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Goal No. 10: NEVER GIVE UP. Never, never, never.
#10 Eric Gallon II
True Junior | 6-2 | 210 lbs. | Lakeland, Florida
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- Position: Linebacker
- Previous College: University of Virginia
- Projection: Redshirt
- Status: On Scholarship?
Eric Leon Gallon II (b. Aug. 20, 1996) is a transfer linebacker from Virginia who will redshirt and sit out the 2017 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. He then will have two years to play two, which should help with future linebacker depth.
Gallon was a three-star recruit out of Lakeland (Fla.) Christian School in 2015, according to 247Sports. He played his senior season for the Vikings under head coach Wayne Peace, carding 96 tackles, four sacks and an interception to help Lakeland Christian to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the Class 3A state semifinal round.
Gallon, who earned honorable mention all-state honors, played his sophomore and junior seasons at George Jenkins High School, recording 163 tackles and five sacks over that two-year span. He chose Virginia over offers from Army, Cincinnati, South Florida and Western Kentucky, among others.
Gallon played two seasons for the Cavaliers. He saw action in five games as a true freshman in 2015, including a start against North Carolina in which he made one tackle against the Tar Heels before leaving with a season-ending injury.
Gallon played in 10 games as a sophomore at Virginia, carding a tackle against Oregon.
His father, Eric, was a running back for the Wildcats from 1989 to 1992, rushing for 1,960 yards to rank 11th in school history. Eric Sr., now the running backs coach at Division III Brevard (N.C.) College, also was a captain as a senior in 1992. His son’s cousin, Jeremy Gallon, played wide receiver at Michigan from 2010 to 2013.