THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 9, 1994 TAG: 9412090758
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Western Branch's Todd Hollowell became the first area football player to give an oral commitment this fall when he announced Thursday he'll sign with Wake Forest.
Hollowell, a 6-7, 310-pound offensive tackle and second-team All-Tidewater pick, made his official recruiting visit last weekend.
``I like the academics, and everyone there is dedicated to making strides to excellence,'' he said.
Hollowell, who has met all the academic qualifications, canceled an official visit to Virginia. He made unofficial visits to Virginia, North Carolina, Penn State and East Carolina.
``Wake pushed the hardest and that put them over the top,'' he said.
Hollowell was a first-team All-Southeastern District pick this year, but didn't play as well as he had hoped.
``I weighed 330 pounds at the beginning of the season,'' he said. ``As I took off some weight I got better.''
Hollowell said he needs to improve his coordination and get stronger; he bench presses only 280 pounds.
That will come with maturity, Western Branch coach Lew Johnston said.
``Todd only turned 17 in September and has played football only four years,'' Johnston said. ``He was always too big to play in rec ball. He hasn't even begun to peak.''
Hollowell's teammate Dre Bly, a first-team All-Tidewater wide receiver, has scheduled his five recruiting visits, Johnston said.
Bly will visit Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Clemson and Syracuse.
Bly, who is also an All-Tidewater outfielder in baseball, is Western Branch's all-time scoring leader with 180 points. He is being recruited as defensive back as well as a receiver. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Todd Hollowell is a 6-foot-7, 310-pound lineman.
by CNB