The Next Generation of Hoos: James Westervelt Talks UVA Football

Virginia’s 2027 recruiting class continues to gain momentum, and one of its newest additions may be one of the most intriguing prospects yet. Recently committed tight end James Westervelt joined The Cavalier Connection Podcast to discuss his decision to become a Cavalier, his relationship with the coaching staff, and what UVA fans can expect when he arrives in Charlottesville.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound standout from John Carroll High School in Maryland brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and versatility to Virginia’s future roster. After catching 31 passes for 431 yards as a junior while also contributing on defense and special teams, Westervelt believes his best football is still ahead of him.

Virginia Felt Like Home

For Westervelt, the decision to commit to Virginia became clear during his official visit. “I think it was probably on the second day of that official visit,” Westervelt said. “I just got that feeling. I had all my questions answered, and I knew it was going to be the spot for me.” While several ACC programs pursued him throughout the recruiting process, Virginia separated itself through the relationships he built with both the coaching staff and current players. “The people there,” Westervelt explained. “The people and the coaches, you’re not going to find anything like that anywhere else. I really felt a connection with the coaches and players at UVA.” That family atmosphere has become a common theme among Virginia recruits, and Westervelt experienced it firsthand during his visits to Charlottesville.

Coach Elliott Made a Major Impact

One of the biggest factors in Westervelt’s decision was head coach Tony Elliott. “He was a huge factor,” Westervelt said. “He’s as much of a people person as you get as a head coach. He’s got a lot on his plate, but he still takes time out of his day to get to know me and my parents. That really stuck out.” Westervelt also formed a strong connection with tight ends coach Ashford. “I think me and Coach Ashford really hit it off,” Westervelt said. “We both golf. He took me golfing on my official visit with my dad. He’s just so easy to relate to and talk to. He’s such a good dude.” Building those relationships helped solidify Virginia as the clear choice.

A Complete Tight End

While many recruiting services classify players as either receiving threats or blocking specialists, Westervelt prides himself on being capable of doing both. “I would say I’m pretty well-rounded,” he said. “Obviously, there’s always things to improve on, but I think I can block, catch, and do a little bit of everything.” His favorite aspect of the position is what happens after the catch. “I think what I can do after the catch is probably my biggest strength,” Westervelt explained. “I’m a big guy with good hands from playing basketball and baseball growing up. Once I break a tackle and get into open space, I think that’s where I’m most dangerous.” Virginia’s coaching staff sees similar potential. Westervelt said the Cavaliers envision him as a true hybrid tight end capable of impacting both the passing game and the run game. “They don’t see me as just another lineman,” he said. “They showed me how they use their tight ends in the offense, and they want me to be able to do both — catch passes and make an impact in the blocking game.”

More Than Just a Tight End

One thing that quickly becomes apparent when talking with Westervelt is his athletic versatility. In addition to playing tight end, he has lined up at defensive end and even serves as his high school’s punter. Playing defense has given him a unique perspective when lining up on offense. “Knowing what defensive ends are thinking definitely helps me,” he said. “When I’m playing tight end, I have a better understanding of what they’re trying to do because I play the position too.”

As for punting?

“I love punting,” Westervelt said with a laugh. “I played soccer growing up, so I can kick it pretty far. We’ve even run some trick plays out of it.” It’s that kind of all-around athletic ability that made him such an attractive prospect for Virginia.

Westervelt has been paying attention to Virginia’s recent success under Elliott and believes the program is headed in the right direction. “He says he’s going to change the program, and then he does it,” Westervelt said. “Everything he’s said he’s was going to do, he’s done. I think it’s only going to keep going uphill.” The future Cavalier believes Virginia has positioned itself to compete at an even higher level moving forward. “I think the next step is definitely the College Football Playoff,” he said. “I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Helping Build the 2027 Class

Now that his own recruitment is over, Westervelt has already started helping recruit other prospects to Virginia. He’s been reaching out to fellow recruits and sharing his experiences from Charlottesville. “I just tell them how I felt about Virginia and what stood out to me,” he said. “The people there are unlike anywhere else.” His message to recruits considering Virginia is simple: “Keep researching it because you’re only going to love it more.”

One Word: Gritty

During the podcast’s rapid-fire segment, Westervelt was asked to describe his game in one word. His answer may have been the most telling moment of the interview.

“Gritty.”

Message to Wahoo Nation

Westervelt closed the interview with a message for Virginia fans. “I just want to say thank you,” he said. “Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m grateful and excited. They’re getting a great player, and I’m going to give them everything.” Based on his maturity, work ethic, and passion for Virginia football, Wahoo Nation has every reason to be excited about the future. The next generation of Hoos continues to take shape, and James Westervelt looks ready to be a major part of it.

For the full episode https://www.youtube.com/live/eaoiW9uyrV0?si=Rhuw5iAoz45K9jr7