Magnificent 7: Prized recruit Harold wanted to play for London

Virginia coach Mike London walked into Ocean Lakes High and put one request out on the table.

What London sought was a chance to showcase himself, his program and his vision. Eli Harold, the prized pearl in the recruiting world in Virginia and beyond, was shocked by the question.

“When he came to offer me, he asked if I would give them a fair shot,” said Harold, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound defensive end that was rated as a five-star talent and amongst the top 30 prospects in the country by multiple recruiting services.

Harold thought one thing and spoke out of the other side of his mouth.

“I told him yes, but I really wasn’t sure at first,” Harold said. “Florida was my school at that point and time.”

Today, Virginia will benefit from the offering given by London as a stellar crop of new players will be welcomed officially into the fold as National Signing Day arrives. The Cavaliers are expected to receive National Letters of Intent from 25 players, which does not include four-star quarterback Greyson Lambert. The signal caller enrolled early at Virginia and will count towards the Class of 2011 in the eyes of the NCAA.

Virginia’s class is ranked among the top 30 schools in recruiting nationally, a figure that ranges based on the recruiting service, but the figure stands among the elite because Harold did give London a chance to sell what the Cavaliers could provide.

“Sometimes it is not about how many rings you win, how big your stadium is, how many uniform combinations you can get, but it is about surrounding yourself with great individuals,” Harold said. “I eventually came to my senses.”

The nation and other recruits took notice when Harold picked Virginia over Florida, LSU, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech and almost every other major college football program in the nation.

In the end, it appears that Harold picked London as much as he picked Virginia.

“If Coach London wasn’t there I probably would not have even looked at UVa,” said Harold, who had 78 tackles, 28 stops for a loss and 16 sacks during an All-American senior campaign at Ocean Lakes. He also rushed for 420 yards and 17 touchdowns. “Coach London means the world to me. I just can’t wait to get into his presence and try to help him win games. To have him as a mentor to me is a big thing in my life. I need him as a man in my life right now, someone that can teach me the ropes and make me a man. I can’t wait to get there and get started.”

Some analysts have noted that Harold will struggle in base defensive sets with weight issues, but Virginia plans to put the speedster in pass-rushing situations initially.

Harold, however, said that only time will tell how the process plays out.

“God blessed me with this talent and ability and being looked at as one of the top recruits in the country is a big thing,” he said. “I don’t want it to get to my head but I am very humbled to be one of the most sought after recruits in the country.

“I am so excited to start my career at the University of Virginia.”