DE Carter Switches To UVa

Darrious Carter said he felt “pretty strong” about the University of Virginia following an official visit there last weekend. The Indiana (PA) senior defensive end also said there was a “high possibility” he would be committing to the Cavaliers. Earlier today, the 6’5″, 210-pound prospect followed through and is now a member of Virginia’s class of 2014.

Carter confirmed the commitment to TheSabre.com this evening.

Carter was a starter at wide receiver and defensive end his senior season. Virginia head coach Mike London, though, is recruiting the versatile athlete as a defensive end, the position where Carter earned Class AAA first-team all-state honors for his performance in 2013.

“It would actually be just like [Max Valles’] position, but I think I’d be more like an Eli Harold type of guy, a putting a hand on the ground type of guy,” Carter said of what role the Virginia coaches see him playing.

Temple was the first major FBS school to offer Carter a scholarship, coming through in August this year. The standout athlete accepted the in-state offer, but when Virginia’s coaches offered in November, he decided to take a closer look at the Cavaliers.

“My parents loved it,” Carter said, recalling the experience at UVa last weekend. He lived in Portsmouth, Virginia, through the 4th grade but had never been to UVa before last weekend. “It’s a very nice place. It’s very clean. It has everything you want. Everything is close. The students are real cool and nice. The players are real cool. They made me feel welcome. I chilled with them and other recruits. It was just real nice.”

Virginia’s class of 2014 commitment total now stands at 15. Carter is the second sure-fire defensive end recruit, joining Virginia Episcopal senior Michael Biesemier. Woodgrove (Purcellville, VA) senior Jordan Jackson may grow into a defensive end as well, though the staff liked him initially as an outside linebacker. Five-star prospect Andrew Brown could see some time at end but should primarily be a defensive end tackle.

Stay tuned to TheSabre.com for more from Carter on his pledge to the Hoos. In the meantime, EDGE subscribers can read the article I wrote on him on December 16 and all fans can check out his senior season highlights by clicking here.

TheSabre’s Take

In the 2014 season, Virginia’s projected scholarship depth chart at the defensive end position is as follows:

Seniors – Stephen Lawe
Juniors – Trent Corney, Eli Harold, Marco Jones, Mike Moore
R/S Freshmen – Jack English
2014 Class – Biesemier, Carter, Jackson?

Virginia could use immediate depth at the defensive end spot. Of this group, only Harold and Moore have seen significant action (I don’t expect Lawe to return next season). That is why I could see Brown, who again should primarily play defensive end, seeing some time at end. But Virginia is going to need others to step up, perhaps more players from the incoming freshmen class. Biesemier, Carter, and Jackson have potential, but are they ready for significant playing time in 2014? That’s a legitimate question in my opinion.

Carter is a prospect with legitimate size and athletic ability. He is every bit of 6’5″ (I saw him at the VHSL state championships last Saturday) and he is long. On film he shows quick feet, good speed, and good athletic ability. He also doesn’t mind being physical. Again I think he’s a good get for the Hoos, but whether or not he can be an immediate contributor is a question.