2005 Recruiting War Room #6: Offense

Six months until Signing Day 2005, and it looks like Virginia has completed most of its 2005 recruiting class. On the offensive side of the ball, the Cavaliers have already received commitments for the key positions of offensive line, wide receiver and tight end. Last week Virginia received a commitment from quarterback Jameel Sewell , giving Coach Groh and company their second quarterback commitment of the 2005 class. Sewell gives Virginia 10 commitments on offense, including two quarterbacks, three wide receivers, one tight end and four offensive linemen. This figure doesn’t count Aaron Clark , Alex Field and Jason Fuller . These players are jumbo athletes who could play on offense or defense. Clark and Fuller would likely be tight ends on offense, while Field could grow into an offensive tackle or play tight end.

Running back continues to be a key remaining need for the 2005 class. Virginia is involved with several blue-chip prospects such as Toney Baker , Shane Brooks , Elan Lewis , T.J. Pitts and Mikell Simpson . Victor “Macho” Harris is being recruited as an athlete, but he has the ability to play tailback on the next level as well. Though the Cavs are involved with these highly-rated backs, they have yet to land any running backs in the 2005 class. Landing at least one and possibly two of these targets must be a top priority for the staff. In addition, Virginia would more than likely take a commitment from Centreville offensive tackle prospect Pat Sheil as well as a wide receiver from the group of Josh Briscoe , Darrius Heyward-Bey , Todd Nolen and possibly Greg Orton . Nyan Boateng could be on this list, but he seems to be looking in a different direction right now. Virginia probably has the best chance with Briscoe and Nolen at this point. Derrick Williams is no doubt a top remaining target, but he would count towards the 2004 class since he wants to enroll in January of ’05.

With the exception of Sheil, another top receiver target and at least one running back, Virginia looks to be finished on the offensive side of the ball for the class of 2005.

Offensively, UVa has offered and is in serious contention for the following players…

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