Prediction: 2018 WR Recruit Dillon Spalding

Submitted by Dennis on
WR Recruit Dillon Spalding has narrowed his recruitment to West Virginia and Michigan. While WV is near his home state, I think he'll choose Michigan. My prediction, based on his film and size (6'1"/216lbs.), is that we'll utilize him as a tight end. He's shown capability in blocking roles as well as the ability fend off DBs for possession. What do you guys and gals think? https://247sports.com/Player/Dillon-Spalding-87990
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Gentleman Squirrels

November 3rd, 2017 at 1:45 AM ^

FB seems more likely than TE or LB. I don't think he'd be tall enough to be an effective TE. And probably not speedy enough for Don Brown's defense. Maybe a LB for run heavy offenses. Slot WR or FB seems best though. He kind of reminds me of Jared Wangler but that's not based on any of his abilities.

Joined: 06/03/2014

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Wolfman

November 3rd, 2017 at 2:29 AM ^

Not as tall as Furbush, but I'm guessing Don has some packages the  young man would be good at if they see him on that side of the ball. To be honest, his game style is Harbaugh/Brown. He likes to mix it up, has real good balance and is not slow. I think he could do well in certain pacages we employ on both sides of the balll really. Some players don't need to hit all the measureables. They're ballers and Harbaugh recognizes them. He's had them at every stop; hell, he has them now. 

Sounds, however, like he wants to stay in WV and all the CBs point there. I would not mind him as a member of this class at all and I can see why the offer. 

Joined: 07/23/2008

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The Fan in Fargo

November 3rd, 2017 at 12:22 PM ^

Speaking of Ben Mason. The guy needs about 10 to 20 more lbs. of something in my opinion. That weight gain would do wonders for his push and hitting. He's doing good but he just doesn't look like he has the over the top edge sort of domination (yet). A healthy diet of mashed potatoes and steady servings of sirloins will get it. I know he's only a true freshman playing right now and we all demand so much but gotta aim big and miss small baby!

Joined: 09/04/2016

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MichiganMan14

November 3rd, 2017 at 1:44 AM ^

Has some great offers and interest but he is more of a slot size and at 4.7 that is going to be tough to work into the rotation here. There are a lot of guys maybe a few inches shorter with better short area quickness and speed. He may be a true outside reciever in some offenses and could certainly improve his speed with hard work. It will be tough here with what we have already. The Tight End sell is also tough given what we have already and his frame. More of an H-back type. Maybe he's being looked at as a Fullback as well. His recruitment will be interesting to see how it pans out. 4.7 isn't necessarily slow but it's tough to separate at that speed in the B1G.

Joined: 02/21/2012

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Squash34

November 3rd, 2017 at 1:47 AM ^

6'1/ 216 is no where near the size needed to be a Harbaugh  TE. Even if he gains the 30 pounds needed for him to see the field, 6'1 would make him the shortest TE I can remember Harbaugh ever using at any stop by a good margin. 

Joined: 09/13/2016

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FatGuyTouchdown

November 3rd, 2017 at 4:27 AM ^

I really wanna like this kid. His catch radius is terrific, he's got solid footwork coming in and out of routes, and he gets physical. I just don't know how his game translates to the next level at wide receiver. It doesn't look like he plays in a particularly good conference, and a lot of his physicality comes on kids completely outmatched athletically and physically. He lacks elite top end speed, which will limit his ability to get over the top in college and he doesn't have elite quickness to cause seperation. I just see a lot of question marks at WR, but he's got that dog in him, and you can't teach dog.

I could see him possibly gaining weight for an H-Back role, but I'm skeptical that a guy with P5 offers at WR would go that route.

Joined: 09/07/2014

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rice4114

November 3rd, 2017 at 4:59 AM ^

In how many situations with our TEs has 6’1” not been tall enough. Either they need to be 7’9” or they were fine. Maybe some longer arms helped a bit. We 6’7” now and we never use the height advantage for fades. Just wondering besides the extra weight you can put on a 6’5” frame what else do we need the height for?

Joined: 08/26/2010

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Perkis-Size Me

November 3rd, 2017 at 7:21 AM ^

No matter what school he chooses, when times are tough I hope Spaulding remembers these words:

It’s easy to grin when your ship has come in and you’ve got the stock market beat. But the man worthwhile, is the man who can smile, when his shorts are too tight in the seat!

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105492

Stay.Classy.An…

November 3rd, 2017 at 8:11 AM ^

not that I pretend to know anything about what this kid is thinking.....BUT. If he chooses Michigan, he more than likely has to change positions, I don't see him even taking snaps at WR here. If WVU has promised him run at wide out, then I can't see him choosing Michigan over his home school. If he is down to change positions, then how could you not choose Michigan? I could see him being an excellent fullback in the Harbaughffense. 

Joined: 11/27/2012

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EGD

November 3rd, 2017 at 9:29 AM ^

I am surprised he doesn't look faster in the neon socks.

I agree he's too short for TE.  I think he could play outside WR, as kind of a poor man's Junior Hemingway.  Otherwise I think his best fit is probably as a fullback or H-back type of player.  He's physical but doesn't really look athletic enough to put him on defense.

Joined: 09/16/2009

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