Anthony talk about your visit to Marshall University and how it went.

Anthony Spano: "It went great. The coaches did a great job of really making us feel that Marshall was the place for us, which I already know. All weekend we got to hang out with the players. We got to see all the things that Marshall has to offer. I definitely just proved to myself that I made the right choice."

HerdNation: What was your favorite part of the visit Anthony?

Anthony Spano: "You know, it's hard to name one thing. But I would say getting to know the players that were already there and just starting to feel like you're part of the family at Marshall.

HerdNation: Talk about Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe Anthony.

Anthony Spano: "Food is great. It's fun to walk in and finally be surrounded in Green and White. Because being down here (South Florida) most people are talking about Black and Gold and I walk in and they all get quiet. So it was nice to finally feel like I was at home. You know what I mean?"

HerdNation: What other visitors did you get to know the best on the visit Anthony?

Anthony Spano: "I got to know Cortez (Carter) real well. I spent some time with a couple of kids that haven't committed yet. I also got to know Colin (Munro), who hasn't committed yet--the right tackle. I got to spend a lot of time with him. Then we spent a lot of time with Josue (Joseph)--got to know him, talked to him. It was overall just a great time. I really enjoyed it."

HerdNation: Are you playing any sports now Anthony? Are you doing any training football wise?

Anthony Spano: "I am training. I'm actually working with a guy that walked into my dad's gym. Obviously I'm doing weightlifting, nothing live. But we've been doing some Mixed Martial Arts just to stay in shape now."

HerdNation: That's become pretty popular in recent years Anthony due to a guy by the name of Jay Glazer. Talk about your MMA experience a little bit Anthony and how that's helps you with balance and things like that.

Anthony Spano: "Well I just started literally like two weeks ago. For me it's a lot of fun because it's something to do, it helps me stay in shape, and it's a lot of fun. I'm not looking to become a fighter or anything, I'm being honest. It was something that was offered to me by a trainer here and I thought why not take the experience."

HerdNation: Anthony, in your senior highlights one of your best attributes is how you finish your blocks. Did you have an offensive line coach at a very young age that taught you that or was that just something that's always come naturally to you?

Anthony Spano: "Well my first year of football wasn't until 8th grade. Ever since I've played football that's just how you play. That's the way that I feel you should play it. If someone asks you to slow down that just makes you want to go harder. To me that's the only way you can play--to just want to line up across from the guy and embarrass him because that's how you win games."

HerdNation: Is there anything else you'd like to say to the Marshall fans out there Anthony?

Anthony Spano: "Just that I'm happy to be a part of the family and I can't wait to get up there and get to work."

Spano was named Offensive Player of the Year for the Gulf Coast Sharks.

As always remember that HerdNation is your premiere source for Marshall football recruiting coverage!

Wade Peery is the Publisher of HerdNation.com. He can be reached by e-mail at wadepeery@yahoo.com. All comments and feedback are welcome.

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