Transfer WR Elijah Spencer Gives Kaliakmanis Another Playmaker

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Photo: @EhSpence1 - Twitter

The Minnesota Gophers offense is going to look a lot different in 2023 and Sunday’s transfer portal commitment, Elijah Spencer (Charlotte 49ers), is the latest sign of that change. The 6-2, 190 lb wide receiver, who won Conference USA freshman of the year in 2021, will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Spencer followed up his freshman of the year season by nearly tripling his receiving yards (943) and adding three more touchdowns (9) in 2022. According to On3Sports.com, the South Carolina native is a 4-star transfer prospect, and ranks as the 17th best receiver in the portal.

Elijah Spencer gives Kaliakmanis another playmaker

Spencer’s 13 contested catches (PFF) last year was seven more than any Gopher wide receiver hauled in and his 78.7 PFF grade was second highest on his Charlotte 49ers team, behind only his quarterback.

Spencer will compete with Dylan Wright and Daniel Jackson for playing time on the outside, as the likely WR2 for Athan Kaliakmanis. That’s assuming Chris Autman-Bell returns to pre-injury form, where he’d be a lock as WR1. Minnesota’s other transfer WR, Corey Crooms (Western Michigan) plays almost exclusively from the slot.

After the addition of Spencer and Crooms, it’s clear that PJ Fleck & Co are intent on opening up the Gopher offense for redshirt sophomore QB, Athan Kaliakmanis. With Mohamed Ibrahim finally on his way out of Dinkytown, Athan’s arm is Minnesota’s best weapon and it’s nice to see an intent to capitalize on that fact.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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