First Year Profile: Tyrell Chavis Looks to Contribute Early

After committing to Virginia back in the summer of 2011, Tyrell Chavis is finally on Grounds. Chavis, a defensive tackle from Richmond's Varina High, originally signed with the Cavaliers in the 2012 class, before spending a year prepping at Fork Union Military Academy. Tyrell was one of three Fork Union players to sign with Virginia in February, joining defensive end Max Valles and safety Malcolm Cook. Before that, Chavis was a high school teammate of current Hoos Maurice Canady and Tim Harris at Varina.

As with most players that spend a year at Fork Union, Chavis comes to Charlottesville much more field-ready than he would have been a year earlier. FUMA coach John Shuman heaped praise on UVa's new #95, calling him one of the most talented defensive tackles he'd ever coached. That's high praise from the head coach of one of the nation's most prolific prep programs. At 6'4" 285 lbs, Chavis is a mountain of a man. The great programs around the country are able to rotate defensive linemen in and out frequently throughout games to keep them fresh, and that's exactly what new defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta would like the Hoos to be able to do this year. Chavis and fellow freshman Donta Wilkins can come in games and stuff the run, as well as occupy blockers and free lanes for blitzing linebackers and pass rushers off the edge.

Tyrell Chavis has a ton of potential, and he will be one of a few freshman that we will see play significant minutes in their first year. If Chavis is able to pickup the little nuances of the position and combine it with his raw power and athelticism, then the Virignia staff will be thrilled that they were able to land early in his recruitment, and keep him on board after a down year in 2012.