Accompanied by his parents and younger sister, Fentrell Cypress traveled up to Charlottesville on June 18 for the University of Virginia football’s Mid-Atlantic Camp. The Northwestern (Rock Hill, S.C.) rising senior was “hopeful” about receiving a scholarship offer from the Cavaliers. Nothing was guaranteed, however.

During the camp, Cypress went from “hopeful” to confident.

“During 1-on-1s, I was knocking away passes and getting interceptions. The DB coach, Coach Howell, was saying, ‘I want you to play here,’” Cypress said. “He told me he wanted to see me afterwards, so I had a pretty good idea I’d get an offer.”

Sure enough, Cavalier head coach Bronco Mendenhall came through and offered a scholarship to the 6’0”, 170-pound speedster following camp. The next day, Cypress and his family were given a tour of UVA’s Grounds. The unofficial visit sold the Palmetto State standout, who also considered offers from Duke, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Syracuse, among others.

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