Snyder, Exum lead Deep Run in 2009

Glen Allen (Va.) Deep Run already has two prospects in the 2009 recruiting class with offers. Rivals caught up with head coach Greg Kendall to find out more about his prospects and a few others.

The first to keep an eye on is 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end Jake Snyder.

"Jake Snyder is a defensive end, tight end for us and has been offered by Virginia and Virginia Tech," he said. "First of all, he's a great athlete that changes directions really quick and has great hands. He has terrific hand-eye coordination and will do what you ask him to the first time he tries it. He's not one of these guys that you have to give a lot of reps to before he's got it down.

"He's also a 4.6 student in the classroom. That really translates on the field. He understands everyone's position and knows where people need to be. Both Virginia and Virginia Tech see him as a leader. He has the intangibles beyond what he can do. It also says a lot about his family."

What does Snyder need to improve on?

"The one thing I'd like to see out of him this year is how good he is offensively," he said. "His statistics last year at tight end were only from three games because he broke his hand. I think he's going to really surprise people with how well he catches and run with the ball. He is a huge target and a legitimate tight end prospect."

A lot has already been made of Snyder's brother, a walk-on at Virginia. How big of a factor is that in his recruitment?

"I've heard him say that his brother is going to be his brother for a long time, but he's not going to play football forever. I think he wants to slow down, make a smart choice and both schools are great choices. Once he learns more about them he'll find the place that feels right."

Snyder is not the only prospect with offers, he is joined by 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete Antone Exum.

"He's actually got two offers also from Virginia and Virginia Tech," he said. "I think both are initially looking at him as a defensive player, but Virginia has also mentioned wide receiver. I think that's a really smart thing because he can catch the ball.

"He has an awful lot of admiration for both programs. He's met the coaches and really likes them. It's going to be a hard choice for him."

What stands out about Exum?

"He's just very explosive," he said. "He's a really elusive player in space and hard to deal with. Once he gets a step on you he's gone, he runs a 4.4.

"I think people don't take into account how strong he is through his hips. He's a horse and can break tackles. Defensively he's our biggest hitter in the backfield, an intimidator and such a good tackler."

Kendall finished by discussing Exum as a person too.

"He's a great student with a 3.5 GPA," he said. "He's a mature kid, somebody that is really starting to take his place being a leader on the football and basketball court and in the classroom. He's a charismatic guy."

Would Exum and Snyder like to play together in college?

"They are good friends and enjoy being around each other," he said. "I think they look at it like they need to find the best situation for them. If it matches up they'll enjoy playing together."

Deep Run has two more players to keep an eye on in 2009.

"One is 5-foot-11, 215-pound linebacker Billy Skrobacz," he said. "He had 115 tackles in 10 games last year. A lot of what we did was funnel the ball to him since he's such a good tackler. He did a great job for us and lives and breathes football.

"The other is 6-foot-0, 180-pound wide receiver Parker Tuck. He started the last several games as a junior. We'll find out how good he'll be next year."