http://cjonline.com/stories/051808/cat_280248186.shtmlDefensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald, a former freshman All-American at Virginia, will transfer to K-State after academic issues reportedly derailed his career at Virginia.
Patrick Kane, who coached Fitzgerald at Hermitage High in Richmond, Va., confirmed that the 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end plans to join Prince, a former Cavalier assistant, at K-State.
Fitzgerald played two seasons at Virginia, recording seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss last year while playing opposite Chris Long.
In fact, ESPN's Mark Schlabach noted that some opponents considered Fitzgerald more explosive than Long, the second overall selection in the recent NFL draft.
Could the NFL be in Fitzgerald's future as well?
"I wouldn't be surprised," Kane said.
Fitzgerald will sit out this fall and will have one season to play at K-State.
Rivals.com rated Fitzgerald as the No. 9 player in Virginia out of high school, and he chose the Cavaliers over offers from Virginia Tech, Florida, Nebraska and others.
Fitzgerald recorded eight tackles and a sack against Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl, but reports surfaced in January that academic issues could end his career at Virginia.
Jim Daves, Virginia's assistant athletic director for media relations, declined to specify whether Fitzgerald was dismissed from the university or withdrew of his own accord, citing privacy issues.
Whatever the situation, Kane was confident Fitzgerald would be able to put it behind him at K-State.
"He's a first-class individual," Kane said. "He'll succeed in whatever situation he's in."
Fitzgerald will become the second former Cavalier to join Prince at K-State. Linebacker Olu Hall will be eligible to play for the Wildcats in the fall after encountering academic problems at Virginia.
