Recruiting Report: Spencer Spaude (2020)

Cover image from mnhshp.com

He has an entire season of high school football to go, but Mankato West junior Spencer Spaude has already been in the crosshairs of DI football programs. The catch is, Spaude already knows he will likely be making a position change at the next level. How well he can perform during his senior season – not only at his primary position – will determine if the college interest continues to move ahead or if it flattens out.

Although they didn’t advance as far as they hoped, the Mankato West Scarlets had their typically strong season in 2018.

“I felt like we had a good year this year,” Spaude said. “We ended up losing in the section championship game and were a little disappointed with how it ended. We thought we could have made it a little farther, but overall it was a good season.”

The formula for the Scarlets was similar to previous years.

“We were usually consistent running the ball,” the junior said. “Then we usually came up with key moments in the passing game off the run. Defensively we were tough against the run.”

For the second season in a row, Spaude started at wide receiver.

“In most of our formations I would play wide receiver, but here or there I would go to the tight end spot,” said Spaude – who would also line up at tight end on the field goal team.

Spaude would line up on either side of the formation but was most often the widest receiver on his side of the field.

“I think I am physical getting off the line of scrimmage against press coverage,” Spaude said. “I have good ball skills and am able to go up and get the ball.”

This offseason, Spaude is focusing on specific areas of his game.

“I want to perfect my route running – getting in and out of cuts and breaking on the ball.”

Not only a starter on the football field, but Spaude also starts on the basketball team.

“We are a young team, and we are kind of figuring things out,” Spaude said. “I play power forward, but I play inside and outside. I can shoot the three and do a bunch of things.”

The two-year football starter is also spending time in the weight room. Spaude’s workouts consist of a lifting program that focuses on the big three lifts of bench, clean and squat. His workouts also focus on agility drills, hand-eye coordination drills, and fast twitch muscle drills. This spring he expects to continue with the weight and agility workouts.

College programs are already interested in the 6’5″ 215-pound junior – but not as a wide receiver.

“I don’t have any offers, but a bunch of schools are contacting my school or me,” said Spaude who likes to hunt and fish in his spare time. “I visited South Dakota State and Iowa State this fall. I also have a junior day visit with the University of South Dakota and the University of North Dakota has contacted me about a junior day.”

Spaude expects to have to switch positions in college.

“Most of the coaches I have talked to want me to play tight end.”

“I will definitely be playing wide receiver next year, but I will be able to work on a lot of routes that a tight end doesn’t usually do. From a route running aspect that will be pretty good.”

Spaude knows tight end will have to wait. Right now, he is focused on wide receiver and helping to get his team back to the state tournament.