Texas QB Commits to Virginia

Click here to view the recruiting card of Riko Smalls

In light of recent developments with red-shirt sophomore starting quarterback Jameel Sewell , it was no secret that the University of Virginia football staff was looking to add a quarterback to the 2008 class. The staff accomplished its goal earlier today, landing a commitment from Riko Smalls , a 6-0, 190-pound signal caller out of Plano East High School in Plano, Texas.

He had scholarship offers from several other Division 1A programs, but Smalls ultimately chose Virginia over ACC-rival Wake Forest. He made an official visit to Wake Forest last weekend and is scheduled to visit Virginia this coming weekend. The Lone Star state star has never been to UVa before, but he and his parents have spent hours researching the school these past few weeks. Head coach Al Groh sealed the deal for the Cavaliers earlier this week.

“I had done some research on Virginia since I met with Mike Groh, Al Groh and Steve Bernstein,” Smalls said. “Al Groh came in on Tuesday and met with me, my parents and [Plano East Head] Coach [Johnny] Ringo. He covered a whole lot of areas. He seems like a genuine person, someone I can learn a lot from. He seems honest. Every question that a recruit or a parent could have, he answers for. He really seems to know his craft. He is a proven man in the NFL and in the collegiate ranks. Mike Groh, the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is someone I felt I had good chemistry with. I’m excited to play for him. Me and my parents did comparisons with many other schools and it was hard to say no to the opportunity at Virginia.”

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