Coaching changes often lead to turnover in recruiting classes, and this cycle, Virginia has been no exception to that since forcing out Mike London after the 2015 season. The Cavaliers lost another commitment on Jan. 21, as offensive lineman Stephen Spanellis flipped to Michigan.
This was a difficult decision for me, but I had to do what I felt was best for me and my family. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/tQxYxzt1pp
— Stephen Spanellis (@Big_Spanellis78) January 22, 2016
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Spanellis is rated the No. 34 guard in his class according to 247Sports Composite rankings. In the months leading up to his decision to pledge to Michigan, many other prospects, including linebacker Kenneth Ruff, running back Laderrien Wilson and wide receiver Neru N’Shaka, decommitted from UVa.
Spanellis is also the second offensive lineman to decommit from the Cavaliers this cycle, as Hudson, Florida, O-lineman Grayson Stover — now a USF pledge — reopened his recruitment in July less than a month after committing to the Wahoos. The team now has two offensive linemen committed in Dillon Reinkensmeyer of Highland Ranch, Colorado, and Ben Knutson of Mishawaka, Indiana.
All 22 members of Virginia’s 2016 recruiting class committed to Mike London’s staff.