Welcome to Tunnel Talk, with the latest in Hokie recruiting.
Robert Jackson
As realistic options on the defensive line began to fall by the wayside earlier in this recruiting cycle, Warminster (Pa.) Archbishop Wood tweener Robert Jackson emerged as one of the top targets for Virginia Tech. The 6-6, 260-pounder has seemed like a good fit for what the staff needs as a DE/DT combo guy on the D-line, and even has the frame to potentially play OL in college (a possibility he's preparing for without a senior season).
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Lately, however, he says that the contact from the Virginia Tech coaches hasn't been quite as consistent. Whether that's intentional (they're ready to move along to other targets) or not (they just aren't as persistent as his other pursuers), that's obviously not a positive. It means the chances for one of the most-available players is dwindling. It also could speak to disorganization on the recruiting board, which has been
the biggest issue under this staff (next to personnel/quarterback management) so far. Either they spent a lot of time earlier going after a kid they ultimately decided they don't want, or they aren't putting enough attention into a kid they genuinely
do want right now. I would lean toward the former, given that he notes programs like Cincinnati and Syracuse as being those showing the most love (i.e. those outside the Power-5, or low-level ACC).
The recent offer - and vigorous pursuit - of previously-unknown Georgia prospect Ian Mathews speaks to the current priorities of the staff (and again, probably that they've at least partially moved along from Jackson, rather than unintentionally showing insufficient love).
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In the end, keeping up the heat on
both of them would be ideal - I think the Hokies' shot with each is much better than a chance at Devin Lee, whose focus on the recruiting trail seems to change constantly - but only ever include Virginia Tech on the periphery. With limited openings remaining, the staff's approach can certainly be targeted to what they see as the remaining wants and needs.
Sean Pedulla
On the hoops side, Edmond (Okla.) Memorial 2021 point guard Sean Pedulla
narrowed to a top three last night, and as I alluded to on the message board, I think the Hokies have a better shot than it may seem from the outside. I've confirmed one of the reasons for that: Minnesota does not currently have space in its 2021 class, and he is not a take for the Gophers at this point.
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Of course, the hometown school, Oklahoma State, is the one he's visited the most, and the one that's most convenient for his college days. There's no telling for sure how recruiting is affected in a post-corona world, but the conventional wisdom is that a lot of kids will likely want to be a little bit closer to home. That he didn't pick up his Hokie offer until the emergency Dead Period had begun and he's been unable to take an unofficial visit to Blacksburg is a problem. He's hoping to decide before he begins his senior season of ball, and the nature of the emergency Dead Period means no recruiting visit to Virginia Tech.
Of course, he could commit sight-unseen or take an informal tour of campus (he did that at Minnesota when in the Twin Cities for an AAU Tournament this Summer). If he does the latter, I would go so far as to say it basically
guarantees he ends up a Hokie. If he doesn't, it makes the task tougher but not impossible. We shouldn't have to wait too long to see how that situation plays out.
Recruiting after a loss
I've long emphasize the importance of the 2020 season being key to Virginia Tech's recruiting going forward, and that remains the case. The downside is that a bad loss like Saturday's (fortunately, the final score indicates that the gulf wasn't huge between the teams, and certainly there are plenty of caveats the coaching staff can point out to prospects) obviously knocks things down a peg. The bright side is that no single loss can submarine a recruiting effort - it's about the aggregate performance.
The recruits I've touched base with - even those in North Carolina - don't seem to have let the game negatively impact their view of VT. Importantly, a few on the defensive side of the ball noted that it underscores a need for depth in Blacksburg, and therefore the potential for early playing time. But the Hokies can't make losing a habit, and the Boston College game this weekend suddenly takes on pretty big importance. As I've said, no individual loss can be all-that damaging on its own. But two in a row... that can begin to alter the picture of what Virginia Tech
is as a program in the eyes of recruits.
The coaching staff is aware that it's crucial, and while recruiting obviously isn't at the forefront of their minds in terms of the motivations to win a specific game, it's something that will be on their mind during preparation.
