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TheSabre.com caught up with Tony Franklin recently and got his impressions on his recruiting process and his thoughts on playing at Virginia next season. Franklin, 5-11, 175 (St. Peter Chanel HS, Bedford, OH), is one of the top running backs from the state of Ohio. Here's what he had to say .

On Head Coach Al Groh

"When I talked with Coach Groh, we had real good conversations and he pretty much is the reason I committed to Virginia. He came off to be a pretty fair and honest guy. He was pretty aggressive in the recruiting process and I liked the way he recruited me."

On committing to the Hoos so early (June, 2001)

"I didn't want to make this a long process. I only had three top schools: Ohio State, Georgia Tech and Virginia. Once I visited Ohio State and Virginia, I pretty much made my decision where I wanted to go. [With] Ohio State, I really didn't want to stay that close to home. Plus, they have a large stable of running backs, whereas at Virginia, they were not as deep at running back. [I liked] the quicker opportunity to be able to play at Virginia.

"I sent [Virginia] a highlight tape of me before they actually came after me. I pretty much went after them. Once I committed, I was pretty sure and I never really thought about changing [my decision]."

On Virginia

"I liked the campus and on my official visit [Dec. 7], I felt really comfortable with a lot of the players that are on the team: Jonathan Ward, Antwoine Womack, Marques Hagans. They're pretty cool guys. They showed me around a good time when I was down there on campus. It seemed like a place I can fit in."

On his speed

"My speed really helps me a lot. Once I get in the open field, nobody really can match my speed on the high school level. I just run by everybody and that's how I'm able to create big plays. I got the Division [Five] Player of the Year [award] in Ohio. I had 3,400 yards this year and 43 touchdowns."

Final thoughts

"I'm just really looking forward to getting a college experience, playing big-time college football and starting college classes. During the spring, I start track to try to get faster. Right now, during the off-season, I'm trying to lift weights and get bigger. I'm bench-pressing 325 [pounds].

"The coaches tell me if I do the physical part, I have the talent to play next year. I'm going to put on some weight so I can move up to the next level and be physical enough to play."

Want more details on the football recruiting class?

The Cavalier football program received signed letters of intent from all 26 of its commitments last week. Rated in the top ten by virtually every recruiting service, the Wahoos have assembled the greatest recruiting class in the program's history. Coach Al Groh has already been quoted as saying that many of these players will play as early as this season.

This month's Sabre Newsletter will highlight every recruit in the class, with quotes from players and coaches, as well as detailed information about each recruit. This month's Sabre Newsletter also features Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Danny Rocco. We also have a special feature on Keenan Carter, one of Virginia's earliest commitments for this class, and a person who perhaps had the greatest influence on the rest of the class.

If you're not a subscriber, now is a great time to get on board. You'll get anywhere from 7-10 features, articles, columns and interviews every month for 12 months, at the low price of $24.95. You also have the flexibility of reading the newsletter online, or downloading a printable version to take on the road, or read while lying around the house. If you're unsure, just stop by the message board and ask the masses what they think of the Sabre Newsletter. We're positive that you'll see favorable reviews.

More on UVa football's 13th game

On Thursday, August 22nd, 2002, Virginia will host Colorado State at Scott Stadium in the Jim Thrope Classic. The contest will be televised by one of the ESPN networks, and is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 PM. Specific details about the game, and confirmation on channel and time will be provided later.

2002 UVa Football Schedule

Aug. 22, Colorado State
Aug. 31, at Florida State
Sept. 7, South Carolina
Sept. 21, Akron
Sept. 28, at Wake Forest
Oct. 5, at Duke
Oct. 12, Clemson
Oct. 19, North Carolina
Oct. 26, at Georgia Tech
Nov. 9, at Penn State
Nov. 16, N.C. State
Nov. 23, Maryland
Nov. 30, at Virginia Tech

Virginia's recent basketball games played

Virginia escaped with home wins over Clemson and North Carolina this past week, snapping their four-game losing streak and putting themselves in position to make a late run and finish in the Top 3 of the ACC standings. The Cavaliers are currently 6-5 in conference play with five games left.

When do they play again?

The Hoos take the road this Sunday, February 17th to play Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, NC, and then travel to Tallahassee to take on Florida State Wednesday, February 20th. These are important road games for the Hoos. Wednesday night, Clemson upset Wake Forest and that has put the Cavaliers in position to take over fourth in the ACC standings and perhaps tie for 3rd if they can finish the season strong. There's no way at this point the Cavaliers can finish 1st or 2nd in the conference, even if they sweep their last five games.

Game time for the Wake game is 6:30 PM and the game is scheduled to be televised by Fox Sports Net. Game time for FSU is 7:00 PM and is not currently scheduled for TV.

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