VA safety in 2009 class likes Hokies

There are already several prospects from Virginia in the Class of 2009 making a name for themselves, but few are as impressive as safety William Marable. The rising junior from Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside has all the tools to become an elite defensive back at the college level and an in-state school holds the early lead for his services.

At 6-foot-0 and 195 pounds Marable routinely runs the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds, and has been clocked as low as 4.44. In addition to his impressive size and speed he has a toughness that can only come naturally.

"I'm just a physical defensive back," Marable said. "Very physical. I've got the speed and the size and all that, but I just play fundamental football. I'm not afraid to hit. I love that part of the game."

Marable has spent most of the summer working out with his coach but made time to attend a recent Wake Forest camp. He performed well there, running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds and impressing the coaches with his ability. Wake Forest is one school he is looking at, but an in-state school stands out.

"I'd say Virginia Tech is my favorite," he said. "I grew up liking them. They're from around here and I love their defense. I'd love to be a part of that."

Marable does not have any plans to camp or unofficially visit other schools this summer. He plans on using his junior season to position himself for scholarship offers, which college coaches will soon be able to officially extend to juniors. What will he be looking for in a school down the road?

"The coaches will be the most important thing," Marable explained. "I need to feel like I can get along with them. If I'm going to be somewhere for four years I need to be comfortable with who's going to be coaching me. I'd like to play on a team that has a really good defense too. That's why I like Virginia Tech so much."

As a sophomore at Bayside High School, Marable recorded 30 solo tackles, intercepted two passes, broke up four others and recovered a fumble.