Virginia LB claims D-I offer

A new name popping up on the recruiting radar in 2009 is a 6-foot-2, 222-pound linebacker out of the Commonwealth. The Arlington (Va.) Bishop O'Connell prospect has picked up his first offer from a Division I school and has other schools interested.

"Right now Army is my only offer," linebacker Taylor Hayes-Leak said. "I've been talking to Elon and they want to see me on campus first. I've been in touch with Holy Cross, Virginia Tech and JMU. They all think I'm a great player and like what they see."

The two-star prospect has already visited his lone offer to date.

"I went up to West point for the Eastern Michigan game a few weeks back," he stated. "I really liked the atmosphere of the game. It's a really family oriented environment there. They treat you like they are your brothers. I want to make my parents happy and fit in with a program. It sounds like I fit in as a student athlete there well."

Does Hayes-Leak have any other visits upcoming?

"I'll probably be going to Elon in the next couple weeks and then whatever other colleges call me to make a visit," he said. "Really, I want a good school academic wise where I can get a good job once I'm done with college ball. The atmosphere has to be well suited to me and I want a good vibe. I think I want to study criminal justice or engineering."

The Virginia prospect has helped his team to a 5-2 record this season.

"I'm doing well. I lead the team in tackles and sacks," he said. "Before the last game I had four sacks."

He went on about his ability more as well.

"I'd say what sticks out about me is my speed for my size," he said. "I have good quickness.

"I still want to work on my recognition and improve my tackling."