UVA gets top running back recruit

By Jay Jenkins
Charlottesville Daily Progress
Published: February 27, 2008

Virginia has continued its early success in football recruiting, landing its third commitment for 2009 late Tuesday.

Caleb Porzel, a 5-foot-9, 170-pounder from Good Counsel High in Maryland, informed the coaching staff of his decision just days after visiting UVa for the program’s annual Junior Day.

Porzel was the leading tailback as junior for Good Counsel High School in Maryland, but given the two previous commitments, both of which were running backs, he was told he will be slotted on offense as a wideout. Prozel, boasting 4.32 speed in the 40-yard dash, could make a bigger impact, especially initially, on special teams.

As a junior, Porzel netted 955 rushing yards and scored 18 touchdowns. One of his scores came on a 95-yard kickoff return in the state playoffs. He also averaged 8.9 yards per carry despite splitting carries with Jelani Jenkins, a four-star prospect that is being recruited as a linebacker by the Cavaliers.

Porzel picked UVa over offers from West Virginia and Pittsburgh.