Following a successful recruiting week in which 4-star offensive tackle Logan Taylor and 3-star linebacker/athlete James Jackson joined #THEStandard21, the University of Virginia football program sits at 19 verbal commitments in the class of 2021. As the Hoos look to close out this class, tight end is one position Coach Mendenhall and company seem intent on addressing.

Virginia has offered double-digit tight end prospects in the 2021 Class, the latest recipient being Jack Witmer, a 6’7”, 235-pound prospect out of Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas.

Air Force, Central Florida, Florida International, Iowa State, New Mexico and Toledo are among the previous schools that offered the two-time First Team All-District 17-6A tight end. Witmer also boasts offers from Ivy League schools Columbia, Dartmouth and Yale.

Asked for his initial reaction to landing the Virginia offer, Witmer answered: “Initially I was at a loss for words. UVA is an incredible school with some of the top academics in the country and one of the best football teams too. I`m still on cloud-9 from this offer. I can't express into words how excited I am about this opportunity.”

Virginia’s coaches have been in communication with Witmer since February of this year. Ricky Brumfield, who recently added Tight Ends Coach to his coaching responsibilities, was the only Cavalier coach Witmer had spoken with until Thursday (July 23), when he had a virtual introduction to the entire staff.

“I was on a Zoom with the entire staff [Thursday] and I’ve got to say they have me fired up about a visit,” Witmer wrote over Twitter direct message. “They are great guys who are committed to winning.”

Witmer's knowledge UVA and its football program should grow soon. He says he has “lots of Zooms and talks with the coaching staff set up so I can learn what the program is all about.”

Thursday’s Zoom meeting was “just an introduction to the staff,” wrote Witmer, who plans to take a virtual tour of UVA’s Grounds on Friday. “They really like me and can’t wait to get me on campus.”

“They believe I can be the next NFL tight end out of the program,” Witmer wrote. “I think they see me very much in the same way as [Central Michigan graduate transfer Tony Poljan] as we both had the same build coming out of high school. I think they love my height and ability to block.”

A two-sport standout at Cy-Fair, Witmer says Air Force is eyeing him for basketball as well as football. Barring a change, though, football is where he will focus his athletic talents in college. As a junior last season, he earned First-Team All-District honors at tight end while helping the Bobcats to an undefeated regular season and an 11-1 overall record.

Getting the job done in the classroom as well, Witmer earned All-Academic All-District honors in 2018 and 2019. He is looking for the right combination of athletics and academics in his future school.

“I'm looking for a school that will challenge me academically as well as athletically,” Witmer wrote. “I plan to major in business so a school with a strong business school and alumni network are what I’d love to have. Athletically I want somewhere where I'll be able to compete for a spot and be used well as a tight end.”

Virginia quarterback commitment Jacob Rodriguez, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, wants Witmer to join him in Charlottesville.