Virginia first expressed serious interest in linebacker C.J. Stalker in the spring of 2013, when defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta stopped by Lakota West High School (West Chester, OH).  Coach Tenuta has maintained contact with the class of 2015 linebacker, who learned this past winter that he had a firm scholarship offer from the Hoos.

“We’ve built a great relationship,” Stalker said, referring to Tenuta.. “He said he really liked me.  Last fall we spoke a little bit, but I was kind of left on the edge in terms of if I had a real offer or not.  When the Dead Period came [in December of 2013 through mid-January of 2014], I talked to him and he did say I had an offer.”

This offseason, Stalker has made it a point to visit all of the schools that have offered.  This included a March trip to UVa, his first time ever on Grounds.

“I really didn’t know much heading into it,” Stalker said.  “Going down there, there is so much history I think so many overlook.  It’s interesting seeing everything the school has to offer.  It’s Thomas Jefferson’s university.  Everything was really interesting to me.”

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