With less than a month until Signing Day 2004, expect many commitments to start next week and decisions to continue
to roll in up until Signing Day. Virginia has received 13 verbal commitments to this point, with seven projecting on the
defensive side of the ball – DL Jon Kirchner , DL Chris Long , LB Devonta Brown , LB James Terry , CB Philip Brown , CB
Chris Gorham , and S Jamaal Jackson . Long may end up on offense as an offensive tackle or he may be a defensive end.

With that in mind, look for UVA to try to land around 7-9 more prospects on defense. If they can, I wouldn’t be
surprised to see UVA use up all 25 scholarships this year. The key remaining positions include linebacker and defensive
back. The linebacker position is key, especially considering most of the top remaining prospects reside in-state. They
include ILB Andrew Bowman and OLB’s Olu Hall , Jerod Mayo , and Clint Sintim . Virginia is in a very tight race for all
of these players with Virginia Tech, though Jerod Mayo will likely end up at UVA.

At defensive back, there is a great possibility Ahmad Bradshaw commits to Virginia. His favorite position is safety,
although he could play corner or even receiver as well. Trimaine Goddard and Leo Ferrine (though listed as an athlete)
are the top corners on the board. Virginia is looking solid at cornerback so far, with Philip Brown and Chris Gorham
already in the fold. Safety may be more of a key position for the Cavaliers, who probably hope to land two and at least
one of Nate Lyles , Tristan Davis , and Bud Davis.

Defensive line is very important as well, however it appears the Cavaliers will primarily focus on landing one or two
big-time talents. They are in the hunt for some very good ones, including Dwayne Hendricks , Brandon Fanney , and Mack
Frost. Look for DeMario Pressley to end up elsewhere.

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