Days before an official visit to the University of Virginia this past weekend, Denbigh (Newport News, VA) senior Christopher Peace stated he would not make a commitment to the Cavaliers even if head coach Mike London extended a scholarship offer. So what changed the mind of one of UVa football’s newest verbal commitments?
“Everything felt right, from the education when I was learning about that to the football to the players and coaches. Everything felt good and right,” said Peace, who of course received a full scholarship offer from the Hoos over the weekend.
On Sunday morning, before he began his trip home, Peace met with London.
“Coach London asked if I had some good news for him. I told him I wanted to be a Cavalier,” Peace recalled.
Primarily an offensive player the first three years of high school football, Peace broke out as a senior, racking up 17 sacks from the defensive end position. He felt the transition to defense was a natural one, and in particular he enjoyed making plays in the offensive backfield.
“I love getting after the quarterback,” Peace said.
Virginia is recruiting Peace as an outside linebacker, a position the Denbigh standout feels “translates well” to his abilities.
“My speed is good. I’ll have to learn to move my hips better, but I think it fits me real well.”
Virginia’s pursuit of the Newport News native has been spearheaded by primary recruiter Marques Hagans, who along with London impressed Peace prior to the official visit.
“Coach London, he’s a great guy. I really enjoyed talking to him. Coach Hagans is also real inspirational. He is pushing me to the next level with the things he has been saying,” Peace said.
Peace was impressed by Virginia’s other coaches as well this past weekend.
“[Virginia’s other coaches have] got a lot of experience, so they know what they are talking about,” he said.
This weekend’s official was Peace’s first ever experience at the University of Virginia. He was accompanied by his grandfather, who approved of his grandson’s choice.
“He’s proud of me,” Peace said, referring to his grandfather. “He loved the school too. He just said it’s my decision. If I feel right, do what I want to do.”
Peace also considered scholarship offers from Albany, The Citadel, Hampton and Norfolk State. Connecticut, East Carolina and Old Dominion expressed strong interest as well before he accepted the offer from the Hoos.
Virginia currently has 17 verbal commitments in the class of 2014. Two recruits – Andrew Brown and Jacob Fieler – have enrolled already while the others are expected to sign letters of intent on February 5, which is National Signing Day for the class of 2014.
