The Virginia football team learned Wednesday that safety Quin Blanding would become the second Bayside High School standout and five-star prospect to commit to the University this month. Blanding, the top-rated safety in the 2014 recruiting class and the number four prospect overall according to Rivals.com, announced his decision in a press conference at the Virginia Beach high school.
The 6-foot-2 Blanding becomes the highest rated recruit to commit to the University under coach Mike London’s tenure, and he will join fellow Bayside High School product running back Taquan Mizzell, who officially joined the 2013 recruiting class on National Signing Day Feb. 6. London has had success attracting talent from the Tidewater area, and the duo will join fellow Bayside graduates sophomore cornerback Demetrious Nicholson, sophomore linebacker Henry Coley and freshman safety Anthony Cooper.
Blanding’s announcement represents a boon for Virginia after a tumultuous offseason that included the departure of five coaches from London’s staff. Blanding became the third straight top-rated Hampton Roads prospect to commit to the University, joining Mizzell and freshman defensive end Eli Harold, who quickly carved out a niche for the Cavaliers’ defense this season.
Blanding finished his junior season of high school with five interceptions and 111 tackles to earn Beach District defensive Player of the Year honors. He also had success as a receiver, notching 55 receptions for 1,035 yards and six touchdowns and was named a first-team All-Beach District wide receiver.
—compiled by Daniel Weltz
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