Signing Day 2014: Cory Jones

Signee: Cory Jones

Defensive end

Washington (DC) Archbishop Carroll

6-foot-4, 210 pounds

Rankings: Two-star (5.4).

Other offers: Prior to flipping his commitment to UVa in January, Jones had committed to Toledo despite offers from Virginia, Illinois, Old Dominion, Wake Forest, and Maryland.

How he chose UVa: Recruiting can be a crazy time for players who are used to the attention and immediate stress that comes with the process. For a player like Jones, new to football and definitely new to the recruiting side of it, the process was all the more intimidating.

Though he was getting plenty of BCS interest, Jones too an official visit to Toledo in December and committed shortly thereafter. In the weeks that followed, though, he began to have some remorse. And UVa brought him in quietly for an unofficial visit. With his eyes opened by the experience, he agreed to come for an official visit on the weekend of January 24-26 and committed to the Cavaliers following that trip.

Why he matters: An honorable mention Parade All-American as a senior despite such a short amount of time playing football, Jones brings a lot of potential to the table. Considering how under the radar he was, it's incredible to think a player in the D.C. area could rack up 20 sacks as a senior and not garner more interest.

Either way, he's an excellent pickup for Virginia at a position of need. He's got a good first step off the line, good range, and a good frame to add weight. He's also versatile enough that should defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta see Jones as a possible fit at outside linebacker, he could make the transition. If there's a theme for UVa's class of 2014 it's versatility and Jones gives the Hoos a lot of that. As a pass rusher, he fits very nicely in Virginia's scheme.

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