Virginia For the second straight year, Virginia coach Mike London assembled a talented cast, showing his surprising success of 2011 has staying power. Scout.com ranks Virginia’s class of 26 players No. ?27 in America.
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The nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker prospect, Eli Harold of Ocean Lakes High in Virginia Beach, signed with the Cavaliers. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder, who had enough speed to play wideout in high school, is expected to be used as a pass-rush outside linebacker.
Virginia also added the following four-star recruits: middle linebacker Kwontie Moore (Norfolk), quarterback Greyson Lambert (Jesup, Ga.) and defensive end Michael Moore (DeMatha), son of former Virginia quarterback and current assistant coach Shawn Moore.
The Cavaliers strengthened their hold on the talent-rich Tidewater area, landing 10 players from there. In failing to sign a player from the Baltimore or D.C. areas, however, it appears London has lost some momentum locally. Last year Virginia took advantage of instability at Maryland and West Virginia to pluck several highly touted locals.
A particular focus for the Cavaliers was wideout. Virginia signed six, including Mario Nixon (Norfolk) and Max Valles (Hammonton, N.J.).
Virginia Tech
Signing day was a reason to celebrate at Virginia Tech as the Hokies landed a pair of four-star players — Joel Caleb of Midlothian, Va., and Ken Ekanem of Centreville High. The two signings vaulted the Hokies’ class of 28 players to No. 25 in the nation, two slots ahead of Virginia, according to Scout.com.
Caleb (6-2, 200) played quarterback in high school but projects to wide receiver or defensive back. Ekanem (6-3, 240) played linebacker and tight end and runs the 40 in 4.65 seconds. Virginia Tech signed four players from the Tidewater area compared with 10 for Virginia. But coach Frank Beamer continues to be the premiere recruiter in the state overall, grabbing 17 players.
Virginia Tech lost ACC player of the year David Wilson to the NFL but might have his replacement in four-star back Drew Harris (6-1, 205) of Exton, Pa.
