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Gary Wunderlich (Photo courtesy of KohlsKicking.com) |
Memphis University School (Memphis, TN) place-kicker Gary Wunderlich has made his decision, and the news is positive for the University of Virginia. The 6’0″, 180-pound rising senior verbally committed to Mike London and company Tuesday evening, choosing the Hoos over an offer from Texas A&M.
“Officially committed to the University of Virginia #gohoos” – Wunderlich tweeted Tuesday night.
Wunderlich was well acquainted with UVa when Coach London extended an offer this past February. His parents and grandfathers are Virginia graduates, and he grew up a fan of the Cavaliers. Wunderlich’s most recent trip to Charlottesville took place in late March, and that visit made a big impact on the Memphis native.
“I thought the visit, it couldn’t go any better,” Wunderlich said in a previous interview with TheSabre. “All the coaches at Virginia are great. The facilities are nice. It’s a great academic school. I met some of the guys committed there in the class, and I like them. I just felt comfortable there.”
Before making his college choice, Wunderlich wanted to explore Texas A&M, which he was able to do this past Friday. He left impressed, but UVa was still his favorite.
“I’d say Virginia is probably still in the lead, but Texas A&M, it impressed me,” Wunderlich told TheSabre.com this past Sunday.
Wunderlich will be the first kicking specialist Virginia has signed in the London era. He’s certainly highly regarded, rated the number one place-kicker in the class of 2014 according to prominent kicking organizations Chris Sailer and Kohl’s Kicking. Kohl’s also ranks Wunderlich as the top punter in the class.
Wunderlich made 7-of-11 field goals his sophomore season, including a long of 48 yards. He handled the kick-off, field goal, and punting duties as a junior, connecting on 8-of-16 field goals including 6-of-7 inside of 40 yards last year. Showing nerve in a crucial situation, Wunderlich booted a 38-yard field goal to give his team a 1-point win in the 2012 state semifinals.
Virginia now has four commitments in the class of 2014. Stay tuned to the EDGE for more on this latest pledge in the coming days.
