He began his freshman year as a starting defensive linebacker with the UCLA Bruins in 1971 under the direction of coach Franklin Cullen Pepper Rodgers.
According to the UCLA 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.
The "1973 UCLA Football News Media Guide" states this about Gene Settles: "Started in 5 games a linebacker last year and is tabbed to be starter at LLB this fall.
According to the "1974 UCLA Football News Media Guide", Spencer "Gene" Settles was a senior majoring in Economics.
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.