THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050675
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DOUG DOUGHTY, LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
LENGTH: 27 lines
On the eve of national signing day, Virginia Tech landed the state's top prospect while the Virginia Cavaliers received an oral commitment from Maryland's two-time player of the year.
Tyrone Robertson, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman from George Washington-Danville, gave the Hokies an oral commitment Tuesday.
Robertson's decision appears to have hinged on a letter from Virginia Tech indicating that he will be admitted as a student even if he doesn't meet NCAA freshman eligibility guidelines. Virginia, Robertson's other finalist, did not give such an assurance.
Virginia, meanwhile received an oral commitment from Tyree Foreman, a 6-foot, 215-pound tailback from Sherwood High in Sandy Springs, Md. Foreman ran for 1,883 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior.
Although the Cavaliers lost out on Robertson, they did land Hampton High wide receiver Ahmad Hawkins, a 5-11, 188-pounder who caught 39 passes for 1,129 yards and 19 touchdowns this past season.
The Hokies also received oral commitment Tuesday from Derek Carter, a 6-3, 255-pound defensive end and tight end from Smithfield High who is at Fork Union Military Academy this year.