The Virginia Letters

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Sitting at Virginia's football game-week press conference this afternoon, I was surprised to hear Associated Press reporter Hank Kurz ask defensive end Jake Snyder if he'd heard how U.Va. had recently sent letters to football recruits that basically said by the time they read the letter U.Va. will have already beaten Georgia Tech.

Snyder said he hadn't heard about it. I immediately went to Kurz and inquired about where he'd gotten the info about the alleged letters to recruits. He said U.Va. defensive coordinator Jim Reid told him after the Georgia Tech game the Cavaliers had sent out the letters.

Sounds like a pretty reputable source to me, but I'll try to get further confirmation. Either way, that's the kind of sexy line in a love letter to a recruit that makes a prospect take notice, especially if a program can back it up like U.Va. did with Saturday's 24-21 win against No. 12 Georgia Tech.

via: http://weblogs.dailypress.com/sports/college/accblog/2011/10/virginia_shows_confidence_in_r.html

This isn't the first time Virginia has passed along a letter to a recruit, far from it. In fact, snail-mail communication with prospective players is a practice that began under Al Groh, and is continued by disciple Mike London. A The Key Play.com investigation has obtained copies of correspondence through the years.

DATED: OCTOBER 15, 2002 -- RECIPIENT: XAVIER ADIBI

Xavier,

You're going to have to sell yourself a little bit better son. Are you worth that scholarship? I've seen a lot of other players move better than you and they can make all the open field tackles too. How are you going to separate yourself from the pack for me?

I'm still not convinced,

Virginia Head Coach Al Groh

***

DATED: DECEMBER 3, 2005 -- RECIPIENT: JOHN GRAVES

JG!

I know everything up until this point is just a formality until you announce your commitment in two weeks, but I wanted to thank you again for visiting the University and touring the grounds yesterday.

You're going to look sharp on Saturdays in navy and orange!

-- Mikey Groh

***

DATED: JUNE 1, 2006 -- RECIPIENT: DANNY COALE

Mr. Coale,

During the recruiting year I can't say we took your interest in playing at Virginia too seriously. That all changed when Virginia Tech offered you a scholarship. Obviously, now, my staff and I feel like you're special player who can play at the next level. The Cavs intend to close out the end of the season with a victory in Blacksburg; think about that before making your decision.

Wahoowa,

Al

***

DATED: JUNE, 18, 2006 -- RECIPIENT: TYROD TAYLOR

Ty,

I bet you never thought that I'd hand the phone to Urban, huh? We bumped into each other in Florida and figured you two had a lot to talk about. I can get you in touch with him at any time.

Best of luck,

Virginia Football Defensive Coordinator Mike London

***

DATED: NOVEMBER 29, 2009 -- RECIPIENT: MULTIPLE RECIPIENTS

By the time you read this, I will have been fired.

Sincerely Yours,

Former Virginia Football Head Coach Al Groh

***

DATED: JUNE 7, 2011 -- RECIPIENT: J.C. COLEMAN

J.C.,

Did you wow them in Oregon? I've been keeping an interest in how your summer workouts and camps are going. This hit my BlackBerry today...

Would you consider a getting a new cut with me from a barber in Charlottesville?

All the best,

Coach Mike

***

DATED: JANUARY 4, 2011 -- RECIPIENT: DARIUS REDMAN

PLEASE DON'T GO!

(VIA: 434-***-****)

***

MULTIPLE DATES: APRIL 19, 2009, DECEMBER 16, 2010, FEBRUARY 2, 2011 -- CARBON-COPY -- RECIPIENT: CURTIS GRANT

Curtis,

Prayed for you and yours today. Do me a favor and give a wink at your mom for me.

In all things Jesus Christ,

Mike London

***

DATED: AUGUST 12, 2011 -- RECIPIENTS: ELI HAROLD C/O JAMIE OAKES

Eli,

Look at "Hoo's" the new number one player in the state.

Coach London

***

DATED: NOVEMBER 13, 2011 -- RECIPIENT: MULTIPLE RECIPIENTS

Duke's a tough team, and a good program. No, it's not a setback. The loss just draws a clearer map for the direction we need to go as a program, and we need you on board to get there.

Never Defeated,

Virginia Football Head Coach Mike London

Comments

Found another one

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NO TWEEDY, IT'S WHIP!!!!!!!

PL

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eric

"My advice to you... is to start drinking heavily."-John Blutarsky

the best part

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eric

"My advice to you... is to start drinking heavily."-John Blutarsky