Virginia Football Inks 20 on Signing Day

By Scott Ratcliffe

Wednesday marked the long-awaited early signing period for college football programs, and Virginia had a memorable day, officially inking several new student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.

Each will have an opportunity to play a substantial role in defining the “New Standard” for years to come. Coach Bronco Mendenhall described how the combination of added staff through new Athletic Director Carla Williams along with steady improvement on the field helped land 20 commitments who he collectively referred to as “perfect fits” for UVA football on Signing Day.

“So, really pleased with our efforts and the results of this class, our 2019 class,” said Mendenhall. “So I believe that organizations are perfectly designed for the results they get — I was taught that through organizational behavior over the past number of years — and with Carla’s help we’ve been able to add additional resources in our personnel department, and I think that’s reflected partly in the quality of this class.

“So I think that was one contributor to the improvement that we’ve shown; the second influencer is just simply, it’s Year Three and we’re making progress that is clear and noticeable and transparent for all to see. So the combination of progress with resources is now combining to produce a stronger result.”

Not only did Mendenhall and his staff bring in players loaded with potential on the gridiron, they also excel in the classroom, and many were state champions and multi-sport athletes in high school.

The Cavaliers met all needs according to Mendenhall, who hinted that there could still be a few pieces added down the road via graduate transfer, namely at the offensive line and receiver positions, but that he’s overly content and satisfied with Wednesday’s new additions.

The coach also pointed out that the momentum the team’s success has built has definitely picked up steam, no matter what area the Cavaliers were recruiting in.

“It’s tangible, it’s noticeable, and everywhere we go now,” said Mendenhall, “no matter what school, the sentiment is, ‘Man, holy cow, you guys are getting better,’ and, ‘Holy cow, you’re going back to the postseason,’ and what’s happening at Virginia. So it’s kind of just the same narrative wherever we go.”

The Wahoos certainly improved defensively with the gem of the class in 6-foot-2, 286-pound end Jowon Briggs, a consensus 4-star from Walnut Hills HS in Cincinnati, along with 6-3, 220-pound linebacker Hunter Stewart (a Rivals.Com 4-star prospect) from just outside of DC, and 6-4, 280-pounder Ben Smiley III, a lineman out of Indian River HS in Chesapeake, among others.

Mendenhall said there are clear, specific guidelines that the staff has been looking for in a player, and praised defensive assistants Vic So’oto, Kelly Poppinga, Shane Hunter and Nick Howell for their hard work to attract such studs that can help out tremendously right away.

“We’ve been together just so long that there’s a different level of momentum, and they think as I think,” explained Mendenhall, “so there’s a little less translation that needs to happen, just because we’ve been in the same room so long and we’re clearer, maybe a little bit clearer of that what it is on our offensive side.”

Offensively, Ja’Quay Hubbard — a Rivals 4-star, 6-6, 330-pound lineman from Sharpsville, Pa. — will provide an immediate boost up front, while dual-threat quarterback RJ Harvey, tough running backs Mike Hollins and Seneca Milledge, and lanky wideouts Nathaniel Beal III and Dorien Goddard add significant, quality depth at the skill positions.

Beal, listed as a 6-5, 205-pound 3-star receiver from Houston, joined the ‘Hoos after decommitting from Iowa State.

Mendenhall said UVA was about half-staffed compared to much of the competition upon his arrival, but that the additions of “regional coordinators” to find and evaluate talent in their respective recruiting areas has the ‘Hoos a lot more caught up with other schools.

For a complete list and full player bios, click here.