Cole Surber Becomes First 2023 Commit For Virginia Football

The Virginia football program hosted many prospects at its Blue-White Spring Game last week. The list included Patriot High School offensive lineman Cole Surber. On Friday night, he became the Cavaliers’ first commit of the 2023 recruiting class.

Surber, who had visited UVA earlier in April as well, announced his decision on Twitter.

I am humbled and blessed to announce that I am 110% committed to playing at the University of Virginia ⚔️
@Coach2J @Coach_TElliott @UVAFootball #BigMenLead #GoHoos @O51truck @FinnertySean @c4_training @PatriotPioneers @PatriotHS_FB @RivalsFriedman @BrianDohn247 pic.twitter.com/g8p10lTtcx

— Cole Surber (@ColeSurber77) April 30, 2022

The 6’6”, 280-pound prospect played guard and tackle for Patriot. The Pioneers finished their season 7-4 with an opening round loss in the playoffs. Surber earned 1st Team All-State selection in VHSL Class 6. Check out his Hudl highlights here.

After visiting Virginia for the Spring Game, he Tweeted about his visit. He wrote: “I had a blast watching the players fly around and compete, it was awesome seeing it all come together. Can’t wait for what’s next!”

Virginia beat out numerous Power 5 schools to earn Surber’s commitment. His list of reported offers included West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland, Pittsburgh, and Duke. He had also visited Virginia Tech where his father graduated in 1986.

The addition of Surber continues a surge in offensive line recruiting for UVA over the past few months. After losing several linemen during the offseason coaching change from Bronco Mendenhall to Tony Elliott, the Cavaliers signed eight new offensive linemen for this coming season.

That included Hillcrest High School (S.C.) offensive lineman Houston Curry, the first commit of the Elliott era. Other high school linemen that pledged to the Hoos in the last recruiting class included Blake Steen, Dawson Alters, McKale Boley, Noah DeMeritt, and Snoop Amaama. Graduate transfers John Paul Flores and Mac Hollensteiner also committed to the program.