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***INsider: Alex Faniel On VT Visit***

Guys, I spoke earlier with 2017 QB Alex Faniel, who just visited VT last weekend for the spring game. Faniel just transferred to Glen Allen (Va.) from St. Christopher's (Va.).

Faniel said this was his fourth trip to Blacksburg. He went for two games last season and the Feb. 7 junior day this year. Faniel said it was a great visit and that he'll "forever be appreciable to coach Shane Beamer. He was the first to offer. I appreciate that and I always will."

Faniel said he believes the Hokies have a "great fan base, great campus and beautiful city." He also said he likes seeing players hyped up for the spring game and loves seeing the fans who showed up in the rain in the cold. "It shows how much the program means to everyone. I love it there. It looked just as good as it did three times before."

On his visit, Faniel said he talked a lot with assistant coaches Shane Beamer and Scot Loeffler. He told me they're "full of knowledge" and that he learns something every time. He likes how Loeffler has had a lot of good quarterbacks and Faniel also said he hears the comparisons to Logan Thomas all the time. But he told me he can see why.

Right now, Faniel has offers from VT, Virginia and NC State. But he said he's also heard from South Carolina, Clemson, Miami, Penn State, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, Pittsburgh and Maryland. This year, he's been to UVA's spring game, NC State visit for junior day and Penn State's junior day. And so far, Faniel said he doesn't have any favorites and he wouldn't really specify anything that's stood out so far.

Faniel is also coming off a broken bone in his left, non-throwing hand. He missed all but the final four games last season and said he suffered the injury going through tackling drills. That sounds like a big reason why he transferred schools.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.

***5.1 VT INsider Chat***

Guys, I wanna apologize for not having the chat posted sooner but we're still set for 12:30 pm ET tomorrow.Spring practice has ended, but there's PLENTY to talk about with what VT showed. And though there weren't any commitments, the Hokies are still in well with a lot of targets. Come take advantage of and get the very most of your subscriptions by chatting with us!

http://bit.ly/1DNYHFN

And remember, if you can't be on the chat, you can always post a question here on the board or email me at jason.stamm@rocketmail.com.

re : Bama CB Cyrus Jones - wasn't he runbk from Va - that at one time

was being heavily recruited by Va Tech as running back ---- but "Of Course" opted to play for Bama ---ended up not as a running back - but as a CB.

notice in paper he was arrested for domestic violence charge.......threats & destruction of girl friends phone.

who knows how his life would have been had he come to Va Tech.--- as Beamers fatherly figure may have guided him in a different direction.........unless he's really good --- Saban will likely banish him to the bench until he realizes--- from Saban's shunning that he might as well pack & leave. Now if he is really good----Saban likely to let him stew until he needs him

Sick 'bout last weekends "highly unusual bad spring game weather"

Was very optimistic about spring recruiting efforts.......heading into the SPRING GAME with its usually brilliant weather and its large 40,000 ish turnout. Evidently it was a cold damp sprinkling very chilly unwelcoming reception mother nature dumped on visitors. I was in bed with viral cold-like flu.---(sinuses still loaded).
I have yet to hear of any anticipated new recruits announcements (except at UNC ,NCST, & CU).

A few recruits were asked for comments.....those interviewed offered "courteous positive" comments.....but no one seemed blown away or even hinted about commiting.. The only official change was the de-commit of Kareem Fielder----potentially to Ohio St & likely to be at our 1st game.

With Roth's departure and building pontifications about Beamers allegedly pending retirement-----
You kinda get the feeling you wouldn't be surprised to see Kate Winslet & Leo Decaprio run by with life vests

***INsider: Jauan Williams On VT Visit***

Guys, last night, I had an INsider update on four-star OL Richard Merritt. Tonight, I talked with his teammate, Jauan Williams, No. 102 in the Rivals250. It was also the first time Williams had been to VT, for the spring game.

Williams called it s "great visit" and said he saw "great facilities." He really liked meeting coach Frank Beamer and getting to take pictures with him and assistant coach Stacy Searels. Williams told me the coaches were the best part of the visit and what susprised him the most. He said he and Searels have a "real good relationship. He stays close and connected."

This spring, Williams has been to Maryland, Penn State, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Ohio State. He also told me Ohio State is "just somewhere I gotta go." Williams also wants to get to Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Georgia and Virginia this summer.

He plans on naming a top 10 on Nov. 1. Right now, I'd say the Hokies are a pretty safe bet to make that list, but we'll see past that.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.
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***INsider: Ellis Brooks On VT Visit***

Guys, I spoke just a bit earlier with Benedictine (Va.) 2017 LB Ellis Brooks, who visited VT this past weekend for the spring game. But unlike a lot of the other visitors, Brooks said he's lost count how many times he's been to VT.

Brooks actually told me a good story. First, his sister is a senior at VT and is set to graduate next month. He also said that his family has an RV and has made a lot of trips to a lot of different places, including to Clemson a few weeks ago for a visit. Anyway, when he was in eighth grade, he and his family drove the RV to VT to see his sister. They saw coach Frank Beamer walking out of the office and his dad said he was gonna go talk to him. Five minutes later, Brooks said Beamer and his dad walked back to the RV and that was the first time Brooks met Beamer. They talked for a few minutes and Brooks said he still remembers that vividly, as Beamer was the first head coach he spoke to.

Brooks also visited for the Hokies' Feb. 28 junior day. This past weekend, Brooks said he spoke with Beamer and assistant coach Shane Beamer, as well as defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Brooks said what was different about this time was how much he feels like his relationship with Foster has grown.

Overall, Brooks said "I see a really big possibility" with VT. He likes it and said, "I’ve been around it so long. I just know it. I think that’s why I like it."

This year, Brooks has visited Clemson, Duke, East Carolina and NC State aside from the Hokies and said he's going to Wake Forest next, though he doesn't have a date set. He told me he likes the family feel and academics of Duke, the defense and LBs coach at Clemson and the family and program building at NC State.

Long way to go here, as Brooks said he's just started getting into recruiting, but based on that story he told me and how he speaks on VT, I'd say the Hokies are in excellent shape here.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.

Threat to the Virginia Tech community

This morning I woke up from an email from the Virginia Tech Police Department stating that there was a threat against our community. At 11:15 p.m. last night there was a post on Yik Yak, an anonymous place to post messages, stating that "Another 4.16 moment is going to happen tomorrow. Just a warning."

This was a frightening and alarming email to receive as part of the Hokie community. This happens quite often and I'm not really sure why it is still an issue and why such a sensitive subject can turn into a cruel joke. There has been no confirmation that the person who posted the Yik Yak post has been found, but VTPD is sure that this is not a credible threat. It is still sad that this is an issue in the first place. Any thoughts?

***INsider: Richard Merritt On VT Visit***

Guys, I spoke just a few minutes ago with Archbishop Carroll (DC) four-star offensive guard Richard Merritt. He and his teammate, Rivals100 OL Jauan Williams, made their first visits to VT over the weekend, for the spring game.

Merritt and Williams got a late start. They didn't get to VT until after kickoff, stayed a few hours after the game and then headed back to DC. But in that time, Merritt said he walked around Lane Stadium, watched the game, then hung out in the player's lounge. After that, they met up with assistant coach Stacy Searels, who showed them around the rest of the facilities.

Merritt said he's already wanting to make a return, unofficial visit to spend more time with the coaches. But he said his visit was "pretty nice" and he liked it a lot.

The funny thing is when I asked him what stood out most, he said he realized watching the game that he's bigger than most of the Hokies' OL. That means "I can come in and compete and start as a true freshman." Merritt said he also really likes Searels and likes what he accomplished at LSU. Searels has told him he can be a good part of the team and can be a big benefit.

Over the last few weeks, there has been some thought that Merritt had a top two of VT and Florida State. Merritt said that's not true. "A few little things got mixed up," he said. Instead, Merritt said he's "pretty open" and actually picked up an offer from Illinois today. The two offers he's waiting on most are LSU and USC. He plans to narrow his list in the next few months, but said he's not sure when he'll decide. It sounds like the earliest right now could come when he plays in the Under Armour Game.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.

The attendance...

I can't say anything since I wasn't there, but I'm also 5-1/2hrs away... Was anyone else embarrassed about that turnout? I cringed every time they panned to the crowd. I understand the weather played a factor but damn...

If there are any commits today, you sure as hell know they are 100% committed...

Sick 'bout last weekends "highly unusual bad spring game weather"

Was very optimistic about spring recruiting efforts.......heading into the SPRING GAME with its usually brilliant weather and its large 40,000 ish turnout. Evidently it was a cold damp sprinkling very chilly unwelcoming reception mother nature dumped on visitors. I was in bed with viral cold-like flu.---(sinuses still loaded).
I have yet to hear of any anticipated new recruits announcements (except at UNC ,NCST, & CU).

A few recruits were asked for comments.....those interviewed offered "courteous positive" comments.....but no one seemed blown away or even hinted about commiting.. The only official change was the de-commit of Kareem Fielder----potentially to Ohio St & likely to be at our 1st game.

With Roth's departure and building pontifications about Beamers allegedly pending retirement-----
You kinda get the feeling you wouldn't be surprised to see Kate Winslet & Leo Decaprio run by with life vests

***INsider: Pete Leota On Visit***

Guys, I just got off the phone a few minutes ago with Asheville (NC) two-star OL Pete Leota, who was on hand over the weekend for VT's spring game. As I've mentioned before, there are others the Hokies have higher on their OL board than Leota, but they're keeping an eye out on him big time.

This was Leota's second visit to VT. He also attended the junior day Feb. 7. But this trip was the first time his dad made the trek to Blacksburg. Leota said they spent a lot of time talking to assistant coach Stacy Searels, who showed them around, including the weight room and the locker room and the facilities.

Leota said he loved the fan support he saw, how even for a spring game and the bad weather, a lot of people starting setting up tailgates early in the morning. He said the coaches, including assistant coach Shane Beamer, his primary recruiter, have been pitching him on the family atmosphere and how they see him being a key piece at right tackle.

In February, Leota put out a top three of VT, Boston College and North Carolina. He said that still stands and that he hopes to make a decision early in the summer. No date has been set, but it sounds like sometime in June.

Leota hasn't been to BC since last fall for a game, but did go to junior days at East Carolina and Wake Forest and was at UNC for the Duke basketball game. No other visits are planned, though he'll likely make a few more before any decision comes.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.

Jason - question about Lawson

It's good to see that Brewer has stepped up this spring. However, we know that back injury could start causing him problems any time.

My question is how you as well as some of the other Rivals analysts would compare Lawson vs. Deshaun Watson. I know Watson was a 5-star recruit, but Chad Morris had Watson ready to play significant minutes last year and Clemson looked like a different team when he was out there.

I think Lawson might might even have a higher NFL ceiling, given his height and ability to add size, but how do they stack up in terms of Day 1 on campus? Would be interested in hearing Mike and some of the southeast guys chime in as well. Thanks.
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***INsider: Ellison Jordan On VT Visit***

Guys, I spoke just a few minutes ago with Gilman School (Md.) four-star DT Ellison Jordan. He visited VT this past weekend for the spring game, his third visit to Blacksburg.

Jordan said he arrived on Friday night and left early in the evening on Saturday, to get home by about 2 AM. And right now, Jordan is one of the top couple of DT targets on the board for the 2016 class. He was offered first in February of last year, visited Aug. 1 then again for the UVA game.

He called this most recent visit "cool" and said the biggest thing is that he likes the communications department at VT. Jordan likes how it's structured and met with a professor. But he didn't get to see the TV studio and wants to make a return trip in the next month or so to see it.

Saturday was also Jordan's birthday and he said his buddy Melvin Keihn made it a point to come over to the sideline before the game and tell him happy birthday. Jordan also mentioned that he liked seeing Mook Reynolds "do his thing" even though he doesn't know him personally.

As far as recruiting, Jordan said he isn't quite sure which VT coach is his main recruiter. He told me he developed a very strong relationship with former assistant coach Aaron Moorehead and still talks to him. But since Moorehead left, he talks to Charley Wiles regularly and Wiles, Torrian Gray and Cornell Brown have all been by his school to see him.

Jordan said he really likes VT. Next month, he's announcing a top 10. While he wouldn't say any definites that would make the list, he did say the four schools recruiting him hardest are VT, Penn State, Maryland and Rutgers. So it's safe to say those four will make the top 10. He also said he wants to visit Pittsburgh, Michigan State and Ohio State next, while Buckeyes coaches told him they're going to see him Thursday for his track meet.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.

INsider: CJ Freeman On VT Visit

Guys, I spoke a few minutes ago with Northern Guilford (NC) three-star RB CJ Freeman, who made the trip to VT yesterday for the spring game. He's actually currently on his way back home, as he stayed Friday night and last night with his boy, Mook Reynolds.

Freeman told me he's still 'solid' with South Carolina, where he committed last month. But he said that the Hokies are a solid "number two" behind the Gamecocks. And this one definitely isn't over with.

Freeman said he loved spending time with Mook and that his favorite part was meeting Kevin Jones. He said he definitely remembers watching Jones on TV and loved that Jones said he's seen Freeman's film and liked what he saw.

Right now, the only other school in contention with SC and VT is Auburn. No visits are planned, but this one has gotten interesting. The Hokies have picked back up recruiting Freeman with the uncertainty surrounding Shai McKenzie.

To get an idea how much fun Freeman had on his visit, check out this video he posted while he was hanging out on Friday night with Mook:

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Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.

VT Wins Golf Title

Guys, meant to post this last night, but a big victory this weekend for Hokies golf:

Virginia Tech golfer Trevor Cone finished with a three-round total of 11-under-par 205 and finished in a three-way tie for the ACC Men’s Golf Championshipon Sunday afternoon. The tournament was played this weekend at the par 72, 7,102-yard Old North State Club in New London, North Carolina.

Cone, a senior from Concord, North Carolina, was the leader entering the final round and shot 1-under 71 in Sunday’s final round. He joined Anders Albertson of Georgia Tech and Robin Sciot-Siegrist of Louisville at 205, as all three were declared tri-champions. Cone becomes the Hokies’ first-ever ACC men’s golf champion and the school’s first individual conference champion since Ryan Stinnett won the 2004 Big East championship in the Hokies’ final year in the league.

The Tech men’s golf team posted a three-day total of 8-under 856 and finished sixth at the championship. The Hokies posted a 4-under-par 284 in the opening round on Friday and bettered that with a 7-under 281 on Saturday for their 565 total. Tech shot a 3-over 291 on Sunday for the 856 total.

Scott Vincent, a senior from Harare, Zimbabwe, finished in 10th place at 4-under 212 and Maclain Huge, a junior from Lovettesville, Virginia finished tied for 20th at 1-under 215. Joey Lane, a sophomore from Great Falls, Virginia, finished tied for 49th place at 229 and Drew Johnson, a sophomore from Oak Ridge, North Carolina, finished in 57th place at 233.

Defending champion Georgia Tech defeated Clemson in the second hole of a playoff and claimed the team title at 19-under 845. Florida State finished third at 846, Virginia was fourth at 833 and North Carolina at 854, two strokes ahead of the Hokies. Louisville was seventh at 866, Wake Forest was eighth at 869 and NC State was ninth at 884. Duke was 10th at 886, Notre Dame was 11th at 911 and Boston College was 12th at 913.

The Hokies will now wait for the NCAA Selection Show on May 4 to learn their fate for NCAA regionals.

***INsider: Wayne Davis On VT Visit***

Guys, I didn't get a chance to post this last night, but I spoke late last night with Lake Taylor (Va.) four-star CB Wayne Davis. This weekend, he made his first visit to VT, for the spring game.

Davis said "It was a good visit overall" and he liked seeing all the facilities and the atmosphere at the game. He said he liked how he felt when he talked to and hung out with the current players. He said the visit also lived up ti his expectations.

One big thing that helps VT here is that Davis made the trip with Hokies commit Deshawn McClease, who Davis regularly works out with. And on his visit, they stayed with JC Coleman, who showed them around campus. They stayed with JC Saturday night, after arriving in VT around lunch on Saturday.

Davis said nothing has changed in how he sees the Hokies and it sounds like they're still on top. But again, while they would take Davis, there's other guys higher on the board at DB right now.

Davis visited East Carolina last weekend for the Pirates' spring game. He has a visit set to Ohio State for May 29-31, but that's the only visit he has set for now. And while a cut down will likely happen this summer, there's no date set for that either. But VT will be in it until the end.

Full story coming, but as always, what's posted here, STAYS HERE. Don't de-value your own subscription by giving away information to others who don't pay like you do. It's also a violation of our terms of service and will result in the termination of your subscription.
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