Virginia picks up commitment from in-state running back Hawthorne

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Tony Elliott has picked up his first running back commitment as Virginia’s head coach, reaching out to an in-state prospect as his future ball carrier.

Donte’ Hawthorne, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder from Fredericksburg, announced on his Twitter account Sunday that he had committed to the Cavaliers. Hawthorne was offered by UVA on April 5, a few days after he had visited Virginia Tech.  He attended Virginia’s Blue-White game on April 23 and liked how Elliott used his running backs.

While Hawthorne — who has not yet been rated by the various recruiting services — played quarterback for Massaponax High School last season, he has committed to UVA as a running back. Hawthorne is in the process of transferring to Colonial Forge High School in Stafford for his senior season, where he is expected to play running back.

Most of Hawthorne’s statistics came last season when he ran with the ball, as he stacked up 1,034 yards on the ground (6.8 yards per carry) and scored 22 touchdowns. He also passed for 350 yards and two scores.

Hawthorne is the second UVA commitment from the Class of 2023, with the Cavaliers having also gained a commit from in-state offensive lineman Cole Surber.