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4-star WR Vance Spafford signs with Miami, adds electric speed to Hurricanes’ offense

by: Luke Chaney18 hours agoLChaney_

Miami is adding one of the fastest wide receiver prospects in the nation, as four-star Mission Viejo (Calif.) product Vance Spafford has signed with the Hurricanes. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound playmaker ran a 4.35 40-yard-dash at an ESPN Future 50 event.

Spafford’s speed shows up on the field, as his junior year tape is littered with plays where he blew past his defender, whether it was on a go route or after the catch. His ability to rack up yards after the catch is a huge plus in Shannon Dawson’s offense, which utilizes the short-to-intermediate passing game to give Miami’s pass-catchers chances to make plays in the open field.

“Coach Dawson runs a great offense,” Spafford told Rivals Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons after he committed to Miami. “He has a history of receivers being productive and I like my fit. I see a great opportunity to come in and make an impact in his offense. [Head] Coach [Mario] Cristobal is great too. He has won everything he has been and Miami is on that track.

“When I told Miami the news, Coach Cristobal was yelling a lot, KB (Kevin Beard) was jumping around and Coach Dawson was throwing up the U. I felt the love. That is how they have always made me feel.”

Spafford posted 57 catches for 1017 (17.8 avg.) yards and 14 touchdowns in his junior season. His senior campaign was unfortunately plagued by injuries.

As for his recruitment, Spafford flipped his commitment from Georgia to Miami after taking an official visit to UM this summer. He never wavered from this pledge, as despite living on the West Coast, he didn’t seriously entertain a pursuit from any other school.

Spafford made it down to South Florida twice this fall on gameday visits. Once for Miami’s season-opening win over Notre Dame and again for its lopsided November victory over Syracuse. He had this to say after the game when asked how much he was looking forward to signing with the Canes: “Oh, I’m super excited. I can’t wait. It’s just around the corner, and I can’t wait to be a part of this offense and this team.”

As for what about joining the Hurricanes amps Spafford up most?

“Obviously becoming a better player and getting better, but just being able to play football at the University of Miami is what I’m most excited for,” he said.

CaneSport’s Take

This season, the Hurricanes have gotten remarkable production, mostly from potential All-American Malachi Toney, from the receivers in their 2025 recruiting class. We think Spafford, because of his speed and capability to line up at both the slot and on the outside, has a decent chance to follow up the previous class and contribute as a first-year wideout.

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