Four Matoaca football players made waves on the recruiting newswire over the past week. The headliner was a commitment from Jalen Bailey to Virginia State after a successful prep year at Fork Union Military Academy.
While the season for Virginia State is uncertain with COVID-19, Matoaca football coach said that Jalen would be physically ready after a year of prep at Fork Union. Jalen’s path to college football took an unexpected turn as he tore his ACL prior to his senior season. After a successful rehab of the injury, he completed a year at Fork Union and earned a scholarship.
“Jalen always had good hands and good hips,” said Parker. “He’s strong enough to break tackles.”
Younger brother Devin received a roster spot offer from Division III Washington and Lee. This follows an offer to walk on at Virginia Tech, as well as roster spot offers from Hampden-Sydney.
“There’s going to be much more coming from Devin,” Parker said.
Banks, Jr. is a rising senior who has worked hard on his body over the last couple years getting it to the point where college coaches are interested in his athleticism.
“He’s a solid football player who is learning the game at a high rate,” said Parker.”
Offensive lineman Ahkari Haggard also picked up a new offer from Division II Saint Anselm. The school previously offered Matoaca’s Jordan Robinson as well.
This news follows what has been a busy recruiting stretch for Matoaca after Troy Lewis and Jacob Coleman committed to East Carolina. Another student athlete, Benjamin White notched a roster spot offer from Hampden-Sydney, also.
