One of new Virginia football head coach Tony Elliott’s first scholarship offers in the transfer portal went to Andres Fox, a Stanford graduate transfer defensive end/outside linebacker. The 6’4”, 245-pound Fox has decided to give UVA a closer look.

“I have one visit set,” said Fox, who is also considering offers from Florida State and Maryland, among others. “I’m going to UVA on January 14.”

Fox has one more semester left before he earns his degree in Psychology, so he’ll enroll at his next destination in the summer of 2022. He hopes to establish his future plans sooner rather than later.

Elliott and two Virginia assistants have made a positive early impression on Fox.

“We had a great conversation,” Fox said, referring to his initial discussion with Elliott. “He has been the main [recruiter], but I’ve also heard from Coach Clint (Sintim) and Coach Tujague. I really like Coach Clint. He has the blueprint because he went to [UVA].”

As of this writing, UVA has not hired a defensive coordinator. That has not stopped Fox from scheduling a trip to Charlottesville. What will he be looking for on the visit?

“I’ll go with the flow and see how it goes,” Fox answered.

Fox signed with Stanford out of Mobile Christian School (AL) in the class of 2018. He played in seven games as a true freshman, seeing most of his action at defensive tackle. As a sophomore he was moved to outside linebacker. Fox played in four games that season, preserving redshirt status. He played in all six of Stanford’s games during the COVID year of 2020. In 2021, Fox played defensive end in a new defensive scheme. He saw action in six games.

In 23 career games with the Cardinal, Fox tallied 13 tackles including three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

“They didn’t really know where to put me,” Fox said when asked why he is leaving Stanford. “I wish it could have worked out better on the field, but Stanford really matured me as a man.”

Having used his redshirt and with an extra year available because of COVID, Fox should have two years of eligibility remaining. Virginia has playing time up available at defensive end and outside linebacker, as the Hoos recently lost defensive end Nusi Malani (Washington State) and starting outside linebacker Noah Taylor (UNC) to transfer.