What are your impressions of Virginia’s 2006 football class?

Chris: Despite this class not being as highly rated as Groh’s previous ones, I think it’s a solid class. On the plus side, I really like what Virginia did in addressing needs on the defensive side of the ball…especially at linebacker and safety. I think this class will help the overall athleticism and speed of the team as well. On the negative side, there aren’t many “can’t miss” type kids. There are very good kids and this is a good class, but it certainly could have been better. I think Virginia could have used another good offensive line prospect, a receiver and another running back. Losing Kordell Young and Brent Carter in the final week hurt. So, overall, I think this is a very solid class with some very good players and certainly some players with very nice potential.

Kris: At first glance, the class is not a glamour class in terms of rankings and 4- or 5-star recruits. However, considering the depth issues of the past several seasons and two late decommitments, this class is pretty solid. Something tells me that a lot of these guys are going to be contributors down the road.

Jed: A solid if unspectacular haul. And, to be honest, I don’t think we can expect a constellation full of 4- and 5-star prospects if most of your home base – Virginia – is heading elsewhere. But recruiting shouldn’t be rankings-based; it should center around addressing needs and finding fits. UVa did that well – solidifying strongholds in New Jersey and Pennsylvania while continuing to tap North Carolina. The Wahoos got faster as a program, something that must occur every year in this conference. And they added much-needed stability at inside linebacker. Ahmad Brooks won’t be here forever.

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