CAVALIERS' CLASS RATED AS ONE OF NATION'S BEST FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW.(SPORTS) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

Byline: ED MILLER THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

CHARLOTTESVILLE -- A year ago on national signing day, Virginia football coach Al Groh introduced a recruiting class rated by many analysts as one of the top 10 in the nation.

'I said at the time that if we got one more like it, we'd be really good,' Groh said. 'If we got two more like it, we'd be as good as anybody.'

By Groh's reckoning, Virginia is right on track. Wednesday, the coach unveiled another strong class of recruits, one that several analysts agree is among the nation's 25 best.

'That's two in a row,' Groh said. 'Now we're already thinking towards No. 3.'

The 21-member class is heavy on offensive linemen, receivers and linebackers - areas of particular need for Virginia, Groh said. It features 10 players from Virginia, including two from South Hampton Roads, and 11 from out of state.

'Even though there's a lot of talent out there generally, we try to target the needs of the team,' Groh said. 'We try to recruit to build the team, not for ego's sake.'

Consequently, Virginia didn't sign a tailback since it has several good ones returning. They signed just one quarterback, because they have three returning.

Rivals.com ranked Virginia's class 19th, while the insider.com had it 22nd. Two others had the Cavs No. 24 and 25.

Rivals was the only Web site to include linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the class. Brooks, a high school All-American in 2001, signed with U.Va. last year but failed to qualify academically. He spent this past season at Hargrave Military Academy then enrolled at Virginia last month. Brooks is expected to participate in spring practice.

Highlighting the class are several players rated among the top 100 in the nation. Tight end Jonathan Stupar of State College, Pa., was rated the nation's No. 33 player overall by SuperPrep. Linebacker Jermaine Dias of Hackensack, N.J., was No. 74. Center Jordy Lipsey of Longwood, Fla., was regarded as the top center in the nation by several recruiting services. Ian Yates-Cunningham, a lineman from Plano, Texas, was SuperPrep's sixth-rated offensive lineman.

Locally, the Cavaliers signed Phoebus defensive back Philip Brown, considered by some to be the state's top player, and two from Virginia Beach: safety Robbie Catterton of Kellam and receiver Shannon Lane of Salem.

'Robbie just shows up where the ball is,' Groh said. 'And he's got a good toughness about him.'

Groh praised Lane's big-play ability.

As for Brown, Groh called him a 'shut-down corner,' adding, 'Those are hard to find.'

Fourteen members of last year's class played in 2002, a high number in major college football.

Groh said he doesn't expect as many true freshmen to play this fall.

'But I think there will be a good amount of these players who will be involved and will contribute,' he said.

With recruiting wrapped up, Groh said he'll turn his attention to hiring an offensive coordinator. Bill Musgrave resigned last month to become offensive coordinator for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.

Reach Ed Miller at 446-2372 or at emiller pilotonline.com

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Highlighting the class are several players in the top 100 in the nation:

* Jonathan Stupar, a tight end from State College, Pa.

* Jermaine Dias, a line-backer from Hackensack, N.J.

* Jordy Lipsey, a center from Longwood, Fla.

* Ian Yates-Cunningham, a lineman from Plano, Texas Color photo

The Virginian-Pilot file photos

U.Va. signed two players from South Hampton Roads: safety Robbie Catterton of Kellam, left, and receiver Shannon Lane of Salem.

Photo

The Virginian-Pilot file photo

'We try to recruit to build the team, not for ego's sake.'

- Al Groh, U.Va. football coach