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Welcome to another edition of Recruiting Roundup! Today, we will update you on the class of 2015, including a prospect that is now back on the market.
Let’s go!
Visit Looming:
We told you back in October that four-star linebacker C.J. Stalker was thinking about enrolling at UVa early, and that looks to be the case baring anything unforeseen. Stalker will take his official visit to grounds this weekend, and will likely fill it out the necessary paperwork to enroll at UVa in January. Once Stalker signs his grant-in-aid, the Ohio native will be all but official, and head coach Mike London will be able to comment on him publicly. Having Stalker in Charlottesville this spring will be huge, given that Virginia is replacing two of its starting linebackers along with another backup. Stalker will be the second member of the 2015 class to enroll early, along with three-star offensive lineman Grant Polk.
100 Percent Wahoo:
One of the most intriguing/nerve-wracking storylines of this recruiting cycle if you’re a UVa fan has been the status of four-star defensive end Rasool Clemons. Clemons excited Wahoo Nation back in August by committing to the Orange and Blue, but during the season, questions about his future began to linger. In addition, the 6-5, 202 pound defender raised several eyebrows by taking an official visit to LSU for the Tigers’ clash with Alabama last month. Nevertheless, Cavalier fans can put their fears to rest for the time being at least. Over the weekend, Clemons tweeted out that he was 100 percent committed to UVa. Obviously, a lot can change between now and signing day, but Clemons’ enthusiasm for the Wahoos at this stage is a great sign.
Back on the Market:
Minutes prior to Clemons’ UVa tweet, former Cavalier target Freddie Simmons announced on the web that he would decommit from Rutgers. Seemingly out of nowhere, Simmons committed to the Scarlet Knights back in October, but in similar fashion, the three-star wideout decided to reopen his options. If you recall, Simmons was all set to make his college decision in early August, but decided to pull back on the reigns in the 11th hour. So where does UVa stand? The Cavaliers were once considered to be his favorite school, and it is likely that Virginia will get back in the mix. With the way this recruitment has unfolded over the past four months, we’re going to take a “wait-and-see” approach. Simmons will likely announce several official visit destinations in the coming weeks.
Playoffs? You Wanna Talk About Playoffs?
The VHSL postseason is winding down, and three UVa commits are in the running for state titles. Safety commit Juan Thornhill and Altavista beat previously undefeated Parry McCluer this past weekend, and will lock horns with Honaker on Saturday. In 4A, R.J. Proctor and Liberty upset Jefferson Forest on the road last Saturday, and will hit the road to take on Lake Taylor this weekend. Last but certainly not least, four-star linebacker commit Javhoni Simmons is looking to lead Ocean Lakes to a 6A state title. Simmons and the Dolphins will tangle with fellow 757 powerhouse Oscar Smith on Friday night in what should be an absolutely ridiculous atmosphere.
Offer Extended:
Switching gears to 2016, UVa became the latest school to offer four-star Hermitage defensive tackle Sulaiman Kamara. Kamara holds offers from Charlotte, Duke, JMU, Marshall, North Carolina, ODU, and Wake Forest in addition to the Wahoos. Based on what Virginia will lose on the D-line following the 2015 season, defensive tackle is a big-time need, and Kamara is one of the best in the state. More on this recruitment as it develops.
Programing Note:
The Blue Ridge School will be the place to be next Thursday night, as Mamadi Diakite will lead the Barons against Sacha Killeya-Jones and VES. With two guards already in the fold for the class of 2016, the Wahoos will now turn their attention the frontcourt. Diakite and Killeya-Jones are arguably the top two options on the board, and the elite juniors will do battle just one county over from grounds. Head coach Tony Bennett was in Baron Country last night along with assistants Jason Willaford and Ron Sanchez. It is safe to say that plenty of college coaches will be in the house next Thursday night.
That will do it for this edition of Recruiting Roundup. Have a great week everybody!