Streaking The Lawn - National Signing Day 2015: Virginia football signeesUVa sports uncovered... from the Rotunda to Homer and backhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52586/stl_fav.png2015-02-04T13:17:30-05:00http://www.streakingthelawn.com/rss/stream/77414042015-02-04T13:17:30-05:002015-02-04T13:17:30-05:00Myles Robinson: WR/DB, Olney, Md
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Myles Robinson is a quality WR recruit who profiles as a slot WR.</p> <p><b>Profile</b>: Myles Robinson</p>
<p><b>High School:</b> Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)</p>
<p><b>Height/weight</b>: 5-11, 174</p>
<p><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 3*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
<p><b>Additional offers</b>: Michigan State, Ohio St, West Virginia</p>
<p><b>The Skinny</b>:</p>
<p>Myles Robinson is another athlete signing with the Hoos today. He's either a WR or a DB. The Hoos, it seems, are expecting him to begin at WR. This is probably the correct call, as he seems to profile better there. Good Counsel has been a hotbed for the Hoos in recent years, as Robinson will be the 5th Good Counsel player on the roster, joining Kirk Garner, Andre Levrone, Brendan Marshall and Vincent Croce<b>. </b></p>
<p>Robinson is on the small side, although 5'11" isn't too bad for a WR. His frame is slight, and while he's quick, he isn't game-breakingly fast. He's a bit like a Dominique Terrell, although he's more advanced as a WR (Terrell, you may recall, played QB in HS).</p>
<p>The above video is Robinson's junior year highlights, courtesy of Hudl.</p>
<p>Robinson has pretty good route running skills already. Again, he isn't a burner, but he has a lot of lateral quickness and he uses it to make the subtle moves that help a WR get open. He also has good hands and does a good job of getting the ball at its highest point. And he seems to get the ball out away from his body (as WRs are taught).</p>
<p>He's probably, like Terrell, better suited to the slot. His ability to get open would play well there, and the Hoos could work to get him the ball in space, where his quickness will be a big advantage.</p>
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<p>The Hoos have a lot of depth at WR, so there isn't a need for Robinson to play right away. This is good, because he needs to bulk up a bit.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2015/2/4/7977997/virginia-football-recruiting-myles-robinson-signs-with-uvaPaul Guttman2015-02-04T12:47:38-05:002015-02-04T12:47:38-05:00Kareem Gibson, CB, Johnstown, Pa
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kareem Gibson is a CB with good instincts who needs to bulk up and hopefully get faster.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Profile</b>: Kareem Gibson</p>
<p><b>High School:</b> Greater Johnstown (Johnston, Pa.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Height/weight</b>: 5-11, 161</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 2*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Additional offers</b>: Akron, Pitt, Temple, Toledo</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The skinny:</b></p>
<p>The Hoos are set to lose 3 of their top CBs (Nicholson, Canady and Divante Walker) in the next 2 seasons, leaving the door open for some new talent to come in. There are a few youngsters with promise (Kirk Garner, Darious Latimore), but not a lot of depth remaining there.</p>
<p>This is where Kareem Gibson fits in. He could play WR or DB in college, but with significantly more depth at WR, he'll start out at CB. He's a small CB, at just 5'11" and 160 pounds, so he'll need a redshirt to add bulk. He will also work on adding quickness, because he doesn't have great top-end speed.</p>
<p>The above video is an overall highlight video of Gibson, and is provided courtesy of Hudl.</p>
<p>Where Gibson does excel is in reading a play or a WR. He's very good in zone coverage, when he can see the play developing. He makes good reads and then doesn't hesitate to make a play when it is there. But he's also capable in man coverage, especially if he has over the top help. He's not the most physical of CBs, but he plays a lot bigger than his size would predict.</p>
<p>As a WR, Gibson would project as a slot guy. He is quick in and out of his cuts and has very good hands. He would need a fair amount of work on route running, but once the ball is in his hands, he is very dangerous.</p>
<p>The Hoos' needs at CB are greater than at WR, and Gibson projects as a better CB than a WR. With two senior CBs on the roster, there is no reason for Gibson to see the field. He'll build up his upper body strength while redshirting and then probably spend another season or two on special teams before being ready for action at CB.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/virginia-football-recruiting/2015/2/4/7977317/virginia-football-recruiting-kareem-gibsonPaul Guttman2015-02-04T11:35:48-05:002015-02-04T11:35:48-05:00Gladimir Paul signs with UVA
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<figcaption>Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Profile</b>: Gladimir Paul</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>High School:</b> Northeast (Philadelphia, Pa)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Height/weight</b>: 6-2, 205</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 2*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Additional offers</b>: UCONN, Temple</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The skinny:</b></p>
<p>Aside from a name that sounds like it belongs in The Lord of the Rings, Paul brings a good pass rush skillset to Virginia. Though he played DE in HS, he's more likely an OLB in Jon Tenuta's defense. He's a pure pass rusher, with good speed and enough strength to deliver a good pop on an OT.</p>
<p>Paul's problem right now is that he's simply too small to play the role. Listed at 6'2" and just 205 pounds, Paul is very lean. He's wiry and strong, so adding 30-40 pounds shouldn't be too much trouble. Once he gets his weight up, assuming he is able to keep his quickness, he'll be ready to perform out on the field. He could be a Max Valles type (not as athletic as Valles), with quickness to rush off the edge, but enough strength to also hold at the point of attack.</p>
<p>If he does put on the weight successfully, it is possible he could move back to DE. For one thing, the Hoos have a dearth of DEs on the roster right now, and Paul has experience at the position. He'll never be a big DE, but size isn't as valuable in Tenuta's defense anyway.</p>
<p>The above video is Paul's senior year highlights. Here are some junior year highlights.</p>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2969900/highlights/69502380"></iframe></div>
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<p>What you see is an attacking lineman. On almost every play in the video, he is moving into the backfield at the snap. There isn't a lot of finesse to his game, he's just going at the QB. The problem, again, is that he simply isn't big enough to play that role right now. Paul will require a redshirt year, and perhaps another year or two after that before he's ready to step onto the field.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/virginia-football-recruiting/2015/2/4/7977347/virginia-football-recruiting-gladimir-paulPaul Guttman2015-02-04T11:12:34-05:002015-02-04T11:12:34-05:00Dominic Sheppard: LB, Miami
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<figcaption>Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The former Wisconsin commit has great potential at MLB. He's big, he's strong and he's fast.</p> <p><b>Profile</b>: Dominic Sheppard</p>
<p><b>High School:</b> Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fl.)</p>
<p><b>Height/weight</b>: 6-2, 226</p>
<p><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 3*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
<p><b>Additional offers</b>: Alabama, Clemson, Duke, Miami, Ohio St, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin (and a lot more)</p>
<p><b>The Skinny</b>:</p>
<p>Sheppard is a bit raw as a MLB prospect, but he's got all the tools. He's got good size, and he covers a lot of ground. He's not the fastest of LB prospects, but he is fast enough. He's also very strong. Sheppard had committed to Wisconsin, but decommitted when they changed coaches. He announced his decision to attend Virginia just this morning.</p>
<p>The above video is his senior year highlights, courtesy of Hudl. When he's attacking, he's tremendous. He hits hard. He makes plays all over the field.</p>
<p>Sheppard hits hard. He doesn't always wrap up, which is something he'll have to learn in college, or he'll miss too many tackles.</p>
<p>Sheppard could also potentially end up on the outside. His quickness and strength could make him a very good pass rusher. As it is, he's shown an ability to get into the backfield and make plays from the middle. His athleticism may be too much to keep off the field if there is an MLB ahead of him.</p>
<p>He's likely not even going to be a man coverage guy, but he's ok in zones.</p>
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<p>Shephard's biggest weakness is his hesitancy. He'll make a read, but he doesn't always trust himself. So he's a half-step behind the play. He'll need to spend time in the film room as he learns to trust his instincts.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2015/2/4/7977291/virginia-football-recruiting-dominic-shephardPaul Guttman2015-02-04T11:10:55-05:002015-02-04T11:10:55-05:00David Eldridge: Wide receiver, Nokesville Va
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<figcaption>Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Eldridge brings a nice burst of speed to the receiver position </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Profile</b>: David Eldridge</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>High School:</b> Kettle Run (Nokesville Va.)</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Height/weight</b>: 6-0, 165</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 3*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Additional offers</b>: Boston College, Charlotte, Connecticut, East Carolina, Illinois, Liberty, Old Dominion, Wake Forest.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The skinny:</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Kettle Run has not produced many top football prospects in the school’s brief history, but David Eldridge III helped put the program on the map over the past two seasons. Eldridge was a nice pickup last spring for the Wahoos, and will be a great addition to the football family.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Eldridge is a "4.4" 40 guy, and will undoubtedly turn heads with his top speed whenever he takes the field. The Kettle Run standout is indeed a speedy wideout, and has the hands to back it up. Elbridge worked hard this past season to improve his route running ability, and it will be fun to see him grow into the UVa offensive system.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Depth is not an issue at the wide receiver position, and with T.J. Thorpe joining the program in January, the Cavs are well stocked on the edge. Look for Eldridge to redshirt this fall.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Eldridge is a childhood friend of fellow 2015 signee R.J. Proctor.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/virginia-football-recruiting/2015/2/4/7977297/virginia-football-recruiting-wide-receiver-david-eldridge-iii-signsDrew Goodman892015-02-04T10:42:17-05:002015-02-04T10:42:17-05:00Steven Wright, DE, Waycross, Ga
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<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Steven Wright is a DE prospect with a big frame. He's more Jake Snyder than Eli Harold.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Profile</b>: Steven Wright</p>
<p><b>High School:</b> Ware County (Waycross, Ga.)</p>
<p><b>Height/weight</b>: 6-4, 234</p>
<p><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 3*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
<p><b>Additional offers</b>: Nebraska, UNC, Tennesse, Marshall</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The skinny:</b></p>
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<p>A number of the DE recruits the Hoos have had over the past few years have been moved to OLB as soon as they set foot on grounds (Cory Jones, Chris Peace and most notably, Max Valles). This is because Jon Tenuta's defense requires OLBs who can rush the passer. They must be quick, and generally are a bit undersized for DEs anyway.</p>
<p>Steven Wright is not one of these guys. Wright is a DE through and through. He comes in at 6'4" and 234 pounds, with a good frame to add more muscle. He's also likely not fast enough to play OLB. He has good quickness in short spaces, but doesn't run well enough to really play off the line.</p>
<p>The above video is Steven's senior year highlights. Here are some highlighs from his junior year.</p>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/752040/highlights/123474375"></iframe></div>
<p>Wright's HS team seems to play a variety of fronts. Some are 3-4 fronts, some of 4-3 fronts. He plays both inside and outside. His initial quickness off the snap is outstanding, as he regularly beats the OL through the gap. His raw athleticism is high and is very easy to see on video. What he doesn't really display, at least in the videos, is much of a pass-rush arsenal. It seems that he's too big and too quick for most of the guys trying to block him. This will, obviously, not be the case in college. So Wright will need to develop his skills before being ready to play.</p>
<p>With the departure of Eli Harold, the Hoos are thin at DE. But not so thin that Wright shouldn't redshirt. He can use that time to build up more muscle, work on getting faster and learn some pass rush techniques.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2015/2/4/7977047/virginia-football-recruiting-steven-wright-signs-with-uvaPaul Guttman2015-02-04T10:19:42-05:002015-02-04T10:19:42-05:00Nick Johns: Quarterback, Washington D.C.
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The three-star signal-caller is a terrific fit under center for the Wahoos. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Profile</b>: Nick Johns</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>High School:</b> Gonzaga (Washington D.C.)</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Height/weight</b>: 6-3, 226</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 3*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Additional offers</b>: NC State, Maryland.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The skinny:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Johns was the second offensive recruit to commit to the Cavaliers for the class of 2015 and the first skill-player. He made his decision back in May 2014, and never waivered despite ongoing interest from other FBS programs. The three-star signal-caller would have certainly earned more offers had he gone further into the recruiting process, but Johns knew exactly where he wanted to be early on.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Johns is a big quarterback with an even bigger arm. The Washington D.C. native is ranked the 19<sup>th</sup> best pocket-passing quarterback in the entire country by Rivals.com.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">This past season, Johns completed 101 of 150 passes for 1,336 yards and 12 touchdowns, while helping lead Gonzaga to a Washington D.C. city title. Johns did the bulk of his work this fall without two of the team’s top receivers, making the final total even more impressive.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">With Grayson Lambert and Matt Johns battling it out for the starting job, and Whitey Marshall and Corwin Cutler waiting in the wings, expect the talented rookie to redshirt this coming fall.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">And to answer everybody’s question, he is not related to Matt Johns.</p>
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https://www.streakingthelawn.com/virginia-football-recruiting/2015/2/4/7976213/virginia-football-recruiting-nick-johns-signs-with-virginiaDrew Goodman892015-02-04T10:13:24-05:002015-02-04T10:13:24-05:00T.J. Griffin, ATH, Virginia Beach, Va
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Not many 2-star athletes from Virginia get offers from Oregon. T.J. Griffin may be rated 2-stars, but he can play. He's fast, he's quick and he's just a football player.</p> <p><b>Profile</b>: T.J. Griffin</p>
<p><b>High School:</b> Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Va.)</p>
<p><b>Height/weight</b>: 5-9, 167</p>
<p><b>Ranking</b>: Rivals 2*, ESPN 3*, 247 2*</p>
<p><b>Additional offers</b>: Wisconsin, Duke, Oregon, Wake Forest, West Virginia</p>
<p><b>The skinny:</b></p>
<p>For a 2 star prospect, Griffin's offer list is quite impressive. Oregon doesn't offer too many CBs who can't run. Griffin is actually listed as an Athlete, and could play CB or RB or even WR. The Hoos are bringing him in as a CB, though he will likely also get a chance to return kicks.</p>
<p>Griffin was a Wisconsin commit until the coaching change there. He joins his high school teammate Jahvoni Simmons as Ocean Lakes recruits.</p>
<p>Griffin is small. And that may be an understatement. For a football player, he is tiny. This is why many people see him on offense. He simply may not be big enough to cover bigger players, or to tackle them. The thing is, he plays a lot bigger than he is, and he's strong.</p>
<p>The video above is Griffin's senior year highlight film, via Hudl. There's a lot of clips of him running with the ball and making big plays. The plays where he's on defense, he shows a great ability to break on the ball. And he hits a lot harder than you'd expect.</p>
<p>Defensively, he's a cover CB. His lack of size makes it hard for him to get a good jam at the line, but he is so athletic that he can stick with a WR downfield. And he has a knack for making plays on the ball.</p>
<p>On offense, he's very quick and makes people miss. He has good hands as well. His route running needs work, which is part of why he's seen as a RB more than a WR. He's a bit of a TaQuan Mizzell type RB.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2015/2/4/7977157/t-j-griffin-signs-with-uvaPaul Guttman