Virginia Football Gains Commitment Following “Friday Night Lights”

Bobby Haskins, his father, and UVA coach Bronco Mendenhall ~ Photo courtesy of Haskins

Bobby Haskins has become the latest member of the University of Virginia football program’s 2018 Class, committing to the Cavaliers last night (June 2) after receiving a scholarship offer from head coach Bronco Mendenhall. The 6’7”, 240-pound offensive tackle prospect discussed his decision with The Hun School (Princeton, N.J.) head coach Todd Smith this morning.

“Him and his father gave me a call,” Smith said. “I also heard from [UVA assistant coach Kelly] Poppinga. The commitment is 100-percent confirmed.”

Haskins is a 2017 graduate of Fairfield College Prep (Fairfield, CT) who is attending The Hun School for a postgraduate year. Since enrolling at The Hun this Spring he has received a handful of scholarship offers, including Pittsburgh, Rutgers and now Virginia.

Haskins had visited UVA before last night’s “Friday Night Lights” camp. The initial favorable impression coupled with a strong connection with the coaching staff put the Cavaliers over the top.

“[Haskins] mentioned to me in our conversation this morning that he connected with [the Virginia coaches] right away,” Smith said. “They had conversations a lot deeper than just football, which he appreciated.”

“He had been on campus before,” Smith continued. “He fell in love with the campus and Virginia being the number one public university.”

Coach Smith has yet to coach Haskins in a regular season game. However, he noted the standout prospect’s “rare” combination of height and athleticism and called it a “blessing” to have a player like this on his team. Haskins played tight end and defensive end at Fairfield College Prep. Where he will play at The Hun is yet to be determined, but Coach Mendenhall envisions the intriguing athlete playing offensive tackle at Virginia.

“They actually offered him as an offensive tackle,” Smith said. “Even though he played tight end and defensive end in high school, he has the length and size to transition well to the line.”

UVA now boasts nine commitments in the class of 2018, including three offensive line prospects. Below is the rundown of the class followed by 2016 season highlights of its newest member.

UVA’s 2018 Recruiting Class

Joe Bissinger, OL, Memorial (Houston, TX)
Javar Garrett, LB, Peddie School (Hightstown, N.J.)
Case Gatlin, LB, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
– Bobby Haskins, OL, The Hun School (Princeton, N.J.)
Tavares Kelly, WR/PR/KR, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Will Lawrence, OL, Memphis Harding Academy (Memphis, TN)
Wyatt Rector, QB, Leesburg (FL)
Noah Taylor, OLB, Avalon (Gaithersburg, MD)
Joseph White, S, Landstown (Virginia Beach, VA)