Amazing time at UVA today #HoosRising pic.twitter.com/MyKehbisMy
— Bry⚡️ (@Bspeas56) February 28, 2016
UVA offensive line coach Garett Tujague stopped by Dudley High School (Greensboro, N.C.) on Monday of this week to watch spring practice and take a closer look at 6’4”, 265-pound offensive lineman Bryson Speas, who received a scholarship offer from new Cavalier head coach Bronco Mendenhall on February 23. Speas toured Virginia’s Grounds just four days later and continues to have the Hoos high on his list.
“As of right now UVA is at the top of my list but there are also other schools that are recruiting as well,” Speas wrote in an interview over Twitter direct message. “There is no timetable for a decision yet. I am just enjoying the process. I will decide when everything feels right to me.”
Reflecting on his trip to Charlottesville, Speas wrote: “I think UVA is a great school. The atmosphere was amazing and there’s really a lot to enjoy about the school as a whole.”
The standout line prospect — a prospect who plays tackle in high school but could play on the interior in college — has a favorable view of Virginia’s head coach and has also developed a close relationship with offensive line coach Garett Tujague.
“My first conversation with coach Mendenhall was pretty cool. We contacted through FaceTime and that’s actually when he offered,” Speas recalled. “I think coach Mendenhall is a great person and has UVA on the right track to success. Coach Tujague is awesome. He has a great personality and we’ve really gotten closer over the last couple of months. We talk daily.”
Charlotte, East Carolina, Elon, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Navy, North Carolina Central, Old Dominion and Towson are the other schools that have offered, while Maryland, North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest have expressed interest. The Demon Deacons were represented at Dudley last Thursday to further evaluate Speas.
In addition to Virginia, Speas has visited UNC-Charlotte, North Carolina and Wake Forest.
Speas has played on Dudley’s varsity football squad each of the past three seasons. After playing much of his freshman season on the JV, he was moved up to the varsity for the playoffs. He started at offensive tackle on the varsity level his sophomore and junior seasons.
Speas believes his fourth and final season at Dudley could be a special one.
“The team is looking great. We’re looking forward to having one of the state’s top offenses and defenses this year! The spring is going great,” Speas said.
A college choice still has to be made, but Speas is excited about his final season of high school and to have the opportunity to play major college football.
“Football has been a huge part of my life since I was a little kid. Although I did not start playing organized football until the 7th grade, I’ve always been around the game in some form or fashion,” Speas said. “Playing major college football has always been a major goal. I believe when everyone starts something they want to see how far they can run with it, and that’s what I plan to do with football.”
