COMMITMENT! C.J. Stalker

Four-star linebacker C.J. Stalker has a knack for making unannounced trips to grounds, and that is exactly what the Ohio native did earlier this week. Only this time, head coach, Mike London got the news he was waiting for, as the nation’s 11th ranked inside linebacker committed to the Wahoos on Wednesday afternoon.

Stalker selected UVa over offers from West Virginia, Louisville, and Kentucky among others. The Lakota West High School standout is the highest ranked member of Virginia’s class of 2015 to date.

The Cavaliers have been near or at the top of Stalker’s list since his first visit back in March. Stalker made it back to Charlottesville several times since, and many wondered if London and company could close the deal before the start of the 2014 season.

Mission accomplished.

The 6-2, 223 pound Stalker made the switch from outside to inside linebacker last season, and the move paid off, as the junior recorded 11 tackles including two for a loss in the first game at his new position.  Stalker finished the 2013 campaign as the team’s leading tackler by a wide margin, with 76.5 total, including 59 solo stops.

Stalker’s commitment is big in that the Wahoos are losing  starting middle linebacker,Henry Coley after this season. Redshirt freshman, Micah Kiser appears to be the heir apparent at the “mike” position, but there is not much depth beyond the Baltimore native.

UVa is in good position for two high profile instate linebackers, as the Wahoos were included in Ocean Lakes’ Jahovoni Simmons’ top 10, and are expected to make St. Christopher’s’ standout Ricky DeBerry’s top 8, which will likely be released next month.

More on this as well as London's one-day camp in the next edition of Recruiting Roundup, which will run tomorrow.

Here is the rest of UVa's 2015 class to date:

Juan Thornhill, DB-Altavista, Va

Ryan Bischoff, OL-Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

Nick Johns, QB-Washington D.C.

David Eldridge, WR-Nokesville, Va

Tanner Cowley, TE-Manasquan, Nj.

Grant Polk, OT-Punta Gorda, Fl.

RJ Proctor, OT, Bealeton, Va

James Trucilia, DT, Erie Pa.

Kareem Gibson, CB, Johnstown Pa.

David Curry, S, Buford Ga.

Richard Burney, TE, Chesapeake Va.