ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 29, 1997 TAG: 9703310144
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY THE ROANOKE TIMES
Record-breaking running back Antoine Womack's letter-of-intent is signed, but it's up to the school to make his decision public.
Until the end, there was nothing ordinary about the recruiting of Phoebus High School running back Antoine Womack.
Womack, who broke the career rushing record in Group AAA, confirmed Friday that he had signed a letter-of-intent but wouldn't say with whom.
``I'm waiting for the fax,'' said Womack, who indicated that he would prefer to have his decision made public by the school.
Womack committed to Penn State on Jan. 17, but Virginia received word Friday that he planned to sign with the Cavaliers, although he had not told the coaches directly.
Womack, rated the No. 1 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times, was notified Thursday by UVa officials that an NCAA investigation had found no major violations.
Womack's mother said her son was told that he had done nothing wrong and that, while Virginia had done ``a little minor something,'' the Cavaliers could sign Womack without fear of sanctions.
Womack's decision came seven weeks after national letter-of-intent day, Feb. 5. If he had not signed by April 1, Womack's letter would not have been binding.
Womack, a 6-foot, 210-pounder, rushed for 1,611 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior and had 5,570 yards and 73 touchdowns in his career. He recently met NCAA requirements for freshman eligibility.
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB