Speed burning 2026 California WR Vance Spafford earns two early offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The collegiate football talent streaming off the gridiron at Mission Viejo High School is impressive. The Diablos are one of California’s best at producing next level players year after year, and the next in the long line of talents ready to keep the tradition going is 2026 receiver Vance Spafford.
During Mission Viejo’s 10-2 season last fall. Spafford was the only freshman to haul in passes for the Golden State powerhouse squad. Spafford’s laser-timed 4.46 speed allowed him to bank minutes at the varsity level running routes and returning kicks.
Spafford spoke about his upcoming sophomore season, “I like to think I can play outside and inside. Anywhere on the field at receiver I will play it. I would say I am a good kick and punt returner too. I can do all of that.”
Extra time went into his game playing 7-on-7 with national travel team Premium. In addition to competing against the best of the best at 7-on tournaments, Spafford spoke about his offseason focus, “I am trying to be good at everything, gain as much weight as I can, and get as strong as I can.”
Ready to showcase his abilities, Spafford camped at UCLA and USC this summer. The performance in Westwood was covered.
“That was a really good camp,” Spafford stated. “I ran a 4.53 (40) laser there. I did really well in one-on-ones and during the drills. Their receivers coach (Jerry Neuheisel) really liked me; we talked a lot. That was a good camp. I was a big fan of the UCLA camp; that was fun.”
Spafford was happy with his performance crosstown in front of the Trojans’ staff.
“USC was tougher because there were a lot of kids,” Spafford offered. “It was hard to get reps, but I did well there too.”
Offseason visits were taken to Cal, San Jose State, Arizona, and Arizona State. The totality of effort has brought two offers Spafford’s way.
“My first was from Campbell and Michigan State offered me,” Spafford said.
Picking up the scholarship opportunity from the Spartans was a surprise for Spafford.
“It was actually a breath-taking kind of moment receiving that news,” Spafford shared. “I was shocked and really excited. One of my guys from Premium, coach Tim Williams, he was visiting Michigan State. He texted me asking me to send him my film. I did. He showed the coaches, and about 15-20 minutes later he told me they offered me.”
When Spafford takes the field this fall, he will have next level scouts watching.
“Sac State was really heavy on me during spring ball, so was UNLV; they were really interested in me,” Spafford stated. “San Jose State and Nevada are also showing interest – those four teams.”
*Photo credit: Mission Viejo and Legendary Sports Media