Over the course of the last week and a half, the University received verbal commitments from five high school football recruits stating their intention to attend the University. Together the five make up the first wave of commitments for the recruiting class of 2006 -- creating a strong base to build upon between now and signing day in early February when the players will officially join the Virginia family.
For high school football recruits, committing early has been an increasingly popular move -- a trend that has benefitted Virginia. To increase the program's visibility with recruits, the coaching staff hosts "blue chip days" each June -- inviting 10-15 recruits to see the team's facilities, meet with the coaches and tour Grounds. The investment began paying dividends last summer when five-star offensive lineman Eugene Monroe committed with the Cavaliers following his visit during "blue chip days." Following this year's event, held June 11 and 12, Virginia received verbal commitments from three of the visiting players.
Among the five newest Cavaliers: three prized linebackers, a massive nose tackle and a tight end created from the same mold as Heath Miller. Continuing a Northern trend set by recent classes, three of the five hail from New Jersey and New York while a fourth calls Pennsylvania home.
The fifth commitment -- and the one creating the biggest buzz -- lives only an hour's drive from the university, in Orange, Va.But it's not Asa Chapman's close location that's causing all the commotion. Rather it's the prospect of Chapman's 6-foot-5-inch 340-pound frame one day anchoring the nose tackle position on Virginia's defensive line. And should you choose to believe his Orange County high school football coach John Kayajanian, Chapman isn't done growing yet.
"I think he'll only get bigger and stronger," Kayajania said. "Asa's a big young man who can run fast. He has great potential as far as a run stopper and a pass rusher."
Joining Chapman on the defensive side are three linebackers, Almondo Sewell, Mark Herzlich and John-Kevin Dolce.Adjusting to Al Groh's 3-4 defensive scheme shouldn't be a problem for the 6-foot-2-inch Sewell as his Trenton Central (Trenton, N.J.) team employs the same system. Herzlich, who along with Sewell is primarily used at the inside linebacker position, recorded 145 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions last season for Conestoga High School in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Of the three, only Dolce played outside linebacker during his high school career.
The lone offensive commit to date is Joe Torchia, a 6-foot-5-inch tight end from Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, New Jersey. One of the most highly ranked ends in the class of 2006, Torchia caught 20 passes for 494 yards and six touchdowns during his junior season. While he has exceptional hands for a tight end, coach Andrew Cerco labels blocking as his best attribute.
"He blocks better than he catches and I've never seen anyone catch better than him," Cerco said. "He has nothing but upside in his future. Virginia is getting themselves a great recruit."
While the recruiting period for the class of 2006 is just underway, Virginia added another member to their class of 2005 last week when junior college transfer punter Ryan Weigand committed to the Cavaliers. Weigand averaged 40.3 yards on 55 punts last season for Pasadena City College (Pasadena, Calif.) and will look to bring more consistency to the Virginia punting game.
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