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Football

Early Signing Day Recap

ByKarl Hess

Dec 23, 2019

Note that this piece was a combined effort from StLouHoo and Karl Hess. StLouHoo handled the roster projections and remaining needs. Karl handled the class composition and player profiles.

While most of the country gears up to celebrate Christmas this week, the college football universe celebrated their own holiday this past Wednesday. Popularly known as Early Signing Day, Wednesday was the beginning of 2019’s Early Signing Period for college football programs. The Early Signing Period began on Wednesday, December 18 and concluded on Friday, December 20.

Because of a dearth of seniors on the roster, the Hoos were expected to sign a small class this cycle. And that’s exactly what happened this week. UVA secured signed Letters of Intent from thirteen recruits.

Class Composition

The new Wahoos come from ten different states and Washington DC. Only Louisiana provided more than one player to the Hoos with three. Special Teams Coordinator Ricky Brumfield and UVA’s recruiting assistants from the Pelican State continue to make a sizeable impact for the Hoos in Louisiana.

Location Players
Louisiana 3
Colorado 1
DC 1
Florida 1
Indiana 1
Maryland 1
New York 1
North Carolina 1
Pennsylvania 1
South Carolina 1
Virginia 1

By anticipated position in college, the class breaks down thusly.

Position Players
Linebacker 3
Defensive Line 2
Offensive Line 2
Safety 2
Cornerback 1
Quarterback 1
Tight End 1
Wide Receiver 1

Fans that believe football games are won at the line of scrimmage will certainly be happy with the composition of this class.

 

The Recruits

Olasunkonmi (Su) Agunloye – Defensive Line

Lindenhurst High School – Lindenhurst, New York – 6-6 242

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8577)

Power Five Offers: Virginia, UCLA, Boston College, Indiana, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse

Other FBS Offers: Air Force, Army, Connecticut, Massachusetts

FCS Offers: Dartmouth, Elon, Fordham, Holy Cross, Monmouth, New Hampshire, Penn, Stony Brook, Villanova

Expectation: Mid-Career Impact

Su was a late addition to the class on Wednesday. Most thought he could hold off from signing until college football’s second National Signing Day in February due to a late push from Rutgers. The Hoos were happy to wrap this one up early, however.

The first things you notice about Su are his frame and wingspan. They’ll both play well in UVA’s two and three man fronts on the defensive line. He’s a little raw but after a redshirt season and likely another season of soaking as he gains experience and does strength and conditioning work, there’s plenty to like here. He’ll need to work on his burst and agility but the Hoos probably don’t see Su as a big pass rusher off the edge regardless. He looks like the type of lineman that excels at setting the edge on the outside or collapsing the pocket in the middle.

Ira Armstead – Quarterback

John Adams High School – South Bend, Indiana – 6-4 195

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8370)

Power Five Offers: Virginia

Other FBS Offers: Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Western Michigan

FCS Offers: Dartmouth, Eastern Kentucky, Fordham, Illinois State, Indiana State, Princeton, South Dakota, Western Illinois, Youngstown State

Expectation: Project

Let’s get the project designation out of the way. As far as I’m concerned, any high school QB is a project at the Power 5 level unless they’re a prodigy. Fans shouldn’t expect Armstead to arrive on Grounds and take the reins from Bryce Perkins. That’s not what he was signed to do. He’s to come to Charlottesville and learn the offense, refine his mechanics, grown his leadership skills, and then be ready to lead the offense at the end of the Brennan Armstrong (and RJ Harvey?) eras.

What’s clear, however, is that Bronco believes that the Hoos found a steal in South Bend. During his press conference on Wednesday, Bronco talked about how Armstead’s measurables and talents compared favorably to those of Bryce Perkins at a similar age.

In his highlight package, you see a player whose instincts are good at feeling the rush, adapting to it, and negotiating all sorts of traffic in the backfield. Armstead seems to do a good job of keeping his head up and getting the ball downfield in scramble situations. Like any dual threat quarterback, it’s clear that Armstead has the ability to beat you with his legs as well.

Sam Brady – Linebacker

North Lincoln High School – Lincolnton, North Carolina – 6-3.5 197

247 Composite Ratings: 3 Stars (.8464)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia

Expectation: Early Career Impact

There’s no doubt that Brady is the official sleeper in this signing class. After turning in one of the top SPARQ ratings that the Charlotte regional event for The Opening, Brady also tested and showed well at NC State’s camp at tight end. Brady camped at UVA in June as well and his athletic ability at linebacker popped. He picked up his first offer and committed to UVA on the spot.

Brady projects as a Jordan Mack type inside linebacker for the Hoos. On his highlight clip, you immediately notice his motor, his speed, and ability to close on the ball with suddenness.

Those traits will probably get Brady on the field on special teams rather quickly in his career in Charlottesville. The depth chart at inside linebacker when he enrolls will likely have him on the two-deep and contributing from the base defense fairly early in his career as well.

Jahmeer Carter – Defensive Line

Archbishop Spalding High School – Severn, Maryland – 6-1.5 297

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8633)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Boston College

Other FBS Offers: Temple

FCS Offers: Howard

Expectation: Early Career Impact

The first to commit in this class was also the first to return their signed National Letter of Intent. Anyone that follow’s Jahmeer’s father on Twitter was not surprised that Jahmeer handled his business as soon as the football office was allowed to accept his paperwork.

Carter’s highlights show the ability to collapse the offensive line with his strength. He’s the type of defensive lineman who will be a nightmare for offensive linemen and ball carriers when he gets his hands on them. He also showed a real talent for slanting into the backfield on the snap.

That combination of skills will allow UVA to continue to deploy multiple fronts on the defensive line when Carter is on the field.

It’s not out of the question that he’ll see some playing time as a first year in 2020. But he’s most likely to make the biggest impact as part of the next generation of Wahoo defensive lineman after stalwarts Mandy Alsonso and Aaron Faumui have exhausted their college eligibility.

Lavel Davis – Wide Receiver

Woodland High School – Dorchester, South Carolina – 6-6 215

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8519)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Georgia Tech, Oregon

Other FBS Offers: Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Western Kentucky

Expectation: Early Career Impact

Davis’s size makes him a unique player at wide receiver. With a receiver corps in flux following the graduation of Joe Reed and Hasise Dubois, there will be plenty of opportunity for both the younger players and newcomers to the roster.

Following the impending transfer of redshirt first year Nathaniel Beal, there’s no one at wide receiver that can match Davis’s stature. He immediately becomes a weapon in the red zone for UVA. Given his size, it won’t be a surprise if Davis emerges as an impact blocker in the running game during his career.

His catch radius and ability to secure jump balls really stand out on his highlights. His size should also allow him to create separation near the line of scrimmage. But speed in short spaces will be the biggest challenge for Davis during his career.

Elijah Gaines – Safety

Episcopal High School – Alexandria, Virginia – 6-2 193

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8776)

Power Five Offers: Virginia, Penn State, Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin

Other FBS Offers: East Carolina

Expectation: Early Career Impact

I wish the person filming the highlight packages for Gaines had invested in a zoom lens. But they didn’t, so his highlights were not super revealing. However, you do see good ball skills from playing a center field type safety role for Episcopal and a clip or two as a wide receiver.

We do know that Gaines was a one-time Penn State commit prior to flipping to the Hoos. The talent level in Happy Valley speaks for itself as does the offer list for Gaines.

The national guys at 247 sports actually compared him to former UVA DB Anthony Harris, so you may want to use that as your mental guide.

As StLouHoo notes below, there are four safeties cycling out of the program after Gaines completes his freshman season. Antonio Clary and Chayce Chalmers will offer competition but the opportunity will be there for Gaines to lock down a starting position as a sophomore or redshirt freshman in 2021.

Andrew Gentry – Offensive Line

Columbine High School – Littleton, Colorado – 6-8 310

247 Composite Rating: 4 Stars (.9708)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Auburn, Cal, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCLS, USC, Utah, Washington State, Wisconsin

Other FBS Offers: BYU, Colorado State

Expectation: Delayed Entry

Let’s get the “bad” news out of the way first. Gentry is taking a two-year LDS mission after graduation from high school. We won’t see him in Charlottesville until the summer of 2022.

Gentry is the highest rated recruit to sign with the Hoos during the Bronco era. Many assumed he would sign with BYU because of the LDS connection and because his brother currently plays for the Cougars. The Hoos also had to upset Michigan to land Gentry. But as post commitment stories have noted, UVA’s chances were always much better than the general consensus.

When he does arrive on Grounds, Gentry will give the Hoos a physical lineman with a mean streak. He’s the type of lineman we’ve been dreaming of for years. It’s clear that he’s going to use his size and strength to maul people in the running game. Fans will be calling for a coach’s head if short yardage plays are not run to Gentry’s side.

The lack of pass blocking in Gentry’s highlights is a noticeable omission. It’s part of his game that we should expect him to need to develop upon the return from his mission. Gentry has hinted as much as well. It’s not something that is a major part of his high school’s offense but if the tenacity he displays in run blocking is any indication, he will work tirelessly to develop that skill.

Dave Herard – Cornerback

Stranahan High School – Fort Lauderdale, Florida – 6-0 165

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8451)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Boston College, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Rutgers, Syracuse, Utah

Other FBS Offers: Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Marshall, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Tulane, South Florida, Western Kentucky

FCS Offers: Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth

Expectation: Mid-Career Impact

Herard is the forgotten member of this class. Arriving from Florida with very little hype, Herard possesses a better than expected offer list given the lack of buzz he generated. Signing a recruit from Florida with multiple Power 5 offers is usually an eyebrow raising moment for the Hoos.

In his highlight clips, I see a player that’s much more physical than you’d expect given his size. He was very active in run support and used as a spy on an opposing quarterback on one play. I came away thinking he had potential as a safety prospect too even though his initial slotting is expected to be at cornerback.

There are going to be a lot of names on the roster to navigate in order for Herard to earn early playing time at UVA. That’s why my expectation is a mid-career impact. But if he picks up things quickly from the strength and conditioning side, he might be making an impact early in his career instead.

Jonathan Horton – Linebacker

Scotlandville Magnet High School – Baton Rouge, Louisiana –  6-5 215

247 Composite Rating: 4 Stars (.8926)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Baylor, Utah, Arizona, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee

Other FBS Offers: SMU, Tulane

FCS Offers: Southeastern Louisiana

Expectation: Early Career Impact

Again with the lack of zoom on these highlights!

When fans talk about recruiting surprises on or around National Signing Day, Horton is exactly what they have in mind. A four-star pass rusher heavily rumored to be favoring Baylor while signing in February, things began to shift when news broke that Horton was going to sign right before the Early Signing Period closed Friday. That turned out to be true and we had a shiny, new Wahoo in the fold.

UVA basketball signee Reece Beekman certainly deserves some of the credit here as he and Horton are classmates and teammates on Scotlandville’s hoops team. Many have made the joke before, but this must count as Beekman’s first assist as a Hoo.

Circling back to Horton, his highlights show a highly aggressive defender with a motor that does not quit. He appears adept at attacking the backfield and delivers a considerable punch when making a tackle. What makes these highlights all the more impressive is that Horton is really new to football.

In fact, this was Horton’s first season playing the sport. Yet, he forced 5 fumbles, accounted for 22 tackles for loss, and made 14.5 sacks among his 82 total tackles.

Despite the raw parts of his game, Horton would typically profile as an instant impact recruit for the Hoos. It’s not completely out of the question, but at his assumed position of OLB, there’s a crowd awaiting his arrival. Consider this cast of characters already residing in Charlottesville: Charles Snowden, Noah Taylor, Matt Gahm, Elliott Brown, Hunter Stewart, D’Sean Perry, Jairus Satiu.

It’s difficult to see where he fits in 2020 but with Snowden, Gahm, and Brown all scheduled to depart after next season, Horton is assumed to be heavily in the mix for playing time as early as 2021.

Donovan Johnson – Safety

Helen Cox High School – Harvey, Louisiana – 6-2 180

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8647)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Arizona, Arkansas, Arizona State, Baylor, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas, Miami, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Utah, West Virginia

Other FBS Offers: Florida International, Houston, Liberty, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, SMU, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Tulane, UNLV, Utah State, UTSA

FCS Offers: Southeastern Louisiana, Southern

Expectation: Early Career Impact

The Hoos had to fight off a late charge from Arkansas for Johnson’s signature. He took an official visit to see the Hogs with a high school teammate the weekend before signing day. But during his school’s signing ceremony, he certainly sounded like a player that’s already bought in to the program’s values. It’s worth wondering if all that last-minute angst was over nothing.

In his highlight package, Johnson looks like a player with a high football IQ. In more than one clip he provides man coverage on deep routes from the safety position but is able to identify where the opposing QB is going with the ball. He then makes the interception when the opposing QB likely had no reason to think that Johnson was a threat to the pass.

He shows great awareness in one of these clips too as the interception is made right against the sideline. Johnson is cognizant enough to get the pick while ensuring that he keeps his feet inbounds as well.

Circle back to the profile on Elijah Gaines and you’ll see what Johnson is dealing with in regards to playing time and program impact. The duo of Gaines and Johnson could be a mainstay in UVA’s defensive backfield sooner than we think.

Jestus Johnson – Offensive Line

Gonzaga College High School – Washington, DC – 6-3 324

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8484)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Rutgers, West Virginia

Other FBS Offers: Cincinnati, East Carolina, Massachusetts, Old Dominion

FCS Offers: Howard

Expectation: Mid-Career Impact

Johnson profiles as the current center of the future on UVA’s offensive line. As such, he’s got some time to wait as Olu Oluwatimi currently has that job locked down. And that’s not the worst thing in the world for an offensive line recruit. I always prefer to let these guys soak and then work them onto the field slowly. A veteran offensive line is the sign of a healthy developmental program in my opinion.

In his highlight video, Johnson does a good job of absorbing contact from the defensive line without giving ground. He also does a fantastic job of turning the interior defensive lineman perpendicular to the line of scrimmage before delivering a pancake block or driving him away from the action. He’s also a pretty tenacious player on the field. Finally, the highlights show that Johnson is already used to making shotgun snaps. With UVA’s offense that will be a needed skill so it’s great to have some experience there when he arrives on Grounds.

Johnson is a pretty exciting developmental prospect for Coach 2J to mold. I like that he’s already accustomed to playing the center position. That will make his transition to the position in the college game smoother.

Joshua Rawlings – Tight End

Woodland Hills Senior High School – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 6-5 230

247 Composite Rating: 3 Stars (.8506)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Iowa State, Minnesota, Pitt, Indiana, Maryland, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, West Virginia

Other FBS Offers: Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, East Carolina, Kent State, Liberty, Marshall, Massachusetts, Ohio, Temple, Toledo, Western Michigan

FCS Offers: Howard, William & Mary, Yale

Expectation: Immediate Impact

Rawlings, whose highlights are pleasantly a mix of catches and blocking action, will arrive in January with college ready size. It’s up to him to put in the work necessary to get on the field as a first year from there. The tight end room at UVA will be a lonely place after Tanner Cowley’s departure following the Orange Bowl. Grant Misch will be the only other scholarship tight end on the roster when Rawlings joins the team.

His highlights display nice hands as he makes a couple leaping catches and catches a touchdown on a ball low and in the dirt. He also seems to have a deceptive burst off of the line of scrimmage. Rawlings also shows as a willing blocker in the run game which will be a must at the college level.

The opportunity to contribute is apparent. Rawlings has the size and pedigree to take advantage. Circumstance dictates that he will make an immediate impact on the program.

Brandon Williams – Linebacker

Isidore Newman School – New Orleans, Louisiana – 6-3 220

247 Composite Rating: 4 Stars (.8928)

Power 5 Offers: Virginia, Arkansas, Boston College, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Miami, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas A&M

Other FBS Offers: Houston, SMU, Southern Miss, Tulane

FCS Offers: Southern

Expectation: Early Career Impact

Williams, another Hoo from the Pelican State in this class, suffers from the same depth chart roadblock as Jonathan Horton as both profile to OLB for UVA. Until that’s sorted out in a year, it’s hard to imagine a big role on the defense for Williams in 2020. But with a presumed open competition for the spot opposite Noah Taylor in 2021, Williams will have an opportunity to begin to make his mark then.

In his highlight package, Williams is playing DE for his team. He shows pass rush potential on the edge and in the middle of the line via stunts. He pursues well and closes on his prey quickly.

Because he appears to play with his hand in the dirt most of the time, there will be an adjustment to playing on his feet in UVA’s defense. His time spent waiting for opportunity will be the perfect time to develop that skill.

As the second highest rated recruit in the class, expectations will be high for Williams. If the development shown by Charles Snowden and Noah Taylor under this staff is any indication, Williams will be creating havoc plays for the UVA defense pretty soon into his career.

 

The 2020 Roster and Remaining Recruiting Needs

Now let’s pivot and look at how it fits with the roster as a whole. Important to note that the roster is a living document and there will probably be additional attrition over the winter and spring as some players transfer or suffer injury concerns, so understand that this is purely a snapshot. What this will allow us to do, however, is “best guess” what priorities the staff will have over the course of January and beyond in recruiting the final pieces for next year’s rosters. Class-of-2020 high schoolers will have an opportunity to sign a Letter of Intent again in early February, and incoming transfers can sign a grant-in-aid at any time.

We’ll take it position group by position group with scholarship counts in parentheses, identifying any remaining needs.

 

Quarterback:

Losses (1): Bryce Perkins (graduation)

Returning (3): Lindell Stone (RS Jr), Brennan Armstrong (RS So), Robert Harvey Jr (RS Fr)

Incoming (1): Ira Armstead (Fr)

Remaining Need: The staff will quite likely be looking for an immediate-eligible transfer (4th year graduate or junior college) this winter who can come in and compete with Armstrong and add some depth to the position. Stone is more of a headset-wearing assistant to coach Beck, and both Harvey and Armstead (who’s looking like a January enrollee) probably need at least a year before you’d be comfortable with either as the QB2. As such, a transfer makes a lot of sense.

 

Running Back:

Losses (1): Chris Sharp (graduation)

Returning (6): PK Kier (Sr), Jamari Peacock (Sr), Lamont Atkins (Sr), Wayne Tualapapa (Jr), Mike Hollins (So), Seneca Milledge (RS Fr)

Incoming (0): None

Remaining Need: The staff made the decision not to go hard after a running back this cycle due to small class size and plenty of returning talent for next year. They’ll hit the position hard in the 2021 cycle, probably taking two. With that said, should numbers work out, look out for the possibility they take a traditional sit-out transfer this winter or spring, someone who’ll redshirt 2020 then come eligible, ready to contribute once the big rising senior class graduates in 2021.

 

Wide Receiver:

Losses (5): Hasise Dubois (graduation), Joe Reed (graduation), Terrell Chatman (graduation), Jacobi Brissett (graduation), Nathanael Beal (transfer)

Returning (7): Terrell Jana (Sr), Tavares Kelly (Jr), Billy Kemp (Jr), Ugo Obasi (RS So), Dontayvian Wicks (So), Dorien Goddard (RS Fr), Luke Wentz (RS Fr)

Incoming (2): Theo Howard (RS Sr), Lavel Davis (Fr)

Remaining Need: This is a really thin group. We project just 9 receivers next year, and that’s including Tavares Kelly whose standing is in question with his current team suspension. We went into this past season with 13 (which includes DJ Pratt who switched midseason to cornerback), and had 12 the season before it. The staff went hard after a number of high school wideouts late in the cycle but missed on them all. It was the lone position group Bronco singled out in his signing day presser that was still a major need. They likely would love to add two more, but we’ll see if that’s in the cards. More transfers may be an option.

 

Tight End:

Losses (1): Tanner Cowley (graduation)

Returning (1): Christian Baumgardner (RS Sr) (PWO), Grant Misch (RS So)

Incoming (1): Joshua Rawlings (Fr)

Remaining Need: None. Rawlings’ (who’s expected to enroll this winter and will have a jump on readiness as a true freshman) signing is the only TE we’ll take this year, and the spot won’t be addressed until maybe the 2021 class.

 

Offensive Line:

Losses (0): None

Returning (17): Dillon Reinkensmeyer (RS Sr), Alex Gellerstedt (RS Sr), Chris Glaser (Sr), Vic Oluwatimi (RS Jr), Tyler Fannin (RS Jr), Gerrik Vollmer (RS Jr), Ryan Swoboda (RS Jr), Ryan Nelson (RS Jr), Tommy Christ (RS Jr), Bobby Haskins (Jr), Martin Weisz (RS So), Joseph Bissinger (RS So), Derek Devine (RS So), Ja’Quay Hubbard (RS Fr), Kariem Al-Soufi (RS Fr), Jonathan Leech (RS Fr), Zachary Teter (RS Fr)

Incoming (1): Jestus Johnson (Fr)

Remaining Need: Bonus Best Available. We’ve got 18 guys projected next year, most of whom are upperclassmen. It’s the deepest and most experienced line Bronco’s ever had at UVA. Really what we’re doing from a succession standpoint right now is looking at 2022 when all our currently rising juniors graduate. The staff obviously wants an OT, hence the one-time commitment of OT Jimmy Christ and the current pursuit of 4-star OT James Pogorelc. That’s really about having those guys ready to be starters when they’re redshirt sophomores and we have most of our starting O-Line to replace.

 

Defensive Line:

Losses (2): Eli Hanback (graduation), Richard Burney (graduation*)

Returning (7): Mandy Alonso (Sr), Isaac Buell (RS Jr), Aaron Faumui (Jr), Jordan Redmond (RS So), Samson Reed (RS So), Jowon Briggs (So), Ben Smiley (RS Fr)

Incoming (3): Jahmeer Carter (Fr), Lorenz Terry (Fr), Olasunkonmi “Su” Agunloye (Fr)

Remaining Need: None. There’s likely a 2-deep already in place, and Carter could possibly figure into the 2nd line. There’s not a ton of immediate need, though certainly as Beull and Reed have yet to earn numbers, there’s opportunity for the right D-Linemen to compete. Virginia is still pursuing one “too good to pass up” option right now in unsigned South Carolina pledge Alex Huntley, but I doubt they ultimately feel they have the room to take him barring unexpected attrition.

*Further complicating the numbers game, there’s a chance Richard Burney may qualify for a 6th year due to medical hardship, though that won’t be known for a little while.

 

Linebackers:

Losses (1): Jordan Mack (graduation)

Returning (12): Robert Snyder (RS Sr), Charles Snowden (Sr), Elliot Brown (Sr), Zane Zandier (Sr), Matt Gahm (Sr), Noah Taylor (Jr), TC Harrison (RS So), Nick Jackson (So), Jairus Satiu (So), Hunter Stewart (RS Fr), Josh Ahern (RS Fr), D’Sean Perry (RS Fr)

Incoming (3): Brandon Williams (Fr), Sam Brady (Fr), Jonathan Horton (Fr)

Remaining Need: None. This position group is positively stacked. Williams, Brady, and Horton are an incredible haul that pair well with good youngsters already in class, and we’ll be ready to rock and roll in 2021 when the 5-man rising senior class graduates. Next linebacker we take will be in 2021.

 

Defensive Backs:

Losses (3): Bryce Hall (graduation), Myles Robinson (transfer), Germane Crowell (medical)

Returning (15): Brenton Nelson (RS Sr), Joey Blount (Sr), Chris Moore (RS Sr), Nick Grant (RS Sr), De’Vante Cross (RS Sr), Heskin Smith (RS Jr), Darius Bratton (RS Jr), DJ Pratt (RS Jr), Joseph White (RS So), Jaylon Baker (RS So), Antonio Clary (So), Tenyeh Dixon (So), Chayce Chalmers (RS Fr), Major Williams (RS Fr), Fentrell Cyprus (RS Fr)

Incoming (3): Donovan Johnson (Fr), Elijah Gaines (Fr), Dave Herard (Fr)

Remaining Need: None. We’re projecting 18 guys at DB for next year which is a very high number, even in the current perma-nickel environment (i.e. – playing 5 DBs constantly to counter spread passing attacks) and understanding that DBs make excellent special teams options. Barring unexpected attrition from the returners, this group looks adequately stocked, maybe even enough to weather additional attrition this spring (like maybe Pratt moves back to WR).

 

Specialists:

Losses (0): None

Returning (3): K Brian Delaney (Sr), P Nash Griffin (RS Sr), K Hunter Pearson (RS So), LS Enzo Anthony (PWO) (So), LS Lee Dudley (PWO) (RS So), P/K Justin Duenkel (PWO) (RS Fr), P Brendan Farrell (PWO) (RS Fr)

Incoming (0): None

Remaining Need: Not giving out any scholarships here, but we may see a preferred walk-on arrive to add depth and compete for 2021 when Delaney and Griffin both graduate.

[table id=1 /]

Summary:

The scholarship count right now sits at 85, counting Theo Howard but not yet accounting for a potential Burney 6th year. By the time guys enroll next summer, that number can’t exceed 85 by NCAA mandate. We’ll likely see a few more names leave the program between now and May, and while we don’t know any specific names, it’ll probably be another 4 or 5, just by historical average. You like to keep a couple around to reward standout walk-ons, either because they’ve played their way onto the 2-deep like Nash Griffin and Vic Oluwatimi, or because they’ve become a program leader like Reed Kellam. That means maybe there’s 4 more to play with either this winter or in the spring transfer cycle.

Two (#1 & #2) have to be set aside for wide receiver targets. It’s our thinnest position group by a noticeable margin, and the one position group Bronco Mendenhall specifically called out in his press conference Wednesday. The staff will be scouring the country for good options here over the course of January. After the season we just had where we spread the ball around, we will hopefully be an enticing option, especially with likely early PT to sell. Another (#3) is likely held for Pogorelc or maybe another high-upside O-Lineman.

After that, I think we look at (#4) a JUCO or grad transfer QB to bridge until Harvey and Armstead are ready to be QB2s behind Armstrong and (#5) if there’s room, a traditional transfer RB to be ready when the three rising seniors graduate. If any other positions are targeted, it’s only because that player was of the “simply too good to pass up” variety.

Really the running back situation can wait until spring to help the numbers shake out; you don’t care if they’re around for spring ball really since they’ve got all next year redshirting to get up to speed. The rest, though, the staff would love to get locked up for February. The QB, especially, would be advantageous to get in the next couple of weeks if he’ll be able to enroll for January and go through spring practices.

Long story short, expect recruiting to finish the 2020 class to continue with focuses on finding new wide receiver targets and a transfer QB, while the staff continues to see ongoing recruitments of 4-star trench players (OL and maybe DL) through. The numbers will be tight down the stretch, but overall this class is just a couple select pieces away from being complete and great given its limited size.

 

 

By Karl Hess

UVA sports fan since the mid 80s. Graduated from UVA in 2000. Currently residing in Virginia Beach. Also not the hoops ref.

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