Fauquier lineman commits to UConn

If there’s one thing college coaches covet above most it’s size, so Connecticut’s Randy Edsall must be ecstatic after the Huskies picked up a verbal commitment from Fauquier’s 6-foot-6-inch, 250-pound Kevin Friend on Monday.

“He (Friend) is a smart, tough kid with great work effort,” Fauquier coach Mark Scott said. “His size and athletic ability translate well to the next level.”

The senior offensive tackle was the Falcons’ team MVP this season and a first-team All-Cedar Run District selection as well as a second-team All-Region selection.

Friend is also the second ranked heavyweight wrestler in Virginia, and Scott says his potential is out of this world.

“A year ago he (Friend) was only 215 pounds,” he said. “And he has the frame to put on another 50 pounds without losing a step.”

Old Dominion University, Rhode Island, William & Mary and Delaware were also in the hunt for the big guy’s services, but Friend settled on the Huskies because of their new facilities and academic programs, according to Scott.

Connor McCartin: The Falcons will be missing the anchor on their defense next year, but Fauquier’s loss is the Cavaliers’ gain.

Early in the season, linebacker Connor McCartin committed to play football at U.Va. next year, and he plans to make it official on national signing day — Feb. 4.

“He (McCartin) is a guy that’s all over the field,” Scott said. “He’s been the heart and soul of our defense for the last couple years.”

The two-time first-team All-District and All-Region selection will be joining his brother Kyle — who walked on at U.Va as a QB last year — in Charlottesville next season.

“He’s a good athlete with a nose for the ball,” Scott said of his three-year starter at inside linebacker. “He’s aggressive and he has that linebacker mentality.”

The 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound senior was also recruited by Kansas, but was so enamored with U.Va.’s proximity to home he didn’t even take any other visits, according to Scott.

Falcon linemen attract small schools
The Falcons finished last season 7-3, and seeing as how many of their offensive linemen are garnering the attention of college programs, their success should come as no surprise.

Guard Tyler Loyde, tackle/guard/center Houston Lamper and center Mike Henson have been the topic of several recruiting calls from many of Virginia’s Division-II and Division-III football programs.

North Carolina’s Campbell University, Bridgewater, Averett, Christopher Newport University, Ferrum and Shepherd University have all inquired about the Falcons linemen.

Fauquier QB, TE making the grade
Falcons quarterback Kyle Newman and jack-of-all-trades Andrew Bird have caught the attention of many small schools in and around Virginia.

Newman replaced Kyle McCartin at Fauquier this season and Bird played at defensive end, wide receiver and tight end for the Falcons.

Campbell University, Bridgewater, Averett, Christopher Newport and Ferrum have all contacted Scott about Newman and Bird.