Football commitment: Western Branch's Sparrow chooses Virginia

CHESAPEAKE

Western Branch standout Javanti Sparrow wanted to have his college decision finalized by the end of the month.

Sparrow, a speedy wide receiver and defensive back, achieved his goal when he committed to Virginia on Sunday following a recruiting trip there over the weekend.

“When I took the visit I just felt at home,” said Sparrow, who was in attendance on Saturday to watch Virginia beat East Carolina. “They’ve been recruiting me for awhile.

“Plus, it’s a good academic school and I felt like if football didn’t work out, I can still have a good job in the future.”

Sparrow also liked the coaches and the players, including former Salem linebacker Antonio Appleby, who was Sparrow’s chaperone for the weekend.

He added that watching Virginia beat East Carolina following its victory over Maryland the previous week proved to him that the program is solid.

“I was really excited for them,” said Sparrow, who chose the Cavaliers over Clemson, North Carolina, Penn State, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. “That just showed me that they have a lot of heart. When they beat ECU, it just showed me that if they could beat them than they could beat anybody.”

Sparrow, who helped lead Western Branch to Group AAA state titles in indoor and outdoor track last school year, has the speed and athleticism to play on either side of the ball.

“They said it’s my choice but I’m looking at receiver because they are real thin at that position and they need some help there,” he said. “And with my speed and my ability I could play as a true freshman.”

For now, Sparrow just wants to lead the Bruins (6-1 overall, 5-1 Southeastern District) to the playoffs.

“It feels real good,” Sparrow said about making his college choice. “I feel like I got a lot of pressure off of my shoulders and now I focus on helping my teammates.”