Virginia Men’s Basketball’s March 2nd contest also served as one of the football team’s Junior days, where rising senior prospects from across the state are invited to watch a game with other recruits and talk to UVa coaches. Both the basketball and football teams scored victories that night – basketball defeated Wake Forest and Coach Groh and company would earn a commitment from one of the recruits on hand. The recruit was Kempsville High School (Virginia Beach, VA) tight end/outside linebacker prospect Jason Fuller .

“That was the first time I had ever been to Virginia before,” Fuller said of the March 2nd Junior Day. “I made the trip with my parents. I met with Coach Groh for a little bit before the game, then watched some of the basketball game versus Wake Forest. They treated me really well. One thing I really liked about Coach [Al] Groh was that he would talk to everyone there. Even with the recruits that weren’t necessarily on the top of their list, he would talk to them for a few minutes at least. I don’t think too many coaches do that.

“Also, while I was there I met Chris Long and a few other recruits there. I met some players I got along with. I got along with everyone there. Usually that’s not the case, but everyone was so nice and got along really well.”

Fuller’s experience would be a major factor in his decision. The direction of the football program and the academic reputation of the school were other factors.

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