Hallandale (FL) wide receiver Neru NShaka has verbally committed to the University of Virginia. The 5’10”, 175-pound junior announced his decision via Twitter.
I've Decided to Commit To The University Of Virginia
#Cavaliers#UVA
— Neru N'Shaka ❗️ (@Livekidd8) March 30, 2015
N’Shaka, who is rated a 3-star prospect by Rivals.com, also considered scholarship offers from Pittsburgh, Marshall, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Old Dominion and Toledo. He is the fifth class of 2016 commitment for the Cavaliers, joining quarterback Sonny Abramson, wide receiver Cole Blackman, wide receiver Joseph Reed and linebacker/athlete Landan Word.
N’Shaka has yet to tour Virginia’s Grounds, though he says he plans to do so soon. A major reason why he felt comfortable committing without having seen the school is former Wisconsin assistant Chris Beatty, who is now UVa’s running backs coach. Beatty may be more known for his ties to the state of Virginia, but he has established himself well in Florida as well.
“[Mike London] and Chris Beatty were great dudes. Beatty has been recruiting me since 10th grade,” N’Shaka wrote in a direct message through Twitter. “Chris Beatty had a huge impact on my commitment since we were in contact for two years.”
The Hallandale standout says he is “100-percent” solid in his commitment to Virginia.
As a junior last season, N’Shaka saw action at wide receiver, slot receiver, quarterback and returner. He discussed his game as well as what the Virginia coaches liked the most about him.
“My strengths are speed, great hands, and I’m a playmaker. I’m working on getting bigger this offseason,” said N’Shaka, who is likely to play receiver but admits he is not totally sure at this point what position he will play. “[Coach London and company] love my speed and ability to play special teams.”
Of Virginia’s five class of 2016 commitments, three are projected to play wide receiver. Including these players, the Cavaliers now project to have 12 scholarship receivers on the 2016 season roster, including three seniors, three juniors, three class of 2015 recruits and three class of 2016 prospects. UVa may not be finished recruiting the position in 2016, as there are still some prominent recruits still available.
Check out highlights of UVa’s newest pledge below.
Wide receiver at 5′ 10″ ??? 175 lbs. ??? This is not a stud receiver on paper. Maybe he will develop, but how often has that happened at UVA? I doubt Miami or Florida State were too interested in him. Nevertheless, we can hold out hope he hasn’t stopped growing and will become a force somewhere on the team.
True, bumping Toledo early in the recruiting process is not a major coup. Maybe this guy is a cornerback but doesn’t know it yet? With a QB and three wide receivers out of five commit-ees, maybe we will be fielding a two-hand touch football team next year.
pretty classless comments….after all, we know all the players in the nfl went to the traditional powerhouses. unless fsu mia or ala recruits u you suck. THIS team needs speed and it looks like this kid has some..good going coach…hope he works outs