Hoo’s Talking: Coley Commits

Henry Coley told me Friday, about four days ago, that he was heavily leaning towards committing to the University of Virginia. When he got back home from the Dre Bly Football Camp the other day, he made the call. Coley has verbally committed to become a Virginia Cavalier.

Bayside (VA) linebacker Henry Coley was a bit frustrated a few months back because he had not yet been offered a Division I scholarship, and he felt as if his game merited some Division I offers. Soon after a strong showing at the Scout.com Baltimore Combine, the offers started coming in for Coley.

I had a chance to speak with Henry tonight and he seemed extremely excited about having verbally committed to Virginia.

Henry hinted at the possibility of committing at the Dre Bly Camp but would not tell me an exact date. Tonight when we spoke he broke the news to me about becoming a future Hoo.

“The coaches over there have me projected to playing an inside linebacker spot right now. However, it sounds like they are playing with the idea of having me on the outside, possibly coming off the edge in pass rush situations and also playing a little bit with my hand on the ground. It helps that I have done all of these things in high school, so I won’t be totally overwhelmed."

It will be an interesting decision for the Virginia coaching staff.

“Education at Virginia is the best out of all the other schools that are recruiting me. My whole family liked them a lot. The tradition at Virginia goes back a long time, and I want to be a part of something special.”

“I used to work out with Clinton Ross at 1String Fitness, with Coach Anthony Stringfield. I talked with him a couple of times on my visits and all that. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him since I committed but I’m sure I will.”

“I called Coach Al Groh and Latrelle Scott. They seemed very happy. They told me they were going to break out the fireworks because it was right before the Fourth of July.”

"There were a few other schools that I strongly considered, including Richmond, Louisville, and Temple, but in the end I fell in love with UVA."

"I am so happy that football has opened up this door for me. Virginia is a top-notch school when it comes to academics, and without my football talents I don’t know if these doors would be open for me."











Virginia fans check out HooNation

VTInsider for the latest on the Hokies

Dan Hilbert covers football recruiting in Virginia. He can be reached at [e-mail]. If you are submitting a recruit, please include players name, high school, primary position and the best way to get in contact with the player.