Virginia Signee: Donta Wilkins

<strong> Donta Wilkins
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hometown (School): Dumfries, VA (Potomac)
Height/Weight: 6'3'' 315 lbs
Committed to Virginia: 6/21/12
Lead Recruiter: Anthony Poindexter </strong>

Donta Wilkins committed to the Cavaliers in the summer, and despite misgivings over staff changes, he signed with Virginia in the end. After considering some late visits, Wilkins only made one trip, to Charlottesville. Wilkins was named to the All-Metro DC First Team by the Washington Post after his senior season at Potomac High in Dumfries. The big defensive tackle chose Virginia over offers from North Carolina, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, Michigan State and others. Donta is rated a 4-star prospect by 247Sports and a 3-star player by Rivals.

Wilkins, already over 300 lbs, is a gap-filling defensive tackle. UVa recruits players like Wilkins to plug up the interior run gaps and open up lanes for pass rushers off the edge and for blitzing linebackers. Wilkins brings a lot of strength to the defensive line group, and once he gets into a college weight program he could prove to be a real force on the Cavalier defense. At the Chesapeake Bowl, Wilkins drew rave reviews for his diversity of moves at the snap of the ball, as well as the quickness he shows getting out of his stance and engaging with the lineman. Going up against some of the best players in the region, Wilkins proved that he was one of the best, and that is a great sign for his future in Charlottesville.

Wilkins considered trips to several schools late, including UNC, Miami and Michigan State. His official visit to Charlottesville convinced him that Virginia was the right place for him in the end. The coaching staff did a great job making him feel at ease after the coaching staff transition, and making sure they kept the attrition to a minimum. Wilkins' early playing time will probably be limited as the strength and conditioning coaches try to make him stronger. Down the road Wilkins will be a part of a really talented group at the defensive tackle spot, and he will have plenty of chances to show that he can reach his full potential and be a game-changer on the defensive line.

Donta Wilkins Highlights (via 10DWilkins)