Three-star safety makes a decision
While at camp in Charlottesville yesterday, 6-foot-5, 200-pound safety Ausar Walcott made a decision. The Hackensack, N.J. defensive back committed to the Cavaliers over eight offers from schools including Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Rutgers and Syracuse among others.
"At the camp, I told all the coaches that I was committing first and then told Al Groh," he said. "After I told them, everybody was jumping around and stuff. Coach Groh just said he was glad to have me on the team and I'm part of the family now."
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Quite a few factors played into Walcott's decision.
"I just felt like it's a good school with a good education and they took me into the family," he said. "On the visit I really felt that by being able to talk to all the players and nobody was pressuring me.
"I talked to Chris Long and Jermaine Dias as well as a couple other linebackers and safeties. They all were getting along and acted like brothers, I liked that.
"The education is another big reason. They are the No. 2 public school in the country, so when football is over I'll be able to do something."
Of course, the coaches were big in the Jersey prospect's decision too.
"My recruiter, coach Diaco is a cool guy. He always keeps it real," he said. "I also liked Mike Groh. He's cool too and he and the rest of the staff made me feel like family."
Walcott is looking to make an impact as soon as he arrives at Virginia.
"The coaches are expecting me to play safety and said I'll be able to play early," he said. "They haven't said how early, but I'm looking forward to the chance. I know when I arrive my first game as a freshman will be against USC at home."
Walcott confirmed he was solid on his pledge and said he will join his team at Maryland's camp later this summer.