Education
University of California, Los Los Angeles
University of California, Los Los Angeles
In 1974 he was the recipient of the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins" Henry R. Sanders trophy for Most Valuable Player (Most Valuable Player). Upon graduation in 1970 from British Columbia Elmore High School in Houston, Texas, Gene was recruited by Notre Dame, Stanford University, University of Texas, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical, University of Oklahoma, University of Nebraska, the University of California at Los Angeles (University of California, Los Angeles), and others He began his freshman year as a starting defensive linebacker with the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins in 1971 under the direction of coach Franklin Cullen Pepper Rodgers.
According to the University of California, Los Angeles 1972 "The Spirit Of College Football" publication, as a pre-law major sophomore, he was "rated a fine prospect and figures to back up Tom Daniels at RLB. He"s tough and has a good speed, but obviously needs varsity game experience.
Lettered in football under coach Wendell Mosley at British Columbia Elmore High School in Houston, Texas. In 1973, Gene was a junior majoring in Political Science.
The "1973 University of California, Los Angeles Football News Media Guide" states this about Gene Settles: "Started in 5 games a linebacker last year and is tabbed to be starter at Bachelor of Laws this fall. He tied with James Bright as the team"s most prolific tackler last year with 79.
Had an excellent Spring practice and showed good leadership qualities.
A solid all-around player, he continues to show steady improvement. Was a starting linebacker on 1971 Frosh team"
In 1974 University of California, Los Angeles hired-on a new coach with top credentials by the name of Dick Vermeil. According to the "1974 University of California, Los Angeles Football News Media Guide", Spencer "Gene" Settles was a senior majoring in Economics.
"He was a defensive inside linebacker (ILB), starting five games at left linebacker last year.
He filled in when Rick Baska was injured in third game of the season (Michigan State) and did a fine job, bringing down 48 opposition ball carriers. Had a good Spring practice but was hampered by a sprained ankle for most of the practice period.
He emerged as number two ILB behind Fulton Kuykendall but should challenge for starting position. He is a solid and valuable performer.
Timed in 5.0 seconds for 40 yards without pads.
Started 5 games at linebacker slot as sophomore and made 79 tackles after starting at LB for 1971 Frosh."
Spencer Gene Settles was born in Houston, Texas on 25 February 1953 to the late Paul Silas and Martha Ann Tate Settles.