Today was a good day for the University of Virginia football staff, as they landed two top in-state linebacker recruits in Gloucester standout Aaron Taliaferro and Culpeper star Terence Fells-Danzer . Both of these prospects were high on the board at the linebacker position.
Both players attended UVa’s camp last summer.
Aaron Taliaferro , a 6-2, 218-pound linebacker, announced his decision today at a press conference in GHS’s main office. As a junior last season, Taliaferro made 19 quarterbacks sacks and had four fumble recoveries. He plays defensive end for head coach Tommy Reamon but is being recruited as a linebacker by UVa. Defensive coordinator Mike London was the primary recruiter here.
“He has that [former UVa star Darryl] Blackstock flavor to him,” Reamon said of Taliaferro. “He’s quick, he’s aggressive and he’s one of the best defensive players I’ve coached. He has great feet and he has a great knack for getting people off of him. He has excellent explosion.”
Stay tuned for more from Taliaferro’s press conference, including quotes and pictures.
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While Taliaferro had favored UVa ever since last summer and his announcement was expected for a few days, Fells-Danzer’s commitment came as a very pleasant surprise. The 6-2, 230-pound prospect is a speedy, versatile player who has played quarterback, running back, fullback, defensive end, linebacker and safety for head coach Greg Martz.
Fells-Danzer only had 50 tackles and three sacks last season, but played much of the year with an ankle injury. When 100% healthy, he is one of the more talented and athletic players in the state of Virginia.
Fells-Danzer chose UVa over an offer from Virginia Tech. He originally planned to make a commitment shortly before his senior season, which is why his commitment today came as a bit of a surprise…but, again, a pleasant one for the staff.
Be sure to check out video on Terence Fells-Danzer in his recruiting card.
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Including Monday’s commitment from Henry Clay (Lexington, KY) 6-0, 185-pound wide receiver recruit Chase Minnifield , UVa now has nine verbal commitments in the fold for the 2007 recruiting class. Six of the nine are from the state of Virginia.
The commitments of Fells-Danzer and Taliaferro gives UVa four potential linebacker prospects. Woodside’s Jared Detrick and Fells-Danzer are being recruited as inside linebackers. Taliaferro is being recruited to play on the outside. Christchurch star J’Courtney Williams , is being recruited as a safety but has the size and potential to play linebacker as well. Look for UVa to try and add one more linebacker to this year’s class, but this group certainly is very good in itself.
One of the top targets on board, Nathan Stupar , is expected to announce his decision tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. Stay tuned for his decision.
