Make it two Varina (VA) Blue Devils in the University of Virginia’s 2012 class. 6’4″, 290-pound defensive tackle/offensive lineman Tyrell Chavis committed to Mike London and company today while attending the UVa’s Big Man Camp/7 on 7 tournament event.
Chavis confirmed the commitment but will speak further on his decision soon. Blue Devils head coach Stu Brown said, “He has been thinking about [committing to UVa] since Wednesday.”
Chavis, who participated in today’s Big Man Camp before suffering a dislocated thumb (he says he’s fine), is being recruited by the Cavaliers as a defensive tackle, though he has potential as an interior offensive lineman on the next level.
“He’s a violent player. He’s not fundamental,” Coach Brown said in an interview in May. “He’s got to work on his technique, but gosh is he violent. One of the Division 1AA coaches that came in here said he reminded him of Deacon Jones because of how aggressive he plays. Tyrell is a good talent.”
Chavis attended Blue Ridge School his sophomore year before returning for Varina last fall. Brown was certainly pleased to have the big man back in the fold.
“He was one of the more dominant players last season. He didn’t get the accolades he should have, maybe because we were 6-5,” Brown said. “This kid dominates. We play him at the 3 technique. He is as good an offensive tackle as he is a defensive tackle, but his style of play equates more to defense.”
Chavis chose the Hoos over offers from Boston College and Vanderbilt and interest from Virginia Tech. He’ll now focus on the classroom, where he has ground to make up but can still reach qualification levels before his high school time is over.
Rising senior athlete Maurice Canady , who committed to Virginia one week ago, and Chavis were two of a host of Blue Devil players in Charlottesville today. Star rising junior defensive back Tim Harris , a big-time athlete with offers from Virginia and Virginia Tech, is in attendance as well.
As mentioned earlier, stay tuned for more from Virginia’s 11th commitment of the 2012 class.
