UM gets commitments from a top local safety and one of nation’s top 12 receiver prospects
The Miami Hurricanes landed their third Class of 2026 commitment in as many days on Monday, and it was a big one.
Vance Spafford, rated by the 247 Sports as the No. 12 receiver in the class, flipped from Georgia to Miami and became UM’s first receiver commitment for 2026.
Later on Monday, UM picked up a Class of 2027 commitment from four-star Hollywood McArthur High safety Jaylyn Jones.
Spafford, who attends Mission Viejo High in California, is rated by 247 as the 127th best player overall in the class. On3.com rates him the 11th best receiver and 85th best player overall.
The 5-10 Spafford was highly coveted; Mississippi, Oregon, Colorado, UCLA and Southern California were among his more than two dozen offers.
Spafford told 247 that “the reason why I choose Miami is because of the coaches and the family environment there,” adding that receivers coach Kevin Beard is “amazing and I have talked and visited with him many times. He’s knows what he’s talking about and how to get it done and get me developed.”
“Coach Mario Cristobal and coach Shannon Dawson are amazing as well and the family environment there stood out to me a lot. I just can’t wait to live in Miami, get to work and go win a national championship.”
Spafford was expected to visit UM in recent days but canceled due to illness.
247 Sports evaluator Greg Biggins wrote that Spafford a “gifted wide out and has some rare traits that should allow him to be a dominant player at the next leve. Elite as a route runner and looks like a college player already in his ability to turn a defender and get separation.
“Extremely quick and explosive off the line and has the down field speed to separate. Runs well after the catch and shows the ability to make multiple defenders miss in the open field.”
Spafford’s nonbinding pledge to Miami follows earlier Canes commitments this weekend from Orlando Edgewater linebacker Justin Edwards and Venice High edge rusher Asharri Charles.
UM’s 2026 class, which now has 16 commitments, is rated between 7 and 10 by the major recruiting services.
As for Jones, he becomes Miami’s third commitment for the 2027 class, joining Norland cornerback Kenton Dopson and Fort Lauderdale American Heritage receiver Ah’Mari Stevens.
Jones told 247 Sports that he picked UM over Florida and Auburn. He had 82 tackles, 14 pass breakups, three interceptions and three sacks for Western High in Davie last season.
247 Sports rates the 5-11 Jones as the No. 22 safety and No. 231 overall prospect in 2027.
This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 12:10 PM.
