Cavaliers add NJ linebacker

Englewood, N.J. linebacker Darnell Carter chose to commit to Virginia over offers from Illinois and Delaware. Carter is the sixteenth commitment for the Wahoos. What stood out to the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder that made him choose the Cavaliers?

"They were the first school to recruit me and I really like it, they are also close by and I think it'll be a good fit for me. They have a nice football program too," he said. "I like that they have good academics, a good football program and a great coaching staff. Coach Mark D'Onofrio really stands out because he's a cool guy, down to earth and funny."

Was there any reason for the New Jersey linebacker to commit now?

"UVA was just the school I wanted to commit to a long time ago and I've been waiting for them to offer me, I really like them and always wanted to play for them."

Carter is excited to join the ranks of other Virginia star linebackers including Kai Parham, Ahmad Brooks and Darryl Blackstock.

"They have really good linebackers and they are pretty much the best in the country," he said. "If everything goes right I might be able to go to the NFL someday. When I get there I think I can be a leader and lead by example, I'm smart and athletic."

Carter is anticipating taking in the Virginia Tech-Virginia game later this season.

"I'm just going to see how they run things during the pregame, after the game and see what the linebackers do."

The outside linebacker prospect had one thing to tell the Cavalier faithful.

"Tell them that Darnell Carter is coming and I'm willing to work hard and I plan to be a big part of the future."

Carter recorded 23 receptions, five touchdowns and 80 tackles as a junior.