Family Ties

Jefferson Forest (Va.) defensive back Colby Rhodes has been to over thirty games in Charlottesville over the years. His brother also played running back at Virginia from 1994 to 1996. He considers Charlottesville like a second home.

Colby Rhodes has more than a few ties to the University of Virginia. His brother, C.E. Rhodes played running back for the Hoos from 1994-1996 and was on the first Cavalier team to beat Florida State in the ACC. While he was only three years old, Colby was in the stands for that game and was also in the stands ten years later, when the Cavaliers beat Florida State again in 2005. This should all but guarantee him a seat for the 2015 game, at least as a good luck charm.

“I have been to so many games at Virginia,” says Rhodes. “I think I have been to thirty or more. I have been to all the Virginia versus North Carolina games. Also almost all of their home games as far back as I can remember. I have been down to Death Valley to watch them play. I have my brothers’ roommates jersey from the Carquest Bowl game against Miami and my brothers jersey from the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. It’s like a Virginia shrine.”

Rhodes has also known defensive backs coach Anthony Poindexter since he was a little kid.

“I have known Dex since I was a little kid. He grew up with my brothers, I consider him like family. He coaches at Virginia now and I would love to get an offer from them. They have such great academics and a degree from Virginia would set me up for my life long after I’m done playing football. They are in the process of revamping the program and if they came knocking with an offer I would definitely answer the door.”

So does Rhodes think an offer will definitely come because of his close connections to the program?

“I think my brothers growing up with Coach Poindexter and playing football with Al Groh’s son gives me a better chance to be seen. But they have all told me that my talent and level of play will determine whether or not an offer comes, nothing is going to be handed to me because of who I know. If for some reason my recruiting falls off the map I’m fairly sure a walk on spot would be there, but I’m not banking on that.”

Talking to Colby is like talking to an ACC football historian. He goes back as far as he can remember and can tell you just about anything pertaining to the schools.

“I did my fair share of traveling as a kid, watching my brother play. I normally go up at least one or two times every season to see some games. Going all over the east coast watching Virginia play has given me some of my best childhood memories.”

Rhodes is hoping that an offer comes after he gets to camp at the school this summer.

Last year Rhodes had 37 tackles, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles as a defensive back. He also had two receiving touchdowns and averaged 25.6 yards per kick return.

He might be a bit undersized at 5-foot-8, 162-pounds, but does not let that stop him.

“I have run into guys six inches taller than me. They think they are going to have their way with me but I have made plays against them. I feel I have a knack for finding the ball and coming up with big plays in big spots in the game. Also when the ball is in the air its mine, no matter what.”

Virginia will certainly give Rhodes a look, especially if they want a good luck charm against the Seminoles.