Reports: Virginia football gains commitment from Jamari Peacock, running back from Florida

According to Rivals’ Justin Ferber, UVA’s class of 2017 football recruits may have become one stronger on Saturday, with Yulee, FL running back Jamari Peacock possibly committing to the Cavaliers.

Twitter activity from the coaches and recruiting accounts sure look like Ferber’s tweet was on the money.

Peacock is a 6’1, 220 pound running back who would likely fit in the “big back” role we're expecting to see in Anae’s offense. He’s rated three stars by Rivals, 247, and ESPN. Rivals ranks him as the 4th best fullback in the country, but the other services all rate him as a traditional running back.

The list of schools UVA has reportedly beat out for Peacock’s commitment is the best evidence of why Hoos should be excited about the new addition: Florida, Florida State, Louisville, Miami, Mississippi State, Nebraska, and Stanford had all extended offers.

Peacock is built like a bulldozer but moves with deceptive speed. He may not have the pure open-field breakaway burners of other backs, but linebackers (and, in some cases, defensive lineman) fly off of him when he makes contact. His stocky frame and churning legs make him a threat to pop out of a pile-up. Most of his big plays involve Peacock getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage but either breaking tackles or carrying defenders a solid ten-plus yards.

Best-case scenario: Peacock’s time in Charlottesville has all the high points of Keith Payne’s 2010 season, without the four years of turmoil that preceded it. He’ll make a good complement to the shiftier, speed-back style of fellow 2017 commit Lamont Atkins.