PJ Fleck Takes Chance on Local 2022 Tight End Void of Other DI Offers

It had been since March that the Minnesota Gophers last received a football commitment for the 2022 class. But that changed on Thursday night when Columbia Heights tight end, Spencer Alvarez, committed to PJ Fleck on the spot.

Alvarez has a 77 rating by 247sports, good for just two stars, and isn’t rated by other outlets. His only other college football offer is via Minnesota State Mankato.

Blessed to have earned a scholarship to the University of Minnesota〽️, and I am 100% committed #SkiUMah #RTB @TNTACADEMY1 @Emoneyshow @Coach_Fleck @CoachCPatt @CoachMGSimon @CoachSanfordRTB @RyanBurnsMN @GopherFootball pic.twitter.com/l0FD8uK3fx

— Spencer Alvarez (@Spencer10Alv) June 10, 2021

Spencer Alvarez has a massive frame. At 6’7” 245, he reminds me a bit of current Gopher tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford. In what few highlights I’ve watched, Spencer really has an ability to finish blocks, which is much needed in this Gopher run game.

He certainly has the athleticism to blossom into an efficient pass catcher. On the other side of the ball, Alvarez plays a dominant defensive end and he’s a major contributor on their basketball team, too. Spencer played his AAU basketball for Howard Pulley, with Tre Holloman. I can’t wait to see this kid after a couple years in a power-5 weight room.

Still, Alvarez’ lack of star power is something that can’t be ignored. Only time will tell whether or not this was a reach offer or a diamond in the rough.

Max Carroll | Minnesota Sports Fan