Football: Ocean Lakes star says no surprises

Last year, Lafonte Thourogood called an audible.

Ocean Lakes’ star quarterback originally committed to Virginia Tech but had a change of heart and chose Vanderbilt when he picked up a pen for National Signing Day.

Will there be a repeat today?

“Heck, no,” Eli Harold, Ocean Lakes’ latest star recruit, said this week. “None of that.”

Harold, a defensive end widely regarded as South Hampton Roads’ top recruit in the Class of 2012, said he plans to sign a national letter of intent with Virginia today. He should join eight other area players in picking the Cavaliers and coach Mike London.

Also expected to join Harold in Virginia’s latest recruiting class: Bayside wide receiver Anthony Cooper, Landstown tight end Kyle Dockins, Green Run linebacker Mark Hall, Salem running back Divante Walker and four Norfolk Christian players – linebacker Kwontie Moore, defensive end Courtnye Wynn and receivers Mario Nixon and Wil Wahee.

“We’re really proud,” Harold said. “We planned it all out and want to be part of something great. We want to help them come back.”

Virginia Tech’s area commits in the Class of 2012 include Oscar Smith running back J.C. Coleman, who graduated early and already is enrolled in Blacksburg; Wilson defensive back Der’Woun Greene; and Cox lineman Alston Smith, son of NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.

Grassfield linebacker Avery Thompson, who has committed to Maryland, is the only other South Hampton Roads player expected to sign with a Bowl Championship Series team.

Old Dominion heads into today with commitments from Booker T. Washington linebacker Cal Cook, First Colonial linebacker Anderson Miller, Hickory lineman Troy Butler and Norcom wide receiver Isaac White.

Two players – Oscar Smith receiver Sequan Gooding and Landstown defensive back Justin Motley – committed to Western Michigan.

Still, no college has a bigger haul in South Hampton Roads than Virginia. Five area players picked the Cavaliers last year, including All-Tidewater Player of the Year Demetrious Nicholson.

“Mike London is doing great things,” Harold said. “He’s got a dedicated coaching staff with a lot of guys aiming for the same goals.”

Jami Frankenberry, 757-446-2376, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com