Virginia Signee: Tyrell Chavis

Tyrell Chavis
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hometown (School): Richmond, VA (Varina)
Height/Weight: 6'3'' 315 lbs
Committed to Virginia: 6/18/11
Lead Recruiter: Jim Reid

After signing with Virginia on Signing Day a year ago, Chavis spent a post-grad year at Fork Union. The Richmond native opted to re-up with the Hoos, after opening up his recruitment this offseason after changes to the UVa coaching staff. Chavis, who will play defensive tackle for Virginia, committed to the Cavaliers back June 2011 after earning an offer with an impressive camp performance in Charlottesville. Chavis will join former Varina teammates Maurice Canady and fellow signee Tim Harris at UVa in the Fall. Tyrell is rated a 4-star prospect by 247sports, and a 3-star by Rivals.

When Mike London announced the changes to his coaching staff following a disappointing 2012 campaign, Chavis seriously considered going elsewhere to play his college football. He told the Roanoke Times soon after Jim Reid and Jeff Hanson's dismissals that he considered himself decommitted from Virginia, and that he would look to take other visits. In the end, the only visit he took was to Charlottesville, in January. the 300 lb defensive tackle had scheduled a visit to Blacksburg for the following weekend, but Chavis told Shane Beamer "thanks but no thanks," cancelling his trip and re-affirming his commitment to the UVa program.

Chavis, a space-eating interior lineman, is a great fit for the Cavalier 4-3 defense. Players like Chavis can help open up rushing lanes for ends and linebackers off the edge, and stop the run at the point of attack. The Richmond native could be further along in his development, and closer to earning decent playing time, because he is an extra year removed from high school, than some of the other members in the 2013 class. Although Chavis is already plenty big, its really important to get linemen on both sides of the ball into the college weight and nutrition program. His impact as a freshman is yet to be determined, but he certainly shows flashes of great potential.