Virginia Recruiting: Top Remaining 2014 Targets

With 5-star Andrew Brown committing to Virginia over the weekend, the Cavaliers have already landed several of their top targets for the 2014 cycle. This signing class is expected to be a somewhat small group, as the coaching staff tries to manage their 85 scholarship allowance. With that said, let's take a look at which major targets are still on the recruiting board for the Hoos heading towards the start of the season.

Jamil Kamara: The Bishop Sullivan wide receiver is arguably the top target for the Cavaliers left on the board. Kamara was offered by the Virginia staff years ago, and they've been working hard to try and secure a commitment from the "757" product. Many view Kamara as one of the nation's most underrated prospects, even with a top-100, 4-star rating. He is extremely physical and will be ready to play at the collegiate level from day one. UVa has had a commanding lead for Kamara for quite some time, and he is really close with Virginia commits Quin Blanding and Andrew Brown, as well as several players who have signed with the Hoos in the past. The Cavaliers will be really tough to beat for Kamara, but right now Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin seem to be providing the toughest competition for the 4-star wide-out. Right now, we'd be pretty surprised if Kamara doesn't end up signing with Virginia, even if it takes a while for him to pull the trigger.

Derrick Nnadi: Virginia had been in a really strong position for the Ocean Lakes defensive lineman for a long time, but now the Hoos seem to be fading a bit. Nnadi's interest in Virginia Tech has risen, and he's taking a second look at out of state options as well. For now, Virginia is is still listed amongst his top schools, and he seems like he's in no hurry to make a decision. The Cavalier staff are going to press Nnadi even harder in the coming months, and would love to add a player of his caliber to the class. The 4-star tackle was at Andrew Brown's announcement over the weekend, and Brown said that he will be working hard to try to get Nnadi to sign with UVa. Right now, we'd say Tech is the favorite for Nnadi, but UVa has a shot to turn things around and re-gain momentum.

Jeffrey Farrar: The California athlete has listed Virginia among his top schools for a long time, and is expected to visit this summer. Farrar has also expressed interest in visited Charlottesville for a game on an official visit this fall as well. Along with Virginia, UCLA, Utah, Cal and a few other west coast schools are in the mix for Farrar. Virginia likes Farrar as a defensive back, but he could play wide receiver at the next level as well. It doesn't seem like distance will be a major factor in Farrar's choice, and he seems interested in playing with some of the elite defensive talent the Hoos have landed in the 2014 class. Farrar floated the idea of playing in the secondary alongside Quin Blanding over the weekend, when Andrew Brown made the call for the Hoos. If UVa can get Farrar on Grounds this summer, expect them to push him for a commitment. Right now, UVa has a real shot to land Farrar.

Cameron Phillips: Phillips visited Charlottesville last week, and UVa is in pretty good shape in his recruitment. Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Rutgers and Wisconsin are also in play for the Dematha Catholic wide receiver. Phillips is hoping to visit a few more schools before making his decision, and right now, UVa is probably the front-runner. The only fear is that having gotten the first visit, that it might not be as fresh in his mind when he makes his choice. All the Cavalier staff can do is keep the lines of communication open and wait for Phillips to make the call.

Melvin Keihn: Keihn visited Virginia and Maryland recently, and it seems like the Hoos and Terps are at the top for the Baltimore native right now. A decision could come at any time, but the Gilman School linebacker could make another round of visits before deciding on a school. UVa has great ties to Keihn's school, with two alums, Darius Jennings and Micah Kiser, signing with the Cavaliers under Mike London. Right now, this one seems like it could go either way, and if Keihn's recruitment ends soon, either Maryland or Virginia will be the pick. Right now its really close, but UVa has to feel pretty good about their chances for the 4-star linebacker.

Kentavious Street: The 5-star defensive end from North Carolina was named by Andrew Brown as one of his top targets when recruiting fellow blue-chippers to Virginia. Street will join UVa commits Brown and Quin Blanding at The Opening in Oregon this week, and Brown will be in his ear about seriously considering the Cavaliers. The Virginia staff has recruited Street for a while, but hasn't gained any significant traction so far. But Brown and Street have a connection through the many camps they've both attended, and Brown thinks he has a real shot to get Street interested in the Hoos. (He also mentioned making a run at the nation's #1 prospect Da'Shawn Hand, but we don't see that going anywhere). Street is seriously interested in top-flight academics, and this could be a way for Virginia to get involved. Right now, most insiders think NC State, Florida State, Georgia and to a degree Virginia Tech, have the inside track for Street, but his recruitment has been fluid so far. The key for Virginia is hoping he stays uncommitted long enough to take a visit to Charlottesville, where Mike London and the staff can work their magic. If they can get to that stage, then UVa could become a legit threat to land Street. I wouldn't get too excited yet, but if Brown and Blanding could put Street in play for the Hoos, then Mike London and the staff will be looking to close the deal.