Minnesota wide receiver Elijah Spencer enters the 2025 NFL Draft after taking a huge step forward this past season. The former Charlotte transfer recorded 52 receptions for 684 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Spencer was named MVP of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl after catching two touchdowns in a thrilling victory over Virginia Tech.
Spencer recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Spencer discussed overcoming adversity in 2023 to have a monster season in 2024, his favorite routes to run, helping set the culture in the locker room, and so much more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Charlotte to Minnesota?
Elijah Spencer: It was an eye-opening experience. Whether that was football, environment, or my personal life, it changed all of the above. It was an experience.
From a football perspective, it was a new offense. We were more spread RPO at Charlotte, whereas Minnesota was a true pro-style offense. I wanted to play in an offense and learn a playbook that was more similar to the NFL.
Minnesota is a program that wants to win. Learning that offense was very beneficial to my development. Outside of football, it was eye-opening in the sense of culture, environment, and atmosphere. It was a challenge. I think I joined the best conference in college football. That's what I was looking for.
All in all, it was an eye-opening experience.
JM: You took a huge step forward this past season, recording 52 receptions for 684 yards and six touchdowns. What changed for you in 2024?
Elijah Spencer: It was the trust factor. I built a relationship with my coaches and teammates, especially with a new quarterback in Max Brosmer.
It felt like a clean slate on offense. I took advantage of that. I envisioned what type of role I could have and I went out and executed.
Confidence was also a huge issue. I was confident in my knowledge of the playbook. I was confident in the film room. I understood what I was looking at and analyzing. I went out there and applied it.
I went out there and played freely, played my game at full speed. That was the biggest difference.
JM: It was obvious because in 2023, your first season at Minnesota, you had a tough time getting on the field. How did you stay strong through that adversity? You had a big season in 2024 after fighting through that.
Elijah Spencer: I saw 2023 as a growth year. I understood the type of reserve role I was going to play. I knew that a couple of games into the season already.
I was at that point where I could accept it and grow from it or I could be bitter, fight back, and blame other people. I had to look myself in the mirror and understand how I got myself in that position.
Of course, nobody likes to play a minimized role. It was all about how I responded. I decided to grow and develop. Our coaching staff always talked about development. It's a developmental program. I had to understand what that meant for me.
I took those personal losses and grew from them. I fought through that adversity and put all of my energy towards growing. Any avenue I could find to better myself, that's what I did. Not for one second did I look at myself like a failure or told myself that I suck. I continued to pump positivity into myself. You can see how it transpired in 2024.
JM: That's a phenomenal answer. Your attitude led to a huge season. You have terrific size for the position, at roughly 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. How do you use that size to your advantage?
Elijah Spencer: I'm a unique build. A lot of people at this size, their main attributes are athleticism, speed, or physicality. I see myself as having that full package.
I may not be the most athletic receiver on the field compared to some of these genetic freaks who are popping out of the woodwork right now.
I understand how my body works and flows. The best way I could describe myself is as a technical player. I know how to get in and out of my breaks efficiently. I know how to use physicality at the top of the route. I know how to use my size and speed to my advantage.
I've learned how to maneuver my build. I know what my weaknesses and strengths are. I think I'm very unique.
JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?
Elijah Spencer: I'd say my favorite route to run is any sort of “stop” route. Whether that's a comeback, a nine-stop, or a curl route.
I've often been used as a deep threat. I was a jump ball guy at Charlotte. I was one of those guys you'd just throw it up to because I can go get it.
I put defenders on their heels. They need to stay on top of things. I've always loved a good comeback route, ever since high school.
The deep balls, I have to stop on a dime too. Those are like the yin-yang routes. I love those stop routes.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Elijah Spencer?
Elijah Spencer: You're going to get one heck of a competitor. I'm always going to put my best foot forward. It's about more than just me as an individual. I'm going to push those around me to be great.
I'm a culture guy. I like to conform while understanding the ins and outs of our culture. I want to understand what makes our team great. I've been a part of winning and losing teams. I've experienced both sides of the spectrum.
You're getting a guy who is consistent and a hard worker. I'm dedicated. I'm all about the team. I'm just looking to win.
