UConn lands first commitment

The UConn Huskies are on the board for the class of 2010 with the programs first commitment. Worcester (Mass.) Doherty Memorial linebacker Yawin Smallwood was offered by UConn months ago and decided to end the process on Wednesday.

"I really liked the school a lot so there was no point waiting," said Smallwood, who was orginally going to wait until mid to late July to decide. "They want me as an outside linebacker but a lot of people say I can grow into a defensive end. It doesn't matter to me what position I play, I'm just happy to be a Huskie."

Smallwood, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds, plays quarterback and safety in high school but knows his future is on the defensive side of the ball.

"I'm a good offensive player, but defense is where everyone wants me," said Smallwood, who chose UConn over offers from UMass and New Hampshire and interest from Boston College. "UConn is a great program, they put a ton of players in the NFL this past draft and they are a winning program. I was recruited by coach Foley but I spoke to a ton of the coaches. I called coach Edsall this morning and he was happy, he said I'm the first guy in the class and will start things going."

Smallwood visited UConn a few times during last season.

"The atmosphere at the games was great," he said. "They have great fans and there's a connection to my school. Keith Gray is from my school and he was just signed as a free agent in the NFL. It's good to know of someone else from my school who went to UConn and was successful."