Oct. 12, 2006
Former University of New Mexico standout Nick Speegle signed with the San Diego Chargers, the team announced on Wednesday. Speegle, an all-Mountain West Conference linebacker for the Lobos in 2004, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in ’05.
Speegle appeared in 14 games as a rookie with the Browns, mostly on special teams. He finished fifth on the team with 11 special teams tackles, but was waived by Cleveland last month.
“He’s obviously a very bright kid,” San Diego head coach Marty Schottenheimer said. “He was a good special teamer in Cleveland. Those are positive things. He’s got size and speed.”
Prior to his time in Cleveland, Speegle (6-6, 250) was a four-year starter at New Mexico. He finished his collegiate career with 317 tackles, good for 14th all-time at UNM, and ranks sixth in school history with 38.5 tackles for loss. With the Browns, he gained experience in the 3-4 defense and was extremely active in the community.
Speegle replaced offensive tackle Leander Jordan on the Chargers’ roster after Jordan was placed on the injured reserve list.