This weekend will be a big one for the University of Virginia’s 2008 football recruiting class. Gateway (Monroeville, PA) seniors Shayne Hale and Cameron Saddler , two of UVa’s top remaining targets in this class, headline the list of prospects expected in Charlottesville tomorrow. Both will be making official visits, the first of their respective recruitments.

Hale, a 6-3, 220-pound linebacker, is rated a 5-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com. His four favorites include Michigan, Ohio State, Virginia and West Virginia. He plans to make official visits to all four programs – Michigan (11/17) and West Virginia (12/01) have also been scheduled – and should be able to come to a decision after those trips are complete, although he has not ruled out checking into other schools if he cannot decide from these four.

Ohio State and West Virginia have each, at one point or another, been rumored or reported to be a favorite here (In the EDGE report earlier this week, Hale denied having a favorite). Virginia is certainly in the mix, as Hale very much enjoyed his first visit to Charlottesville this past February. There is no doubt that the Cavaliers will have to make a big impression this weekend, but the opportunity is there. It would also help Virginia’s cause if it can land Hale’s cousin, Cameron Saddler .

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