Virginia lands third player for 2005

The Virginia Cavaliers are off to a fast start for 2005 with their third verbal commitment. Who's the latest to pledge to Al Groh?

Ashburn (Va.) Broad Run tight end/defensive end Alex Field committed to Virginia last Wednesday. Field, a talented two-way prospect, decided to hold off the announcement until today.

"Virginia was always the top school for Alex. When they offered him a scholarship it was like a dream come true for him. Maryland and Marshall were also recruiting him hard, but the thought of playing tight end at Virginia was too much to pass up for Alex," said Broad Run head coach Ken Belchik of his 6-foot-6, 248-pound playmaker who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds.

How would Belchik describe Field as player?

"He is as tough as they come and he is extremely athletic for a player his size. He is an excellent receiver. He has all the tools. He runs great routes, has good speed, and makes the difficult catches look easy."

Field is not just a good receiver, he also excels as a blocker.

"The thing that separates Alex from the rest is his blocking ability. He is strong. He routinely takes on two to three defenders when he is in protection or when we run the ball. After he takes out the first blocker, he immediately looks for the next candidate to be pancaked. He is extremely aggressive," said Belchik.

Field was named All-Dulles District First Team as a tight end. Coaches like his tenacity on the other side of the ball as well.

"Alex was named All-District as a defensive end and was named Dulles District Defensive Player of the year. As a defensive end, he is extremely hard to block. He is quick, strong, and has long arms. Would be blocker can't seem to get to him. Virginia recruited Alex as a tight end, but he could fare just as well as a defensive. He definitely has the frame to put on 30-35 more pounds," said Belchik.

Field becomes the third verbal commitment for Virginia in the class of 2005. Field joins Virginia quarterback Vic Hall and North Carolina wide receiver/linebacker Maurice Covington.