The Strategy Session is our big-picture outlook of University of Virginia football recruiting in the class of 2021, providing you the latest scholarship numbers and relative news on the recruiting trail. There has been plenty of commitment news lately, allowing head coach Bronco Mendenhall to get plenty of practice using his new Twitter tool.

Virginia Football Gets Red Hot On The Recruiting Trail; Adds Key Transfers

UVA entered April with five verbal commitments in the class of 2021 – the fifth full recruiting class with Mendenhall as head coach. As of this writing the Hoos now boast 11 rising high school senior commits thanks to an impressive run that began on April 21 when state of Washington outside linebacker Josh McCarron prospect announced his commitment to Virginia.

Following McCarron, Maryland defensive back William Simpkins III (April 24 announcement), Texas dual-threat quarterback Jacob Rodriguez (April 27), Alabama cornerback Micah Gaffney (April 28), Virginia outside linebacker Michael Green (April 30), and Georgia inside linebacker West Weeks (May 2) have since joined #THEStandard21.

While building up its class of 2021, the Virginia staff also addressed a key immediate need for the 2020 season by adding Mississippi State grad-transfer dual-threat quarterback Keytaon Thompson. Mendenhall announced two transfer signings this spring - Thompson and running back Ronnie Walker Jr.

Before the addition of Thompson, Virginia faced the prospect of entering the 2020 season with three scholarship quarterbacks, including rising redshirt sophomore Brennan Armstrong, rising redshirt junior Lindell Stone, and true freshman Ira Armstead. There are a lot of reasons to like Armstrong, from the potential he has shown to the way coaches and teammates talk about him to his experience in the program (he enrolled in January of 2018), but Virginia really needed a second starting caliber quarterback in 2020.

Thompson, who has two years of eligibility remaining, can play immediately because of his grad-transfer status. Thus far the 6’4”, 225-pound signal caller has not be able to make his mark on the major college level the way he did at Landry-Walker High School (New Orleans, LA), where he was recognized by Rivals and 247Sports as a top five dual-threat quarterback nationally and 4-star prospect, but he possesses significant natural physical ability and should push Armstrong.

Keytaon Thompson on the run against Iowa. ~ Photo courtesy of Kelly Donoho/MSU Athletics

Thompson was recruited to Mississippi State by Dan Mullen, who left for Florida after Thompson’s freshman season. He saw playing time as Nick Fitzgerald’s backup in 2017 and 2018. His best chance to take over as the Bulldogs starter came last season, but second-year head coach Joe Moorehead declared Tommy Stevens as the starter out of fall camp. Thompson wound up redshirting in 2019. He graduates from MSU this spring with a degree in Kinesiology.

In limited action on the major college level, Thompson has demonstrated the ability to be an effective runner. He has a strong arm, brings 14 games of major college quarterback experience, and he will be motivated to take advantage of this fresh start. The biggest question mark is accuracy, as his completion percentage (under 50%) is less than desirable.

What happens in 2020 and 2021 remains to be seen, but I am confident in saying is that UVA now has two viable starting quarterback candidates for 2020 and 2021.

Running back is another need for Virginia next season, and Indiana transfer running back Ronnie Walker Jr. could help fill it. The former Hopewell (VA) star heads to UVA after two years in Bloomington.

Walker Jr. and the Cavalier staff are hopeful he will receive a waiver to be able to play next season. If the waiver application is denied, he will have to redshirt this fall. Virginia has only two scholarship tailbacks on the roster right now and very much could use Walker Jr. to fortify the position next season.

Class Of 2021 Recruiting: Numbers Breakdown, Remaining Needs

The latest projected scholarship number for the 2021 season stands at 76. This number includes current roster players, incoming first-years, incoming transfers Thompson and Walker Jr., class of 2020 verbal commit Lorenz Terry, and 11 verbal commitments in the class of 2021.

A Football Bowl Subdivision program is allotted 85 scholarship players in a given season. If this number were to hold, UVA would have nine available scholarships for the class of 2021. Attrition happens every offseason in some form, so UVA almost certainly has more than nine spots remaining. In the end, though, I see Virginia taking around 20 prospects in 2021 and keeping a few spots open for the transfer market next spring.

Below is a scholarship rundown and 2021 needs projection by position, but first here are some notes regarding these numbers.

- Luke Wentz is listed at quarterback, his position on the official roster. However, I think it is likely that he’ll end up at another position.

- Prized class of 2020 recruit Andrew Gentry is not listed with the offensive linemen because he still plans on taking an LDS mission before enrolling on Grounds in the summer of 2022.

- I have slotted class of 2020 recruit Sam Brady as an inside linebacker, although he could play outside linebacker. Same goes for class of 2021 commit Langston Long. Brady reminds me of Zane Zandier coming out of high school – both were utilized at multiple positions in high school, and both are good overall athletes. If Brady plays outside, look for one of the other outside linebackers to move inside for more depth.

- Varina (VA) star Lorenz Terry, who committed to UVA in the class of 2020 but never signed, plans to attend FUMA this fall with the hopes of enrolling on Grounds in January of 2021. I have included him as a scholarship player on the roster.

Quarterbacks (7 scholarship players) – Lindell Stone (R-Sr), Keytaon Thompson (R-Sr), Brennan Armstrong (R-Jr), Luke Wentz (R-Soph), Ira Armstead (Soph or R-Fr), Jacob Rodriguez (Fr), Jay Woolfolk (Fr)

2021 Needs - The additions of Thompson (transfer) and Rodriguez (commitment) likely ends UVA’s pursuit of quarterbacks in the 2021 Class, even if Stone, who would be a fifth-year senior, and Wentz, who probably will switch positions, are not on the QB depth chart in 2021. Thompson at the very least provides much needed playable depth, while Rodriguez and Jay Woolfolk are the Thorterbacks of the future.

Running Backs (4) – Wayne Taulapapa (Sr), Ronnie Walker Jr. (R-Jr), Mike Hollins (Jr), Amaad Foston (Fr)

2021 Needs - Despite the additions of Walker Jr. and Foston to the unit, Virginia could still use another tailback in the class of 2021 (I’m sure UVA would love for Ronnie’s bother, Hopewell rising senior and Ohio State commit TreVeyon Henderson, to satisfy this need). If the Cavaliers do not add another prospect in 2021, Mendenhall and company could be active once again in the transfer market at this position next spring.

Wide Receivers (including H-Backs) (10) – Tavares Kelly Jr. (Sr), Billy Kemp IV (Sr), Ugo Obasi (R-Jr), Dontavyion Wicks (Jr), Nathaniel Beal III (R-Soph), Dorien Goddard (R-Soph), Lavel Davis Jr. (Soph or R-Fr), Demick Starling (Soph or R-Fr), Jesiah Davis (Fr), Malachi Fields (Fr)

2021 Needs - Virginia has picked up two receiver commitments in 2021. Davis is a sure-fire receiver, while the 6’4” Fields could get a look at other positions but is being recruited initially as a receiver. I don’t think UVA is finished recruiting the position and could look to add another prototypical receiver and an H-back type.

Tight Ends (2) – Grant Misch (R-Jr), Joshua Rawlings (Soph or R-Fr)

2021 Needs - No commitments yet, but Virginia has been active in terms of extending scholarship offers to tight end prospects in this class. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae named rising second-year walk-on Mike Kosar as a viable option at tight end along with likely starter Misch and true freshman Rawlings. In fact, based on Anae’s recent videoconference with reporters, Misch and Kosar appear to be the top two tight ends. But adding another scholarship tight end to the roster seems ideal unless the staff addresses with other players already on the roster.

Offensive Linemen (15) – Tommy Christ (R-Sr), Tyler Fannin (R-Sr), Olusegun Oluwatimi (R-Sr), Ryan Swoboda (R-Sr), Gerrik Vollmer (R- Sr), Bobby Haskins (Sr), Ryan Nelson (Sr), Joe Bissinger (R-Jr), Derek Devine (R-Jr), Micah Mariteragi (R-Jr), Martin Weisz (R-Jr), Kariem Al Soufi (R-Soph), Jonathan Leech (R-Soph), Zachary Teter (R-Soph), Jestus Johnson (Soph or R-Fr)

2021 Needs - The offensive line is Virginia’s biggest remaining position of need in 2021. The position should be a strength for the Hoos in the 2021 season; however, seven players will be in their final year. The Cavaliers need to keep adding to the unit to maintain depth. The fact that consensus 4-star Andrew Gentry is expected to arrive on Grounds in the summer of 2022 helps in that regard, but I think the Hoos try and take at least three prospects in 2021.

Defensive Linemen (9) – Aaron Faumui (Sr), Jordan Redmond (R-Jr), Samson Reed (R-Jr), Jowon Briggs (Jr), Ben Smiley III (R-Soph), Su Agunloye (Soph or R-Fr), Jahmeer Carter (Soph or R-Fr), Nusi Malani (Soph or R-Fr), Lorenz Terry (Fr)

2021 Needs - Three impressive defensive line prospects will be added to the mix this fall, and if Terry makes the grade the Hoos are off to a good start in 2021. Adding another prospect or two in addition to Terry makes sense, even if the defensive line is not a major need at this point. It is always important to keep adding talent in the trenches on a consistent basis.

Inside Linebackers (6) – TC Harrison (R-Jr), Nick Jackson (Jr), Josh Ahern (R-Soph), Sam Brady (R-Fr or Soph), Langston Long (Fr), West Weeks (Fr)

Outside Linebackers (8) – Noah Taylor (Sr), Jairus Satiu (Jr), D’Sean Perry (R-Soph), Hunter Stewart (R-Soph), Jonathan Horton (Soph or R-Fr), Brandon Williams (Soph or R-Fr), Michael Green (Fr), Josh McCarron (Fr)

2021 Needs - Virginia has four linebacker commits in 2021, including Weeks on the inside, McCarron and Green likely on the outside, and Long, who I project on the inside but he could play outside. Four good prospects in the fold already, and I would not be surprised if the Hoos took one more. Why? If the coaches do some in-house shuffling such as moving an outside player inside (Mikeysurf discussed the possibility of Hunter Stewart moving inside in this post), the coaches may want another outside linebacker in the fold.

Defensive Backs (14) – Darrius Bratton (R-Sr), Darnell Pratt (R-Sr), Heskin Smith (R-Sr), Jaylon Baker (R-Jr), Joseph White (R-Jr), Antonio Clary (Jr), Tenyeh Dixon (Jr), Chayce Chalmers (R-Soph), Fentrell Cypress II (R-Soph), Elijah Gaines (Soph or R-Fr), Dave Herard (Soph or R-Fr), Donovan Johnson (Soph or R-Fr), Micah Gaffney (Fr), William Simpkins III (Fr)

2021 Needs - Gaffney, a cornerback, and Simpkins III, who I like at corner but could play safety, are nice additions in 2021. UVA could add another cornerback/safety type this Sunday (May 10), when in-state standout Aidan Ryan makes his commitment. Even if Ryan comes on board I think Mendenhall would take one, maybe two more DBs in this class with Virginia Beach star Tony Grimes topping the wish list.

Special Teams (1) – Hunter Pearson, PK (Jr)

2021 Needs - Really depends on how the staff feels about who they have in place outside of Pearson, who is projected as the lone specialist on scholarship here. Justin Duenkel showed promise as a freshman walk-on kicker last season, and Ricky Brumfield mentioned walk-on Brendan Farrell will compete with Nash Griffin and Brian Delaney for the starting punter role in 2020.

Virginia’s Class of 2021

Jacob Rodriguez, Dual-Threat Quarterback, Rider (Wichita Falls, TX)
6’2”, 210 pounds
Rivals Ranking: 3 stars; No. 112 Texas
247Sports Ranking: 3 stars; No. 18 dual-threat quarterback; no. 112 Texas
Quick Take: Extremely productive, Rodriguez amassed 4,250 yards (3,003 passing and 1,247 rushing) and 49 touchdowns (33 passing, 16 rushing) his junior season. He is exactly the type of quarterback Coach Mendenhall wants running the offense. His toughness jumped out to me. As a runner he simply refuses to go down. The coaches will probably encourage that to change in college, but it speaks to his effort and heart. Virginia being able to lure him away from in-state schools Baylor and Texas Tech is notable and perhaps speaks to recruits taking notice of Bryce Perkins’ success.

Jay Woolfolk, Dual-Threat Quarterback, Benedictine (Richmond, VA)
6’1”, 200 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars; No. 19 dual-threat quarterback; no. 19 Virginia
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 12 dual-threat quarterback; no. 14 Virginia
Quick Take: Good overall athlete with the arm strength to match. Fits the “Thorterback” mold Mendenhall wants at quarterback. Benedictine head coach Greg Lilly called it “crazy” that Woolfolk wasn’t more heavily recruited. I like Woolfolk’s potential as a defensive back as well. He plays physical, is a good athlete, and could translate well to either corner or safety. UVA likes him as a quarterback, though. A multisport star, he plans to play football and baseball at UVA. His father starred for the University of Richmond men’s basketball team in the 1980s.

Amaad Foston, Running Back, John Milledge Academy (Milledgeville, GA)
6’0”, 200 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars; No. 29 running back; No. 48 Georgia
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 83 running back; No. 74 Georgia
Quick Take: Rugged, bruising back who reminds me in some ways of Jordan Ellis. Appears to have great work ethic, which is reminiscent of the former Cavalier star back.

Jesiah Davis, Wide Receiver, Hough (Cornelius, N.C.)
6’2”, 170 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 90 wide receiver; No. 29 North Carolina
Quick Take: Davis is slender, but he has good height, shows good acceleration and based off his highlights is comfortable catching the ball in traffic. Could work very well as a slot receiver in UVA’s system.

Malachi Fields, Wide Receiver/Athlete, Monticello (Charlottesville, VA)
6’4”, 200 pounds
Rivals: 2 stars
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 108 athlete; No. 34 VIrginia
Quick Take: Fields has an intriguing combination of size and athleticism. He is Monticello’s starting quarterback, a role he says helps his ability as a receiver, which is the position he likely will start out playing at Virginia. The intriguing aspect of his game is his kick return ability. He earned all-region honors last season as a kick returner, giving you glimpse of his playmaking ability. With that size and athleticism combo, Fields could translate to multiple positions on the college level.

Langston Long, Linebacker, Christ School (Arden, N.C.)
6’3”, 205 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 71 safety; No. 52 North Carolina
Quick Take: Lined up primarily at safety and occasionally at rush end for Christ School last season. He will play linebacker at Virginia, giving the Hoos another rangy, versatile athlete on defense.

West Weeks, Linebacker, Oconee County (Watkinsville, GA)
6’2”, 215 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars; No. 32 outside linebacker; No. 29 Georgia
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 107 athlete; No. 84 Georgia
Quick Take: A multi-positional player on a team that made the Georgia Class 4A state championship game, Weeks shows the ability to make plays no matter where lines up. He earned all-state honors for his play at linebacker, which is where Virginia likes him. Specifically, he says UVA wants him on the inside. Weeks comes from good football bloodlines, as his father played center at Georgia from 1991-1995.

Michael Green, Outside Linebacker, Lafayette (Williamsburg, VA)
6’4”, 215 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 82 wide receivers; No. 17 Virginia
Quick Take: Green’s recruiting stock has risen a lot throughout this year and it is easy to see why. He looks every bit of the size he is listed and shows terrific athletic ability and speed. Should be a great fit at OLB.

Josh McCarron, Outside Linebacker, Archbishop Murphy (WA)
6’4”, 215 pounds
Rivals: 4 stars; No. 221 overall; No. 11 weakside defensive end; No. 5 Washington
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 25 weakside defensive end; No. 11 Washington
Quick Take: Dominated from an edge rusher/defensive end spot last season, racking up 30 tackles for loss with 21 sacks. Virginia is recruiting him as an outside linebacker, which he likes because he wants to rush the quarterback and have the chance to play in space. He looks comfortable playing on the line on the high school level. His father is 6’8”, so it will be interesting to see how much more he grows before he arrives at UVA.

Micah Gaffney, Defensive Back, Spanish Fort (AL)
6’0”, 165 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars; No. 32 Alabama
247Sports: 3 stars;
Quick Take: Virginia has recruited the state of Alabama hard since Louisiana-native Ricky Brumfield was hired in January of 2018, offering 12 prospects in 2019, 12 more in 2020, and eight so far in 2021 (all offers according to 247Sports). The efforts paid off with a pledge from this talented cornerback prospect who exhibits great feet and quickness.

William Simpkins III, Defensive Back, Quince Orchard (Gaithersburg, MD)
6’2”, 175 pounds
Rivals: 3 stars; No. 34 Maryland
247Sports: 3 stars; No. 75 cornerback; No. 31 Maryland
Quick Take: Simpkins III has good size at cornerback, but he is versatile enough to play safety as well. He has played both on the high school level. Virginia beat out a host of ACC schools for the Quince Orchard star, which always adds something extra.