Ex-Virginia commit picks Duke

Duke has secured a high-profile commitment from wide receiver Tyree Watkins of Camden (N.J.) High, who had committed to Virginia last summer.

Watkins, who’s ranked as the 15th-best player overall in New Jersey by rivals.com, had been recruited at Virginia by Mike Groh, the former offensive coordinator who’s no longer with the Cavaliers after a shakeup on the staff led by his father, head coach Al Groh.

Camden coach Tom Hanson said that although Virginia continued to recruit Watkins, he didn’t feel as comfortable there after Mike Groh’s departure. Hanson said Pittsburgh and Penn State were among the other schools that offered Watkins a scholarship.

Although Watkins was recruited as a wide receiver by Duke, his most impressive statistics came on the defensive side of the ball in his senior season. He made 44 tackles, three interceptions and three sacks.

– Ken Tysiac