The Virginia football team secured a commitment from a state of Virginia prospect on Monday when Harvard transfer tight end Tyler Neville announced he would join the Cavaliers. Neville played at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg and decided to spend a graduate transfer year with the Wahoos.
He announced his choice on social media.
Coming Home! pic.twitter.com/4EhjIcuLmp
— Tyler Neville (@tylerneville10) December 12, 2023
Neville picked the Crimson as a two-star recruit out of Lafayette where he starred as a football and basketball player. He earned all-region and all-state recognition in both sports. At Harvard, he blossomed into an effective blocking and receiving tight end.
Over 30 games, Neville hauled in 62 catches for 698 yards and 8 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 2 tight end run blocker among both FBS and FCS players. He earned First-Team All-Ivy League honors twice in his career and was a mid-season FCS All-American. That drew the attention of numerous suitors in the transfer portal with Illinois, Colorado, UCLA, and more making offers. Rivals ranked Neville as the No. 3 transfer tight end in the portal.
For Virginia, Neville fills a significant need for the roster. The Hoos played two senior tight ends in Grant Misch and Sackett Wood Jr. for most of the snaps at the position this past season. With Joshua Rawlings transferring out of the program, the only other upperclassman at tight end this past season was Henry Duke, who converted over from the offensive line. The Hoos completed 14 passes to tight ends this past season for 164 yards and 1 touchdown.
Neville could bring more of a receiving threat into play for the offense. He showed ability to release from traditional in-line spots and quickly get into open space for catches. He also worked between the seams effectively and absorbed contact before adding yards after the catch.
Check out highlights for Neville here.
