UVA finally earns its first in-state commitment for '08

Virginia coach Al Groh has taken a lot of heat for not going after in-state talent. Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI

By Mike Farrell, Special to SI.com, Rivals.com

It finally happened, and I might have been the only one watching -- other than a few thousand diehard University of Virginia fans.

Over the weekend, coach Al Groh received his first commitment from an in-state prospect for the class of 2008. Big deal, you say? So what? It's a big deal to the Cavaliers coaching staff, trust me.

Defensive coordinator Mike London was the guy who reeled in 6-foot-4, 298-pound defensive tackle Klinton Ruff from Norfolk (Va.) Norview. London, one of college football's best recruiters and a rising star in the coaching ranks, helped convince Ruff to choose Virginia over Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and others.

Ruff is a nice get and a big body who can play end or nose tackle in the Cavaliers' 3-4 defense. Ruff isn't a national recruit or a top-10 player in the state by most accounts, but he's from Virginia -- and that's huge. Here's why.

Since Groh's first full recruiting year in 2002, the former NFL coach has put a heavy emphasis on out-of-state areas like New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina. His approach has been different than that of Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech. Beamer beats the bushes in Virginia and doesn't focus nearly as much outside the state borders.

Each has landed some impressive talent. However, Groh has also come under fire from local high school coaches and fans who think a national title contender can be built at home.

Groh's best recruiting year at Virginia was in 2002. He snagged in-state stars like Ahmad Brooks, Michael Johnson, Kai Parham, Darryl Blackstock, Marcus Hamilton and Anthony Martinez. Of the top 12 players in state that year, seven signed on to play for the new UVA coach.

But the state of Virginia is cyclical when it comes to recruiting. Virginia Tech signed four of the top five players in state in 2003, led by current stars Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall and Chris Ellis.

Since that year, it has been pretty even between the Hokies and Cavaliers when it comes to in-state recruiting. But when it comes to on-field results, Virginia Tech has dominated. The Hokies are 31-8 over the last three seasons; the Cavs are 20-16. Virginia Tech has won the last three head-to-head contests. The Hokies are a preseason national title contender. UVA? Groh is often listed as a coach on the hot seat these days.

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