The WAR ROOM is back and this edition is full of football and hoops recruiting scoop! With Rivals Camp now in the rearview mirror, we'll look at several of the prospects in attendance and break down not only how they performed but also how things might be shaping up in their respective recruitments. And of course, with the Spring Game set for tomorrow night, we'll look at the visitors UVa is expecting to host as the spring concludes in Charlottesville. And on the hardwood, there's one recruit everyone seems to be talking about and we'll give you the latest on what we're hearing on his recruitment as well as where UVa stands. Can the Cavaliers make a move and lock up one the top players in the Commonwealth in the class of 2015?
As always, what's said in the War Room, stays in the War Room. Let's go!
Visitors expected for the Spring Game
With the Cavaliers set to take the field on Saturday night for the Spring Game, there will obviously be visitors in town to see things up close and personal. While a lot of the 2015 signees will be in town for orientation, the focus is obviously on the younger guys.
UVa is expecting recent three-star running back commit Alex Faniel in town (more on him in a bit).
The one name we're most intrigued by might be that of Riverbend offensive lineman Zach Adams. In talking to him thus far, there's little doubt that he's very interested in the Cavaliers and the fact that they were the first to offer will be big for him no matter what offers he gets. Because he grew up between Texas and Virginia, UT would be big too and truth be told, it's a school that we'd expect him to commit to on the spot if offered. As it stands, though, we're not sure that's likely. What is likely is that he'll remain uncommitted through the camp circuit to see what schools come through with offers. Sources say UVa feels really confident about this one and given the need for tackles in this class, getting Adams would be big. He showed at Rivals Camp last weekend just how much potential he has, so getting him back on Grounds (along with a host of committed recruits to make him feel welcomed) is clearly a great move.
The other two names are visitors that we frankly have to say UVa is a longshot for right now. But getting four-star Indian River linebacker Devon Hunter Brown, the five-star 2017 safety, is pretty huge. Yulee was the MVP at his position last weekend and even though he's not currently as highly rated as some of the commits Alabama gets, word we've heard is that the Tide have a big lead. Hunter is a lot more wide open but folks we trust don't expect him to stay local. Again, though, having them in town is a big plus. While we don't see the Wahoos being serious contenders right now, that can certainly change.
Thoughts coming out of RCS Richmond
After seeing so much talent last weekend at camp, we wanted to take a minute to sort of zero in on not just what was done on the field but also where things are trending in terms of UVa's position.
Four-star OL Josh Ball appeared to be the biggest lineman at camp and he really showed himself to be more than just a big body. The thing that really stood out the most about him, though, was the fact that whether it was drill work or 1-on-1s, he was always focused and always teachable. He's a very humble guy but he plays with an aggressiveness that all linemen need. In terms of his recruitment, the offer from FSU might be a game changer but otherwise, this was looking like one that would like come down to WVU, Penn State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and UVa. The two in-state schools still have a great shot but this one will absolutely be a marathon and not a sprint.
We were a little surprised to see four-star DE Kyree Campbell say that he would be releasing a Top 10 soon with UVa definitely in it. Now, it's not so much a shock that the Cavaliers are among the 10 but it's surprising that they're one of three he felt comfortable announcing early. This is a recruitment that seemed to be trending away from Virginia a little bit, so this is obviously big news. We'll see how much traction Mike London and his staff can get now that Campbell is focusing on a smaller number of options.
UVa commit Joseph Reed might have been the one guy who impressed the most given what we expected. It's not that Reed wasn't thought of as a quality recruit but his physicality at the position matched with his hands and speed were clearly better than many anticipated. At times, he looked like a four-star type of guys. He's a multi-sport athlete and his versatility is very clear. With Blackman also in this class, the Cavaliers have two big-time wideouts already in the fold. And if it wasn't for prom, he'd be in Charlottesville tomorrow along with the other committed players. Do not be shocked if new schools offer Reed but sources have made clear that he's 100-percent solid in his commitment.
Lastly, it's clear that in 2017 and 2018, UVa will have quarterback targets to go after with a vengeance. As we said at the time we thought that Faniel, the Glen Allen signal caller, was the best of the group. And his familiarity with the Cavaliers is worth pointing out again. Many we've talked to in the last week feel like the Wahoos were already in the driver's seat here even before his transfer and pending connection on the field with Blackman. London and Marques Hagans have made Faniel feel like a part of the family even while his former lead recruiter, Tom O'Brien, was retiring. Though he's a long way from making his college decision, we'd have to call UVa the clear front runner and it's probably not even close.
Also in that class is Woodberry Forest's Lindell Stone. He's been a guy that Steve Fairchild has made a connection with and he's been on Grounds a host of times at this point. His recruitment isn't as clear yet as Faniel's but from the way things seem to be trending, we think UVa would likely favor Faniel just slightly. In recruiting, a lot can happen of course but we don't think the Hoos will look to take two QBs in this class.
One of the big reasons for that is that in the following year, there's Ocean Lakes standout Tyler DeSue. And he was very impressive on Saturday in Richmond. Sources we've talked to have pointed to UVa being the favorite here since last year. There's so much time, though, between now and when he'll make his decision that it's hard to really gauge. But we will say this: UVa's recruiting at the QB position, after adding Nick Johns in 2015 and Abramson this year, is probably as solid as it's been in a long, long time.
The latest on Kenny Williams
As we transition to the hardwood, the name that everyone seems to be talking and asking about is that of four-star Rivals150 guard Kenny Williams. And make no mistake: UVa is making a run at him.
According to various sources, Tony Bennett isn't alone in going after the Richmond native and former VCU signee. The Rams are still in the hunt, as are Florida, Georgetown, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas. In talking to folks we trust, the thinking seems to be that three options seem like the most likely: Staying home, staying with Shaka Smart, or heading to UM or UNC (not necessarily in that order).
Now, that's not to say Carolina or any of the other schools listed aren't serious contenders. But now that he's going through the process again, those seem like the most likely scenarios at the moment. He's looking to take visits soon and word is UVa is trying to lock him up for a trip to Charlottesville. Next weekend would seem to be problematic since it's the second of the two open evaluation weekends when coaches can be on the road. Bennett has shown in the past that he'll stay home and recruit if need be but we expect that if the visit happens soon it'll likely happen during the week.
Now, in terms of the forecast on this one, things are a little murky. Sources we've talked to feel confident that UVa, UNC, and Michigan are in the thick of it and that distance isn't likely to be as big of a factor as some might expect. If that's the case, then, Texas makes sense, right? Well, we've gotten conflicting info on that front. Some have said UT isn't really in the hunt while others seem convinced it'll happen. For now, we believe the Horns are a team that's being seriously considered.
It's important to note that UVa really never stopped recruiting the 6-foot-2 shooter. Even though Bennett didn't have a spot for him, they kept in contact. And the fact that Virginia didn't play games seems to be something that really stood out to Williams and his family.
For now, we'll have to wait and see how the visits play out. We don't get the sense that the timeframe will be rushed but we also don't think they'll take all the time in the world. As was clear when he chose VCU the first time, Williams isn't afraid to pull the trigger once he's ready.
That is it for this week, and as always, what's said here, stays here!
As always, what's said in the War Room, stays in the War Room. Let's go!
Visitors expected for the Spring Game
With the Cavaliers set to take the field on Saturday night for the Spring Game, there will obviously be visitors in town to see things up close and personal. While a lot of the 2015 signees will be in town for orientation, the focus is obviously on the younger guys.
UVa is expecting recent three-star running back commit Alex Faniel in town (more on him in a bit).
The one name we're most intrigued by might be that of Riverbend offensive lineman Zach Adams. In talking to him thus far, there's little doubt that he's very interested in the Cavaliers and the fact that they were the first to offer will be big for him no matter what offers he gets. Because he grew up between Texas and Virginia, UT would be big too and truth be told, it's a school that we'd expect him to commit to on the spot if offered. As it stands, though, we're not sure that's likely. What is likely is that he'll remain uncommitted through the camp circuit to see what schools come through with offers. Sources say UVa feels really confident about this one and given the need for tackles in this class, getting Adams would be big. He showed at Rivals Camp last weekend just how much potential he has, so getting him back on Grounds (along with a host of committed recruits to make him feel welcomed) is clearly a great move.
The other two names are visitors that we frankly have to say UVa is a longshot for right now. But getting four-star Indian River linebacker Devon Hunter Brown, the five-star 2017 safety, is pretty huge. Yulee was the MVP at his position last weekend and even though he's not currently as highly rated as some of the commits Alabama gets, word we've heard is that the Tide have a big lead. Hunter is a lot more wide open but folks we trust don't expect him to stay local. Again, though, having them in town is a big plus. While we don't see the Wahoos being serious contenders right now, that can certainly change.
Thoughts coming out of RCS Richmond
After seeing so much talent last weekend at camp, we wanted to take a minute to sort of zero in on not just what was done on the field but also where things are trending in terms of UVa's position.
Four-star OL Josh Ball appeared to be the biggest lineman at camp and he really showed himself to be more than just a big body. The thing that really stood out the most about him, though, was the fact that whether it was drill work or 1-on-1s, he was always focused and always teachable. He's a very humble guy but he plays with an aggressiveness that all linemen need. In terms of his recruitment, the offer from FSU might be a game changer but otherwise, this was looking like one that would like come down to WVU, Penn State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and UVa. The two in-state schools still have a great shot but this one will absolutely be a marathon and not a sprint.
We were a little surprised to see four-star DE Kyree Campbell say that he would be releasing a Top 10 soon with UVa definitely in it. Now, it's not so much a shock that the Cavaliers are among the 10 but it's surprising that they're one of three he felt comfortable announcing early. This is a recruitment that seemed to be trending away from Virginia a little bit, so this is obviously big news. We'll see how much traction Mike London and his staff can get now that Campbell is focusing on a smaller number of options.
UVa commit Joseph Reed might have been the one guy who impressed the most given what we expected. It's not that Reed wasn't thought of as a quality recruit but his physicality at the position matched with his hands and speed were clearly better than many anticipated. At times, he looked like a four-star type of guys. He's a multi-sport athlete and his versatility is very clear. With Blackman also in this class, the Cavaliers have two big-time wideouts already in the fold. And if it wasn't for prom, he'd be in Charlottesville tomorrow along with the other committed players. Do not be shocked if new schools offer Reed but sources have made clear that he's 100-percent solid in his commitment.
Lastly, it's clear that in 2017 and 2018, UVa will have quarterback targets to go after with a vengeance. As we said at the time we thought that Faniel, the Glen Allen signal caller, was the best of the group. And his familiarity with the Cavaliers is worth pointing out again. Many we've talked to in the last week feel like the Wahoos were already in the driver's seat here even before his transfer and pending connection on the field with Blackman. London and Marques Hagans have made Faniel feel like a part of the family even while his former lead recruiter, Tom O'Brien, was retiring. Though he's a long way from making his college decision, we'd have to call UVa the clear front runner and it's probably not even close.
Also in that class is Woodberry Forest's Lindell Stone. He's been a guy that Steve Fairchild has made a connection with and he's been on Grounds a host of times at this point. His recruitment isn't as clear yet as Faniel's but from the way things seem to be trending, we think UVa would likely favor Faniel just slightly. In recruiting, a lot can happen of course but we don't think the Hoos will look to take two QBs in this class.
One of the big reasons for that is that in the following year, there's Ocean Lakes standout Tyler DeSue. And he was very impressive on Saturday in Richmond. Sources we've talked to have pointed to UVa being the favorite here since last year. There's so much time, though, between now and when he'll make his decision that it's hard to really gauge. But we will say this: UVa's recruiting at the QB position, after adding Nick Johns in 2015 and Abramson this year, is probably as solid as it's been in a long, long time.
The latest on Kenny Williams
As we transition to the hardwood, the name that everyone seems to be talking and asking about is that of four-star Rivals150 guard Kenny Williams. And make no mistake: UVa is making a run at him.
According to various sources, Tony Bennett isn't alone in going after the Richmond native and former VCU signee. The Rams are still in the hunt, as are Florida, Georgetown, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas. In talking to folks we trust, the thinking seems to be that three options seem like the most likely: Staying home, staying with Shaka Smart, or heading to UM or UNC (not necessarily in that order).
Now, that's not to say Carolina or any of the other schools listed aren't serious contenders. But now that he's going through the process again, those seem like the most likely scenarios at the moment. He's looking to take visits soon and word is UVa is trying to lock him up for a trip to Charlottesville. Next weekend would seem to be problematic since it's the second of the two open evaluation weekends when coaches can be on the road. Bennett has shown in the past that he'll stay home and recruit if need be but we expect that if the visit happens soon it'll likely happen during the week.
Now, in terms of the forecast on this one, things are a little murky. Sources we've talked to feel confident that UVa, UNC, and Michigan are in the thick of it and that distance isn't likely to be as big of a factor as some might expect. If that's the case, then, Texas makes sense, right? Well, we've gotten conflicting info on that front. Some have said UT isn't really in the hunt while others seem convinced it'll happen. For now, we believe the Horns are a team that's being seriously considered.
It's important to note that UVa really never stopped recruiting the 6-foot-2 shooter. Even though Bennett didn't have a spot for him, they kept in contact. And the fact that Virginia didn't play games seems to be something that really stood out to Williams and his family.
For now, we'll have to wait and see how the visits play out. We don't get the sense that the timeframe will be rushed but we also don't think they'll take all the time in the world. As was clear when he chose VCU the first time, Williams isn't afraid to pull the trigger once he's ready.
That is it for this week, and as always, what's said here, stays here!
