From TopDrawerSoccer: "Donnie Smith, Charlotte: An all-action forward, Smith’s is listed there by his school but is more likely to end up playing in a left side role in the pro ranks. A player with good size and speed, he troubled North Carolina during last year’s title game, and will look to help Charlotte on another deep run in the tourney."
From MLSsoccer.com: Dynamic left-sided attacker who helped lead UNC-Charlotte to the College Cup as a junior in 2011. What Scouts Say: "For me one of best left midfielders in the country ... Durable, can get up and down.... can play in attacking three or outside in a midfield 4 ... could probablyb also play left back ... strong, good on the ball, can score big goals as well ... Can do a bit of both (cut or go to end line) ... Gets a good ball in, a heavy ball in ... good abilty to cross ... I liked him and he might make a good attacking outside back at the enxt level ... pretty straightforawrd guy ... good at running at players ... fundmaentally and positioanlly he understands game well ... but don't rememebr muych about him ... He's excatly what you're looking for in a left midfield player ... he can be a pure winger in a 4-3-3 or a left back ... true left midfielder ... magic left foot... great moves, good pace. Come inside and smart ... not a whole lot missing from the kid ... how does he comapre to pros? we'll see when he gets there ... best I've seen in last couple of years."
I like that his linked highlight video is 1 second long. Lalas basically said he might not be a great soccer player. Not the greatest endorsement. Edit: Looks like the video just wasn't working when I tried.
For Pick #23: My Revs Big Board 1. Kory Kindle, LB 2. Greg Cochrane, LB 3. Ashton Bennett, ST (forgot about int'l designation) 4. Dylan Tucker-Gagnes, CB 5. Don Anding, LW 6. Jimmy Nealis, LB 7. Ryan Clark, LB 8. Kofi Opare, CB 9. Devon Sandoval, ST 10. Eric Schoenle, CB 11. Dylan Remick, LB 12. James Belshaw, GK
From TopDrawerSoccer: Luke Spencer, Xavier Numbers: 6-2/198, 71 games, 29 goals, 21 assists Combine invite: Yes Rundown: Another forward who enjoyed a strong 2012 campaign, Spencer doubled his career goal total with 14 strikes during his final year. However, he’s not nearly dynamic enough up front to do everything needed out of an MLS forward. He’ll get his chance to show what he can do at the combine.
From MLSsoccer.com: Luke Spencer: Big, strong target forward who earned a combine invite with a career year (14 goals, eight assists) as a senior. What Scouts Say: "Big body ... very good with his back to goal... can hold balls up and do that well ... we watched him on film a little, he moves very well and can get behind you ... he's got a few things up his sleeve when he's facing you he gets you off balalnce ... Not just a big body ... he's got a place in the league ... Don't know what his engine is like - that's only question, although I think they were asking a lot of him ... Maybe that's why he kept coming in and out of the game ... Very good and he has some qualities that are pro qualities."
I have no problem taking an attacking left sided player and teaching him to play LB. One of the most frustrating things for me last season was having no attacking presence from our outside backs. This guy seems like someone who might add that.