I hate to bother you, but have you signed up for Sabre Edge yet?

Coach George Welsh

Sorry to be such a nuisance. It's just that now there's another good reason to become an Edge subscriber. In addition to the great recruiting information, the in-depth analysis, the colorful columns and interesting profiles, we've recently instituted a new feature called "Ask the Experts" that has been enormously popular with subscribers. The idea is for you, the fans, to ask questions about football, then we find experts (players, coaches, etc.) to provide the answers. We look at it as an ongoing course in Advanced Football. The latest installment, Ask The Experts #3: Coach Welsh, included some candid comments and fascinating insights into the recruiting process from the Hall of Fame coach.

The feedback from subscribers on the Edge board was tremendous. Among the comments: "What a fantastically fun read! Just wonderful stuff!" ... "Fascinating and enjoyable" ... "Great that he would go into that kind of detail" ... "This article is the best work of the Sabre" ... "Incredible...God Bless GW" ... "That alone is worth the subscription fee."

Generally, we try not to be overbearing in pushing the Edge. If you don't want it, that's fine. Everyone is more than welcome to enjoy the free articles and message boards. But for fans who want the best coverage, discussion and information about UVa athletics, Sabre Edge is for you. Now, thanks to "Ask the Experts," you can also learn a lot more about football, too.

So if you're not a subscriber, please consider signing up for Sabre Edge, if only for a month at $5.99 just to check it out. We think you'll get hooked. And for those of you who are already subscribers, thanks for supporting your favorite website (we hope), and always feel free to write me with your comments, suggestions and ideas.

Thanks!

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Football recruiting...

Hampton wide receiver Todd Nolen , the last remaining target on the board for the 2005 class, signed yesterday with Virginia Tech. He committed to the Hokies earlier in the week over UNC and UVa.

With the 2005 class a wrap, the attention turns to the 2006 recruits. State champion Landstown High School boasts several top recruits for 2006, including Rivals.com #1 junior Percy Harvin and Rivals.com Top 100 player Damon McDaniel. Both players will be recruited as wide receivers. Harvin will have offers from virtually every top program in the country while McDaniel should boast double-digit Division I-A offers. UVa has offered both players.

In addition to Harvin and McDaniel, UVa is showing early interest in Landstown defensive tackle Brandon Monroe. Monroe has not received any offers at this point.

Other 2006 in-state players who have received UVa offers include Highland Springs linebacker Jarrell Miller, Westfield running back Evan Royster, Granby wide receiver Chris Bell and Meadowbrook defensive lineman John Graves. The Cavaliers are showing serious interest in many other prospects, including Hermitage wide receiver Griff Yancey and Liberty (Bedford) defensive tackle Daryl Robertson.

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Post of the Week

This post was part of a thread on the Sabre Edge subscriber board discussing UVa's potential as a national power in football and basketball, and how academic standards help or hinder that possibility.

Subject: Re: See Duke in basketball
Posted by: Hoosball on Mon Feb 7 2005 2:54:40 PM
Message: I don't see where their academic reputation has been damaged from having a top-5 basketball team. I agree it sometimes appears the different components that makes up UVa are working against each other. But all schools have issues...we recognize UVa's because we are so close to the program. For every reason you can give me that UVa's academics are working against them, I can think of a way that it enhances our ability. All it takes is a vision and a commitment that we can be one of the elite's in both academics and athletics. I think UVa has made such a commitment. Self-imposed limitations are just that. self-limiting. I am a big believer in integrity and doing things the right way. When you conduct yourself in this way, you attract quality. Why can't we set the model for the perfect marriage between athletics and academics? A model that excels in both and is the envy of others! Yes, I am a glass half-full type of guy. I do believe in my lifetime we will see UVa in its proper place, a strong performer in all athletics and in the classroom as well. I am very bullish on the future of UVa!

Cavaliers embark on the comeback trail

Devin Smith drained this shot to beat the Seminoles.

After last week, it was reasonable to wonder whether the Virginia men's basketball team would win another game this season. After all, the Cavaliers looked like they had all but given up while surrendering 208 points against North Carolina and Providence.

But coach Pete Gillen shook things up against N.C. State and Florida State, going with a smaller starting lineup and a slowdown approach on offense. The result was a pair of narrow victories: 64-62 at N.C. State and 56-55 at home against Florida State.

Both games had dramatic conclusions. Sean Singletary's putback with 2.2 seconds left was the difference against the Wolfpack on Saturday. Four days later, Devin Smith's 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left gave Virginia its only lead of the game.

Will the revival continue? We'll see. Up next is a home game tomorrow at noon against Virginia Tech, followed by a trip to No. 2 North Carolina on Wednesday.

For the Sabre's story on the N.C. State game, please see the link below.

Sabre Edge articles and columns from the past week

Every month, Sabre Edge provides you with exclusive articles, columns, special features, interviews and recruiting news, including daily recruiting updates. There's even a special message board just for subscribers. And to top it off, you get 10 percent off all of your online purchases through TheSabreShop.com during your subscription.

All of the great Sabre Edge content can be yours for the price of $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Try it for a month and cancel if you like. But we think you'll get hooked on the Edge and find out for yourself why the most knowledgeable Cavalier fans are Edge subscribers.

If you're a true Wahoo, then the Sabre Edge is right for you. Check it out!