Virginia Football Lands Commitment From Army Transfer DB Donavon Platt

Platt becomes the newest transfer to join the Cavaliers secondary and will look to compete for playing time and make an impact

Sep 4, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; A Virginia Cavaliers helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game between William & Mary Tribe and the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-Imagn Images / Scott Taetsch-Imagn Images

Virginia Football has been busy in the transfer portal this offseason, particularly in the secondary, and this morning, they added another member to the defensive back room. Army transfer defensive back Donavon Platt announced this morning that he was going to be transferring to join the Cavaliers program. Platt finished last season with 15 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended.

Army DB Donavon Platt has committed to Virginia, his agents tell @SWiltfong_ and I.

He had 15 tackles, 2 INTs and 4 passes defended this past season. https://t.co/wMrfFrcNOy pic.twitter.com/y80TGC6KJ3

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) May 15, 2025

Platt is an experienced cornerback who should fit in with Tony Elliott's program. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Platt finished last season with a 64.0 overall grade in 521 snaps, including 67.3 in coverage. The concerning grade would be on his tackling and run stopping performance. PFF handed out a 28.2 tackling grade to Platt and a 45.2 run defense grade. There is reason to hope that is not a trend though. In the two years prior, Platt finished with an 81.9 tackling grade and a 69.3. Platt played the most snaps of his career a year ago and will look to continue his upward trajectory this fall with the Cavaliers.

Virginia got big boosts earlier this month when they landed a pair of quality defensive backs. Emmanuel Karnley left Miami after a brief stop with the Hurricanes and the former Arizona Wildcat is going to be trying to improve the back end for Virginia. Karnley is a four-star transfer according to 247Sports and should be an instant impact player, but he was not the only notable defensive back addition this month.

Virginia managed to pull in New Mexico State defensive back Da'Marcus Crosby as well. Our own Aidan Baller broke down his commitment:

"The 6’2 safety from Houston, Texas, started his collegiate career in junior college at Kilgore College in Texas. In his sophomore year, Crosby starred for the Rangers, registering 75 tackles, three interceptions, and forced three fumbles. In a 51-14 win over Blinn College, Crosby took one interception to the house. 

After two seasons at Kilgore, Crosby transferred to Sam Houston State University, remaining in the Lone Star State while upgrading to FBS football. Crosby joined the Bearkats in their first-ever season of FBS football. 

At SHSU, Crosby earned All-Conference USA First Team as he picked up 55 tackles, three pass breakups, and four interceptions. Against Kennesaw State, Crosby registered 10 tackles and a key fourth-quarter interception that set up the game-winning field goal. The performance earned Crosby CUSA Defensive Player of the Week honors."

There has not been a position that Virginia has not tried to tackle in the portal. Of course the headliners are quarterback Chandler Morris, one of the better quarterbacks in the portal, Purdue transfer wide receiver Jahmal Edrine, and Alabama transfer Hunter Osborne. This has been a good class for Virginia and with the portal now closed, they should remain one of the ACC's best classes.

Additional Links

2025 DB Lukas Sanker, Brother of Former Virginia DB Jonas Sanker, Commits to UVA

New Updated Win Total Projection Paints Optimistic Picture Of Virginia Football Making A Bowl Game In 2025

ESPN Predicts Who Will Be Virginia Football's Top Three Most Impactful Transfers in 2025