Terry Kirby’s son, TeKai, commits to UVA football

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Photo: twitter.com/TeKai_Kirby

The son of one of Virginia’s favorite sons is following in his father’s footsteps.

TeKai Kirby, the son of former Cavaliers star running back Terry Kirby, announced today that he has committed to UVA. TeKai is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound tight end from St. Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Kirby attended Virginia’s football camp last week, then made an unofficial visit to North Carolina on his way home, but committed to the Cavaliers today. He is a member of the recruiting Class of 2023, and follows two other former St. Thomas players to UVA: Blake Steen and Dawson Alters.

247Sports rated Kirby the No. 69 tight end in the country and No. 220 overall recruit in the state of Florida.

From left: Tony Covington, Shawn Moore, TeKai Kirby, Terry Kirby and Chris Slade

Kirby played behind LSU signee Mason Taylor last season for the three-time state champion St. Thomas team, so he didn’t get a lot of playing time. Still, he managed two receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Kirby’s father, Terry, finished his career as Virginia’s all-time leading rusher (3,348 yards), surpassed only by Tiki Barber and Thomas Jones. Kirby, who hailed from Tabb High School, led the ACC in rushing in 1990 and 1992 under George Welsh and running backs coach Ken Mack. Kirby was named to Parade’s All-American team and was USA Today’s national offensive player of the year in 1988.

Kirby, who came to UVA with current Cavaliers’ defensive end coach Chris Slade, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1993 and had an outstanding NFL career with Don Shula’s Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders.

More coming on TeKai Kirby on this site, so stay tuned.