UVa picked up its ninth verbal commitment yesterday from Columbia High School (Maplewood, NJ) star Denzel Burrell . Burrell, a 6-4, 205 pound prospect who plays defensive end for Columbia, expects to play outside linebacker on the next level. He calls the UVa 3-4 defense a “perfect fit for my style of play” and feels he will be able to adjust well to the new position.

“Reacting in situations and my constant motor are my main strengths,” Burrell said. “I react very quickly to what’s going on around me. Plus I’m going to work hard to make the transitions I need to help the team.”

Columbia Assistant Coach Greg Cooper indicated that Virginia, led by primary recruiter Mark D’Onofrio, liked that Burrell is “relentless towards the football.” Burrell demonstrated this talent as a junior, tallying 75 tackles with 23 of those for-loss, 26 quarterback pressures, and 10 sacks.

UVa would be the first to offer a full scholarship on April 17th, following their Spring game. The way the UVa coaches interracted with Burrell on that day went a long way towards landing his verbal commitment yesterday.

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