By Jerry Ratcliffe
Virginia’s football program isn’t just gaining momentum in the national polls, but also on the recruiting trail, as Tony Elliott’s Cavaliers gained a commitment Thursday from a Virginia Tech priority target, and a cousin to former Hokies star Michael Vick.
Derek “Dfish” Fisher, a 6-foot, 185-pound safety from Hampton’s Bethel High School, announced on his Twitter account that he will be a Wahoo. He is the third prospect from the “757” area to commit to UVA in the past week, joining Oscar Smith quarterback Lonnie Andrews III and Hampton defensive lineman Gene Jones, Jr.
Fisher, a 3-star, is rated by 247Sports composite as the No. 2 safety prospect in the state behind North Stafford’s Kenaz Sullivan, and the No. 12 overall prospect in the Old Dominion. He is rated the No. 42 safety in the country.
The Bethel star, who also plays wide receiver and played quarterback in 2024, chose Virginia over the Hokies, Duke, JMU, Wake Forest, Syracuse, East Carolina, ODU, Liberty and Norfolk State, coached by cousin Vick.
