Cavalier Corner

April 2016

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would've garnered more attention. "He's a very, very good athlete, and he will fit what we do. He's put together, too. He's not a scrawny guy; he's a man. He's country strong. And he'll fit in really well. His makeup of who he is as a person is a great fit for us. I think he's going to be a great fit at wide receiver, and he'll be able to do some things, I would expect, as a freshman. "He's one of those guys that, when we met him, we thought, 'This is it.' He's the real deal, and he's the right fit. He's what you want." Added Friedman of Reed, who was a standout at the Rivals Camp Series last spring, "I think he's got a great frame first and foremost. He's long and super athletic. He's not a quick twitch kind of guy, but he's explosive in a straight line and over short distances. "He can really cover some ground, he's got the speed to turn a small catch into a big gain and he can break tackles. His hands and his route running are certainly going to be tested early in his career." Elsewhere, the Cavaliers signed a trio of prospects from Pennsylvania, including one of two quarterbacks in the class of 2016. In addition to 6-2, 195-pound Harrisburg (Pa.) Bishop McDevitt defensive back Bryce Hall and 6-4, 180-pound Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway wideout Aidan Howard, the Hoos also signed 6-2, 180-pound Allentown (Pa.) Parkland dual-threat quarterback Devante Cross, Mendenhall's first commit as the head man in Charlottesville. Cross joined fellow signal-caller Sonny Abramson, a 6-2, 208-pound three-star quarterback from Chester (N.J.) Pope John XXIII, who had committed to the previous staff in November 2014. They each bring different skill sets to the table. Cross led Parkland to four straight dis- trict titles and was Pennsylvania's Player of the Year in 2015, throwing for 2,947 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also running for 1,385 yards and 19 scores. Abramson, meanwhile, was a four-year starter who threw for 6,636 yards and 77 touchdowns in his career. "They couldn't be any more different when it comes to their playing styles," Friedman said. "Abramson is certainly a pocket passer, and Cross an athletic guy who makes a lot of plays outside of the pocket and has that big arm. "Abramson is more of a surgeon with the ball. He's all about being accurate and getting the ball where it should go on time. Cross can be more of a playmaker when things break down. Early in his career, I don't think he's going to be able to pick apart defenses and throw timing routes, but his feet and speed are very good and that will help him as he develops." "With Devante, you get a really, really good athlete," Anderson said. "He's accom- plished on the basketball court. He was up for Mr. Football in the state of Pennsylvania "I would describe this class as a great starting point with good people and capability to fit into the needs of the program under the circumstances." MENDENHALL ON UVA'S 2016 RECRUITING HAUL

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