ODUfootballfan
February 1st, 2008, 04:58 PM
Phoebus' Evans, Purnell commit
Dave Johnson and Melinda Waldrop | Daily Press
3:47 PM EST, February 1, 2008
Two mainstays in Phoebus High's lineup over the past two seasons will be continuing their football careers at nearby colleges.
Reid Evans, first-team All-State at cornerback and second team at wide receiver, said he plans to commit to Old Dominion today during his official visit. Andre Purnell, a starter the past two seasons at right tackle, has committed to Norfolk State.
Evans had hoped to receive an offer from the University of Virginia, where he visited last weekend, but said "it didn't work out." He also had received interest from Youngstown State.
Evans said he can "come in and make history" at ODU, which will begin competing in football in 2009.
"The coach (Bobby Wilder) told me a lot about the program," Evans said. "They're throwing the ball a lot, too."
Evans, who had 68 receptions for 1,135 yards and eight touchdowns last season, said the school's proximity to his home appealed to him. He also likes the idea of redshirting with the rest of the Monarchs' inaugural class.
"It gives me a whole year to work out," Evans said.
Evans is the second Peninsula District player to commit to ODU, joining Denbigh safety Devon Simmons. Gloucester quarterback Tommy Reamon Jr. is expected to be the third when he announces his choice Tuesday.
Purnell, 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, was a starter on the 2006 team that won the Group AAA Division 5 championship and the '07 team that advanced to the state semifinals.
"He did a real good job for us the last two years," Phoebus coach Bill Dee said. "He's a really big kid, and he's going to be huge. He has a thin frame and has a lot of potential for size."
Dee believes Purnell could eventually be a 300-pounder in college.
"He was a solid player for us," Dee said. "And I think his best football is ahead of him."
Purnell is the second PD player to commit to Norfolk State, joining Bethel cornerback Marcus Cooperwood.
In other recruiting news: Solon (Ohio) linebacker Steve Greer became Virginia's 18th commitment after visiting campus Thursday.
Greer, 6-2 and 218 pounds, had 150 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior. He also considered North Carolina and Oklahoma State.
The national signing period begins Wednesday.
More articles
Dave Johnson and Melinda Waldrop | Daily Press
3:47 PM EST, February 1, 2008
Two mainstays in Phoebus High's lineup over the past two seasons will be continuing their football careers at nearby colleges.
Reid Evans, first-team All-State at cornerback and second team at wide receiver, said he plans to commit to Old Dominion today during his official visit. Andre Purnell, a starter the past two seasons at right tackle, has committed to Norfolk State.
Evans had hoped to receive an offer from the University of Virginia, where he visited last weekend, but said "it didn't work out." He also had received interest from Youngstown State.
Evans said he can "come in and make history" at ODU, which will begin competing in football in 2009.
"The coach (Bobby Wilder) told me a lot about the program," Evans said. "They're throwing the ball a lot, too."
Evans, who had 68 receptions for 1,135 yards and eight touchdowns last season, said the school's proximity to his home appealed to him. He also likes the idea of redshirting with the rest of the Monarchs' inaugural class.
"It gives me a whole year to work out," Evans said.
Evans is the second Peninsula District player to commit to ODU, joining Denbigh safety Devon Simmons. Gloucester quarterback Tommy Reamon Jr. is expected to be the third when he announces his choice Tuesday.
Purnell, 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, was a starter on the 2006 team that won the Group AAA Division 5 championship and the '07 team that advanced to the state semifinals.
"He did a real good job for us the last two years," Phoebus coach Bill Dee said. "He's a really big kid, and he's going to be huge. He has a thin frame and has a lot of potential for size."
Dee believes Purnell could eventually be a 300-pounder in college.
"He was a solid player for us," Dee said. "And I think his best football is ahead of him."
Purnell is the second PD player to commit to Norfolk State, joining Bethel cornerback Marcus Cooperwood.
In other recruiting news: Solon (Ohio) linebacker Steve Greer became Virginia's 18th commitment after visiting campus Thursday.
Greer, 6-2 and 218 pounds, had 150 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior. He also considered North Carolina and Oklahoma State.
The national signing period begins Wednesday.
More articles