...and the Hokies offered a 2023 prospect after seeing him in person:

Shaw's Takeaways: Under Armour events in Atlanta

Tomorrow is decision day for in-state for-star running back Ramon Brown. I'm confident enough in the Hokies' chances that I've (finally) done what I considered for about a month - while still holding off: issued my Rivals FutureCast in favor of VT. I have reasons to believe that the Hokies will win out, but it's worth noting that the tea leaves read in Virginia Tech's favor, as well.

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The product of Midlothian (Va.) Manchester has ties to other prospects in the Richmond area - and the VT staff has actually done a good job helping develop bonds between not just Brown and Highland Springs (Va.) defensive end Rashaud Pernell (who has already committed to the Hokies), but a player who is in-state, but not from Richmond in local OL/Ath Gunner Givens. Building up that package deal a bit has been a selling point for Brown.

It's worth noting, however, that the Hokies weren't a shoo-in here. He had very high interest in a couple of his other favorites, but the circumstances didn't work out. Penn State recently landed a commitment from RB Nicholas Singleton, and West Virginia is on the verge of landing its second running back in less than a week with another Virginian, Kaytron Allen (albeit one who plays his high school ball at IMG Academy down in Florida). Obviously the Hokies won't shed a tear over those circumstances - but when circumstances help land a player, you always have to keep a closer eye on his commitment because by their very nature, circumstances can change. The more VT can do to seal in his pledge (assuming they land it tomorrow), for example by picking up his buddy in a week's time, the better in terms of just being safe.

All told, though, there's a very good chance that if the Hokies land his commitment tomorrow, Brown can become a narrative-changing recruit. Beating out teams that have had their way with the Hokies in recent years is a good look, and begins to build a positive vibe going forward.

This kid flew very far under the radar until making a late-night pledge yesterday:

Xavier Chaplin is a Hokie!

The film (linked in the story) shows potential, though. Could be the sleeper of the class (and yes, I'm well aware that sleepers in a class already full of three-stars aren't gonna move the needle).

Didn't get as many questions as usual (but that also means I answered most of them):

The Hokie Haven Mailbag!

At 6'6" and 370 lbs. we're hoping you grow some more so you can contribute.

I don't know how many schools he visited but I'm glad he came and saw Tech.

Major update to the hotboard:

Virginia Tech Hokies 2022 recruiting hotboard: Offense

The highly regarded in-state RB is getting close to wrapping up his process:

Ramon Brown down to five

An early look at some standouts:

It's been a while, so let's get a fresh round of questions in this thread. Football, basketball, recruiting, off-topic, whatever you're interested in! I especially encourage those of you who regularly read (but don't post a whole lot) to drop your questions.

Answers coming either Friday or over the weekend (depending on how quickly the questions come in).

Recruiting hotstreak now includes basketball:

MJ Collins is a Hokie!

I guess he wasn't joking about a midnight commitment:

Rashaud Pernell is a Hokie!

More in the AM

He chose VT over Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Minnesota, Boston College, Buffalo, East Carolina, Howard, Maryland, Morgan State, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Virginia.

Finally from Highland Springs H S where kids had been going anywhere but VT.

Backcourt depth looking mighty thin next season:

Tyrece Radford enters the NCAA Transfer Portal

Always a chance he'd still stick around - probably not a ton of suitors out there for a former walk-on who caught a weapons charge mid-season, unless he wants to really step down in level.

This was all Hokies for a while, then Iowa State made a strong run.
Login to view embedded media Still feeling Hokies but it’s close.

Matt Kardulis takes a promotion to head to Kansas State:

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In all honesty, seeing healthy turnover in the non-coaching staffers is a good thing - it means you're developing coaching talent just as you are playing talent (and building a coaching tree). Obviously, the indispensable guys you want to hold onto, but otherwise, fresh blood is good.