Demetrious Nicholson is a Cavalier. The Bayside (Virginia Beach, VA) star senior announced today that he has committed to the University of Virginia over North Carolina, Michigan, Stanford and Virginia Tech, among many others.
“He said he felt he has known for a while that that’s where he wanted to go,” Bayside head coach Darnell Moore said. “He said he felt he could go there and help Coach London. Obviously, Coach London made an impression upon him.”
At 5-9, 165-pounds, Nicholson, a cornerback and wide receiver, has big-time game. In 2010, he helped Bayside to the Group AAA, Division 6 semifinals and an undefeated regular season record. As a result of his performance, he was named an Under Armour All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia and Tidewater Player of the Year.
A prolific player on offense, he had 587 yards receiving and eight scores on just 30 receptions, Nicholson is viewed as a shut-down cornerback on the college level. He has tallied 11 interceptions over the course of the past two seasons, including eight as a junior in 2009.
Other potential corners in Virginia’s 2011 class include Damascus (MD) star Brandon Phelps , DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD) standout Jordan Lomax and L.C. Bird (Chesterfield, VA) star Anthony Harris . Nicholson and Phelps are rated 4-star prospects by Rivals.com and ESPN.com.
Asked if Nicholson could make an impact as a true freshman, Moore said, “I think a lot depends on his strength. People wouldn’t know from looking at him, but he is strong. The kid is benching 270 pounds. He’ll bench over 300 by the time he gets to Virginia. I think he’ll have the opportunity to play as a freshman.”
A good student, Nicholson carries a 3.51 GPA in the classroom. And he has shown excellent character in his time at the Virginia Beach high school.
“He has always been a good kid,” Moore said. “His mother raising him, she has done a terrific job. She gives him what he needs, which is love and discipline. I think she could be a good role model for a lot of single parents.”
Nicholson, nicknamed “Trey,” will join former Bayside teammate and current freshman linebacker Henry Coley at Virginia. UVa now has 25 commits in its 2011 class with Nicholson being the most highly ranked.
