Florida LB Gallon Chooses Hoos

By: Chris Horne |

The University of Virginia football program has received a verbal commitment from Eric Gallon, a 6’3″, 210-pound senior outside linebacker out of Lakeland Christian (Lakeland, FL). Gallon, who according to his coach was also considering Cincinnati and Middle Tennessee State in the final weeks before National Signing Day, revealed his decision via Twitter.

Gallon arrived in Charlottesville yesterday and will return home tomorrow. TheSabre.com will have comments from the standout prospect once he returns home. Lakeland Christian head coach Wayne Peace told TheSabre that Gallon was anxious to visit UVa, which came through with a scholarship offer one week ago.

“I know for a fact that when UVa offered he was really excited,” Peace said in an EDGE update posted this week. “He’s very excited about the trip. His whole family is driving up so they can see the school with him.”

After spending three years at George Jenkins High School, where he started on the varsity football squad for three seasons, Gallon transferred to Lakeland Christian for his senior year. He impressed his coach and helped his team to an 11-2 overall record and an appearance in the 3A state semifinals.

“We were really blessed to make the final four. I saw him step up big for us during the hard part of our schedule, toward the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. He matured and became a leader for us. His physical play is just amazing. Against the best competition, he rose up and played his best,” Peace said.

“The kid can really move. He can play the weak or the strong side. He can cover guys. He’s long and rangy. He is 6’2” or 6’3” with long arms. He’s 210 pounds, but he’s a kid who will be able to easily get to 235 or 240 when he gets to college. His flexibility on defense is amazing. He can do a lot of things.”

Virginia now has 19 commitments in the class of 2015. Gallon helps address the outside linebacker/rush end position, which became a real need with the departure of Max Valles to the NFL Draft and several class of 2015 recruiting defections, including Rasool Clemons (academics), Kareem McDonald (academics) and defensive end Brandon Wilson (flipped to Indiana). There are several other OLB/DE type prospects on Grounds this weekend, so stay tuned for updates on those players as soon as possible.