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Wide receiver Vance Spafford is one of Georgia’s earliest commitments in the 2026 signing class, and he’s already drawn comparisons to ex-Bulldogs wideout Ladd McConkey. The question is whether those comparisons are warranted for the four-star prospect out of Mission Viejo (Calif.).
Spafford is the No. 105 player in the country and the No. 14 wide receiver in the 2026 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports ratings. Despite the immediate comparisons to McConkey, that is one notable difference.
Spafford is a more heralded prospect than McConkey, who was a three-star recruit and the No. 1,131 player in the 2020 signing class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
The reason Spafford has gotten more buzz on the recruiting trail can be attributed to his performance on the 7v7 circuit this past offseason. 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins explained why Spafford turned so many heads.
“Spafford had a huge sophomore season but really elevated his stock and brand the spring/summer before his junior year,” Biggins said. “He dominated the 7v7 circuit and answered any questions about being just a reliable, ‘possession guy,’ with some big time track markers including a personal best 10.69-100m.”
While Spafford’s 5-foot-11 and 175-pound frame isn’t all that different from McConkey’s, nor is his ability to run routes with expert precision. Biggins describes Spafford as an “elite route-runner” and says his football IQ is “off the charts.”
When asked how Spafford’s game compares to that of McConkey, Biggins said the similarities are very real.
“The player comps to Ladd McConkey are pretty obvious and it’s not inaccurate,” Biggins said. “Similar in size, explosive speed and flash the ability to be both…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/four-star-wr-commit-vance-spafford-could-be-georgias-next-ladd-mcconkey-the-comps-are-obvious/
Author : Austin Nivison
Publish date : 2024-12-23 19:16:00
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