I haven't seen an announcement from Spalding himself, but SI and 247 are saying that he is transferring to VT. Out of Lorton, his 247 composite rating was .8681. He committed to WVU over VT and a few other power 5 schools. Injuries have derailed his career, and he's hoping he can get it back on track at VT. It's always nice to get a VA kid in Blacksburg!
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Seems like a zero downside move for a local kid who wants to get his life back on track, rare win-win for everyone.
That's what's up.
The word is that he's a walk-on. Zero risk for this staff to take a flier
Transferred to JMU last year and didn't play much. Not sure if it was injuries that kept him out. Hope it works out for him!
Had a season-injury hip injury I think
Actually he left the team, and the release had said "career ending hip injury" which would explain why he was available. However, the tweet that he had sent is now deleted - but the preview for it is still up, and it matches what is quoted in the 247 article.
Lorton! Whoop whoop! Hometown reppin'! Hope he can get healthy and contribute.
I remember being really high on the kid and sad we didn't go harder after him - he seemed like the best WR that we had on our board and thought WVU got a steal. I'm glad we're giving each other a shot again!
I wish he had a "III" at the end of his name. That name sorta deserves it. ;^)
Is it possible he's transferring here for academic reasons? Seems like academics would be a key thing to look at if you're realistically thinking you're a long shot for getting real playing time.
From what I heard, JMU wasn't even in the same league.
One of those cases in recruiting where it was better to watch the trend. He was a 4* for awhile based on some early promise in his HS career, but as signing day got closer and closer he kept dropping, not rising in the rankings. I also remember there being a lot of discussion that he was a better Lacrosse player than football player.
Big Picture... we reached out to him because most of our veteran receivers left. And that's fine. But he's an injury prone walk on. I'll temper my expectations.
Yeah that's what I'm saying. He's a walk-on so it's no risk type situation. If he gets healthy he may be able to contribute, but I'm not holding my breath.
He might be wanting to come to Tech for access to our S&C program to help with his rehab more than play. Even as a walk-on he will have access to a better program then is available at JMU and maybe WVU.
I seem to remember the lacrosse speculation as well. There wasn't any buzz that seemed like we were heavy after him at the end.
Safe to assume that he has to sit a year? Or is there some loophole where the medical advice of "career-ending" injury renders him immediately eligible?