UVA keeps adding commitments

The recruiting strategy for Virginia head coach Al Groh and his staff has certainly changed from the last few years. While UVA has been a school to wait until the end of the recruiting process for many of their players, this year they already have eight players in the boat including their latest commitment, an offensive tackle from Pennsylvania.

"Matt committed to Virginia this Saturday after their Spring Game," said Springfield (Pa.) Cardinal O'Hara head coach Dan Algeo of his offensive tackle, Matt Lowry. "He had visited UVA back during last season for their win over Virginia Tech and then he just took the visit this past weekend. He loved it and wanted to make sure he locked in before they ran out of room."

Lowry, a 6-foot-6, 300-pounder, chose the Cavaliers over an offer from Syracuse and heavy interest from Rutgers, Penn State, Boston College and Michigan.

"He took a trip to Syracuse in March, but he liked Virginia better," said coach Algeo. "The area, the coaches, the academics -- it had it all. I know he wanted to make an early decision anyhow, but Virginia is really off to a fast start so he wanted to make sure he didn't wait too long."

In addition to Lowry, the Cavs have commitments from offensive linemen Will Barker and Pat Slebonick. Lowry was the main force behind Purdue signee Anthony Heygood's rushing success last year.

"We ran behind Matt all the time with Anthony," said Algeo. "He's a great run blocker."