Will Barker may live in Haverford, Pennsylvania, however he has been very familiar with the University of Virginia for quite some time. In fact, UVa’s newest commitment for the 2005 class has relatives in Charlottesville, which is something that certainly did not hurt Coach Groh and company in this situation.

“I’ve sort of always been a Cavalier fan,” Barker said. “We have relatives from down there, so I’ve seen it a few times before. I fell in love with everything every time I would go there. When I had the chance to meet the coaches , everything just took off. The coaches really make it seem like a family atmosphere. The feeling you have when you go down there and talk to everyone in the program is just so special. I feel really, really good about my decision.”

Barker first met the coaches in the month of March, when he and his father made an unofficial visit down to UVa. The Cavaliers staff was extremely impressed with what they saw in the 6-7, 270 pound prospect, and would offer an official scholarship a short time following.

“When I went down there the first time, I talked to Mike London who gave me the low down on recruiting and things like that,” Barker said. “Then I turn around and Bob Price came along. I talked to him a great deal. They seemed wowed by my size.

...