Recipient Elijah Spencer becomes a permanent member – Twin Cities

The state of the Gophers’ receiving corps heading into the 2024 season (with the exception of clear No. 1 overall pick Daniel Jackson) didn’t look very promising.

At last spring’s open workouts, one of the biggest concerns was that Elijah Spencer, penciled in as number two, came down with a nasty case of falls.

This was especially disappointing because it was the opposite of what had come out of his matter-of-fact meetings with coaches at the end of 2023. After transferring from Charlotte last season, he had just nine receptions for 65 yards and three touchdowns.

“We talked specifically about what they need to improve on,” head coach P.J. Fleck told the Pioneer Press. “One of the things we needed Elijah to get better at was being reliable.”

Spencer has been reliable this fall, tripling his receiving totals in eight games with 28 catches for 365 yards and four touchdowns with four more games left. After a rough spring, Spencer has just one miss in 36 targets this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

He had his best game as a Gopher on Saturday, with nine catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns, in a 48-23 rout of Maryland.

“I think it was just an opportunity that presented itself,” Spencer said after the game. “I’m not the one to call anything. I see myself as a player and just do my job to the best of my ability. If you need me to catch 100 passes, I’ll catch 100 passes. If you need me to block 100 times, I will block 100 times.”

Fleck tried to emphasize that it can be difficult for players to move up to Power Four conferences and expect immediate results. But Spencer’s production decline was steep a year ago after he had 57 receptions for 943 yards and nine touchdowns in his second season in Charlotte. The big play aspect of the 49ers’ 16.5 yards per catch didn’t carry over as he averaged 7.2 yards per catch a year ago.

Heading into his sophomore year at Minnesota, Spencer needed to commit to what was asked of him.

“He played for us a few times last year, but I think he needed another year to really master the level of confidence that he has to be able to do it at this level,” said Fleck. “I think that’s what everyone is seeing (now).”

Spencer’s determination and confidence were on display in his first touchdown against the Terrapins. Offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh called a passing game in which Spencer is not one of quarterback Max Brosmer’s primary options. But Spencer persisted in his route, and Brosmer saw Spencer open up after a net concept with Le’Mik Brockington. Brosmer’s top pass found Spencer in the back of the end zone.

“You see him working on his craft every day in practice, very meticulous with the details,” said Jackson, who had nine receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. “If something goes wrong, he will be the first to fix it. … Be hard on yourself and judge yourself the way a coach would. I think he’s doing a great job of being consistent and continuing to grow.”

Fleck said Spencer is an “outside the box thinker” who comes to his office to talk about anything, including spirituality. This could catch Fleck by surprise. On his KFAN show, Fleck said Spencer reminds him of Pedro Serrano from the baseball movie “Major League.” In the film, Serrano turns to voodoo to help him throw curveballs.

Spencer is very attuned to mind, body and spirit, Fleck said, adding that Spencer would go barefoot all the time if he could get away with it.

“I think he’s matured great and you can see what kind of player he’s going to be,” Fleck said. “NFL scouts ask about him, and it’s interesting to talk to people about him because last year he was a long way from where he is now.”