Western Branch Quartet Gaining Interest
Chesapeake (Va.) Western Branch has been a feeder program of sorts for the Virginia Tech Hokies over the last many years. However, the Cavaliers are recruiting a few of their top players pretty hard.
"Ryan Pond (quarterback) is getting some serious interest from UVA," said Western Branch head coach Lew Johnston. "He's going to visit Clemson, Georgia Tech and Auburn later this month as part of a football/baseball deal but he'll probably visit UVA soon as well."
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Pond is ranked as one of the top players in the state of Virginia this year and is also interested in Virginia Tech, although the Hokies aren't recruiting him as hard as many expected. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder threw for 2,000 yards and 23 scores as a junior. He has an offer from Clemson already.
Virginia is also interested in a few other players.
"UVA is also interested in Michael Wood (offensive tackle) and Lamonte Stanfield (defensive back)," Johnston said. "Michael camped at Clemson and Maryland and will be at Virginia Tech later this month and I'm sure he'll see UVA as well. Lamonte is headed to UVA for an unofficial visit this month."
One new player has emerged from the Western Branch stable.
"Nansemond River linebacker Dominic Scott just transferred in to Western Branch, the registration occurred this morning," said Johnston. "He is a 5-foot-10 version of Vince Hall (Virginia Tech signee). We're going to play him at Vince's spot on defense and he'll be our tailback in out Wing-T offense."
Johnston continued to rave about Scott's ability.
"He is 5-foot-10 and 225 pounds and runs a 4.65-second 40-yard dash," he said. "He bench presses 375 pounds and is very agressive and likes to blitz a lot. He is also a powerful runner. He could be a fullback, linebacker or safety for someone and a bunch of schools have already shown interest."
That includes the Cavs, who might land a Western Branch player this year. Currently, Virginia hasn't offered any of the four players.