UVa commitment adds LB help

Virginia added some help to their linebacking corps with their third commitment of the season from Long Island (N.Y.) Saint Anthony's.

The Cavaliers picked up 6-foot-2, 221-pound John-Kevin Dolce.

"I liked Virginia as soon as they offered me, I looked around more and they had everything I wanted," he said. "They had the perfect package with the trust between coaches, academics and athletics. I needed some time to approve it, but I'm perfect for them and they're perfect for me. All the coaches were really excited about the commitment and they took me with open arms, I can't wait and they can't wait either.

"It's everything a football player lives for. Every player dreams about making it to the NFL, but if I don't make it at least if I'll graduate with a degree from Virginia that opens a lot of doors for me."

Dolce confirmed he is a solid commitment to the Hoos. What made the linebacker prospect want to commit now?

"At the beginning of recruiting, I wanted to wait it out," he said. "After a bit, I thought about all the colleges that have offered and I compared them to UVA and I knew where I fit and decided not to wait any more. It's a relief that it's over and I'm just going to keep working out in preparation for next season."

Despite being recruited by many schools as a defensive end, the Cavaliers are looking to use Dolce as an outside linebacker. What are his thoughts about becoming apart of the elite linebacker corps at Virginia?

"I know they can make me excel and I can learn from the best," he said. "I am excited to do it and I'm hoping to fill what Darryl Blackstock left. If I can do what he's done and play that position, hopefully I can end up where he is one day."

The linebacker will be paying particular attention to the Cavaliers next season.

"I'm going to pay close attention to the outside linebackers to help myself learn a little more before I go there," he said. "I'm going to try to see and learn the techniques and translate it to my game in high school this year. I also want to get a better understanding of the 3-4 defense because my high school team runs a 4-3."

Dolce hopes to bring a lot to the Virginia program in the future.

"I know there are good things in the future, I'd love to be able to help them to a national championship," he said. "I think I'll bring my versatility, strength, speed and knowledge of the game. I love learning and I love playing this game, I bring positive things with me when I play on the field."

Dolce is looking to take an unofficial visit this summer and probably an official sometime this fall. He finished the conversation by saying.

"I'll be coming to Virginia to help them out in the next few years, go Cavs!"

Dolce recorded 57 tackles, 10 for loss, four sacks and three deflected passes as a junior.