Any truth to some potential admission and grade issue rumors I have been hearing?

correctly, schools -like VT - who've always tried to keep fees low- to help students/ their families out...... evidently by other board articles....... a probable devitating ahtletic program killer under new NCAA rules......
as to do with funding the cost of an athletic students tuition.......and money those student athletes will receive to cover their tuitiion, books, meals, etc fees........I.E. STUDENT ATHLETES WILL BE PAID.....BASED UPON CURRENT RATES..... THOSE SCHOOLS WITH HIGHEST COST OF ATTENDANCE --THEIR STUDENT ATHLETES WILL GET MUCH HIGHER COMPENSATION THAN OTHER SCHOOLS.......IT NCAA WILL NOT
ALLOW SCHOOLS TO CHANGE THEIR RATES........SO IF HOOS OFFERIING COST OF ATTENDANCE FIGURES LIKE a$5000 A YEAR....... WHILE TECH OFFERING MAYBE HALF THAT.......GUESS WHICH SCHOOL THE ATHLETE GONNA GO TO......
ACCORDING TO STORY......VT AMONG THE LOWEST...... IF VT OFFERS ON 2000 & HOOS OFFER 5OOO......... GUESS WHERE THE PLAYER IS GOING TO GO. ...... OVER A 4 YEAR PERIOD VT ATHLETES WOULD HAVE GOTTEN $8000 IN FEES TO COVER EXPENSES WHERE UVA ATHLETES
WOULD GET $20,000 -----I.E. VT ATHLETES GET 12,000 LESS THAN UVA STUDENTS

IF THIS IS INDEED ALREADY SET IN STONE BY NCAA ----WE'RE DOOMED......TALK ABOUT AN UNEVEN FIELD....... MIGHT AS WELL SHUT DOWN VT ATHLETICS...... OR BETTER YET --JOIN A
COALITION OF HAVE NOT SCHOOLS TO SUE THE NCAA

Released today, DT Dexter Lawrence is now the top-ranked player for 2016. As I've said before, VT has a very slim shot here, but Charley Wiles visited him multiple times this spring and has stayed in touch. Lawrence is a home body, though, and it will be surprising to see him somewhere other than UNC or NC State.

Story on Lawrence: http://rvls.co/1Jewdw3

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Surprised none of you mentioned this:

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Continuing our breakdowns of the recruiting area for the Hokies. I'll be breaking down where VT stands in the states it recruits, plus DC and the northeast, since the Hokies are only up there sporadically.

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.

Most Recent Offers:
RB Abdul Adams, Woodson (DC), three stars, No. 8 in DC -- Burden -- MICHIGAN ST COMMIT

Top targets:
OL Jauan Williams, Archbishop Carroll (DC), four stars, No. 102 in Rivals250 -- Searels
OL Richard Merritt, Archbishop Carroll (DC), four stars, No. 4 in DC -- Searels
LB Kyle Taylor, Gonzaga (DC), three stars, No. 5 in DC -- Burden
LB Aaron Hansford, St John's College Prep (DC), three stars, No. 7 in DC --- Burden
CB Deon Jones, Archbishop Carroll (DC), four stars, Rivals100 to watch for 2017 -- Burden

Recent Rivals Stories On VT DC Targets:
Williams from InsideTheGators.com, May 2: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1762816
Williams from HokieHaven.com, April 30: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1762096
Merritt from HokieHaven.com, April 29: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1761792

Overview:
The nation's capital has and continues to be a vital area for Virginia Tech, in part because there's a huge fan base in the DMV. The Hokies continue to be in good shape here, despite losing a few key targets already, most notably teammates Devante Brooks and Terrell Hall. Both visited Blacksburg last fall, but both had established great relationships with former assistant coach Aaron Moorehead. Brooks committed to Tennessee the same weekend Moorehead left for Texas A&M, while Hall went to Ohio State in March.

Moorehead has to be given a ton of credit for the inroads he made in DC for Virginia Tech. He played a big part in getting Woodson cornerback DuWayne Johnson to sign this year. But Moorehead's replacement, Zohn Burden, has also fared well so far. Johnson's teammate, Adams, just got an offer, right after he committed to Michigan State at the end of last month. Adams has yet to visit since getting that offer, so he'll need to for the Hokies to pull a flip. But it's a real possibility in large part because of the Johnson connection.

The guys to really watch, though, are teammates Merritt and Williams, Merritt especially. Both visited Virginia Tech for its spring game in April and gave positive reviews. But the general thought, even from talking to him, is that Williams is looking more SEC, or possibly staying home at Maryland or going to Penn State. Merritt, meanwhile, has been a bit more open to the Hokies and a bit higher. Assistant Stacy Searels continues to recruit both very hard, but the more realistic shot here is Merritt.

Their younger teammate, Jones, also visited for the spring game. His reviews were also very positive. But with Jones, there's more time. He'll likely be ranked higher and recruited harder than Williams or Merritt, though, so the Hokies need to work Jones harder. For now, Clemson looks to be the favorite with Jones, so there's work to do.

Virginia Tech also has offers out to Hansford and Taylor. While Taylor has been extremely quiet, Hansford has some interest. St John's is a school Moorehead got in extremely well with. It's still uncertain if the Hokies remain in that good a shape at the school overall, which has produced a ton of talent of late.. There's a possibility Brooks could re-open his recruitment and opt to stay a little closer to home after tearing his ACL last month for a second time. But right now, he's pretty solid with the Vols.

Rivals national team analysis:
"They've had a presence in DC for a while. It hasn't been super effective, though, overall, other than the kids over at HD Woodson. There's a strong tie to DuWayne Johnson and those guys. Some of these other guys they've offered, they were one of the top schools for Devante Brooks and that recruitment might not be over. There might be a chance for Virginia Tech to get back in there. The Hokies did a good job with Terrell Hall and were certainly one of his top schools before he committed.

Guys like Richard Meritt, Jauan Williams, they've done their homework and worked hard at recruiting them. Aaron Hansford is another guy they've offered and he's quietly going about his business. He hasn't spoken out a lot about his recruitment, but the way VT has been able to get in there, I'd be surprised if the Hokies weren't in play for him."

-- Rivals.com mid-Atlantic analyst Adam Friedman

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Here's a good article on his success in Europe. Nice to see him doing well. Hope he earns a shot in the States.

http://ballineurope.com/all-malcolm-delaney-does-is-win-championships/

Jason, I'm tired of ads wanting to track my location and then not being able to even scroll on a freaking thread because I deny it.

Continuing our New Class series on Rivals250 LB Tremaine Edmunds, who I still think probably should have been the highest ranked member of VT's class. I thought we had him way underrated, even in the top 250.

http://rvls.co/1eJDOG1

Guys, I spoke a bit earlier with Darlington (Ga.) OL Patrick Kearns, who just picked up an offer from VT a few weeks ago. He's up to 18 offers already and likely won't be a two-star guy for long.

Kearns said the only schools he's visited are Duke, Appalachian State, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, with only App State offering. So essentially, it's still early here. He claims no favorites. He'll get the first of many looks this summer this weekend, when he goes to Ole Miss.

With the Hokies, Kearns said he really likes assistant coach Stacy Searels, who has let him know that he's from the same area in Georgia. Kearns said Searels "seems like a fair coach" and though they haven't talked a ton, they've been messaging each other on Twitter, so they're building a rapport.

Aside from this weekend's visit, Kearns said he plans on visiting Georgia, Clemson, Penn State's satellite camp at Georgia State and LSU in June. In July, he plans on seeing Virginia Tech and Kentucky. So much to early to call here, which is good for VT and gives Searels more time. Kearns is obviously lower on the board now, but looks like a solid kid.

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 NCAA has waited well over a year to make final decisions regarding punishment on some cases. If they do that with the UNC case after dragging it out forever to get this far, what do you think the reaction is going to be by the public in general and the world of sports in particular.

Finally back in his coach Good grace and will start at rb and this year.

Sorry to hear of the passing of former VT basketball coach Bill Foster.

4-star LB Cameron Brown has a top 10 but the ones that seem to have his focus are Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and USC. In the video linked below he says he wants to visit USC, Pittsburgh, North Carolina and Virginia Tech this summer and could shorten his list again in July.

Video: 4-star LB Brown making progress

JS
Who did not come back for first summer session? Usually some attrition this time of year.
Maybe Andrew Ford????? whispers

Continuing our breakdowns of the recruiting area for the Hokies. I'll be breaking down where VT stands in the states it recruits, plus DC and the northeast, since the Hokies are only up there sporadically.

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.

Most Recent Offers:
OL Johncarlo Valentin, Imhotep Inst. Charter (Pa.), four stars -- Searels/Brown
ATH Lamont Wade, Clairton (Pa.), four stars, Rivals100 to watch for 2017 -- Loeffler
OL Josh Lugg, North Allegheny (Pa.), four stars (2017 -- Searels/Loeffler
DE Damion Barber, Harrisburg (Pa.), three stars (2017) -- Loeffler

Top targets:
RB Miles Sanders, Woodland Hills (Pa.), four stars, No. 53 in Rivals100 -- Loeffler -- PENN ST COMMIT
Safety Damar Hamlin, Central Catholic (Pa.), four stars, No. 109 in Rivals250 -- Loeffler/Gray
OL Johncarlo Valentin, Imhotep Inst. Charter (Pa.), four stars -- Searels/Brown
ATH Khaleke Hudson, McKeesport (Pa.), three stars, No. 39 ATH, No. 8 in PA -- Loeffler
ATH Paris Ford, Seton LaSalle (Pa.), four stars, Rivals100 to watch for 2017 -- Loeffler

Recent Rivals Stories On VT PA Targets:
Valentin from GamecockCentral.com, May 23: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1768696
Hamlin from Rivals.com, May 14: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766254
Hudson from BadgerBlitz.com, May 6: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1763866
Ford from TheWolverine.com, May 27: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1769693

Overview:
The top candidate in the state over the spring has really emerged as Hamlin. And he's important to note because he also has some serious interest in the Hokies. Hamlin has said he'll be announcing a list of finalists in June, which is sure to include Virginia Tech, after he hopefully gets more offers. Alabama, Florida State and Oregon are among those who have flirted with him, but the top contenders appear to be Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Penn State and Clemson. He'll need to visit Blacksburg for the Hokies to feel good about him, though no date has been set right now.

The other guy to really watch in the state is Sanders. He's been committed to Penn State since last July, but this is partly a result of committing so early: he wants to take official visits. And one he's really discussed taking one to is VT. The bad news is this could be a lot like Kevin Toliver II last year, a guy committed somewhere for a long time, looks around, then stays put. Toliver stuck with LSU. The main two Sanders has mentioned are VT and Pittsburgh. So nothing to be excited about, but one to watch.

Valentin has also emerged as an offensive line candidate. The Hokies got in a little late with him and are in much better shape with other linemen. But Valentin hasn't named any favorites or hinted at any decision. He has 16 offers and counting, though, so Virginia Tech will need to step it up if it wants to get serious about him.

The area of the state to really watch is western Pennsylvania, around Pittsburgh. Especially since the Panthers are in the same division as the Hokies, this makes sense, but offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has made a lot of in-roads in the area, especially in 2017. You'll see a lot more offers go out in this area. Lugg and Ford are the two to watch most right now, but there's a bevy of guys who Virginia Tech is also monitoring.

Rivals national team analysis:
"Pennsylvania is a state that Virginia Tech is doing a lot better in. They got Shai McKenzie out of western Pennsylvania and that's where much of Virginia Tech's focus has been. You don't have to look far to find their footprint. Miles Sanders has said that if he takes three official visits, Virginia Tech could be one of them. That's a clear sign that the Hokies are doing well up there.

They're showing some interest in some younger guys who are just coming on the scene, like the Jackson twins (James Jackson & Tim Jackson) from Alderdice, as well as Brashear with defensive back Therran Coleman. I know they're showing interest in him as well. Those guys are tied up with a big training group, so they're worth paying attention to. They're on guys like Damar Hamlin and Khaleke Hudson, but they've also tried to get into the Philadelphia area and eastern Pennsylvania. Karamo Dioubate, the Rivals250 D-end has an offer. Valentin is emerging and has an offer, as well as Naseir Upshur.

Virginia Tech has tried to make its presence felt in Pennsylvania. It's difficult with Penn State doing a good job there and powers like Ohio State doing what it needs to do. But the Hokies are making their presence felt."

-- Rivals.com mid-Atlantic analyst Adam Friedman

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Continuing our breakdowns of the recruiting area for the Hokies. I'll be breaking down where VT stands in the states it recruits, plus DC and the northeast, since the Hokies are only up there sporadically.

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.

Most Recent Offers:
OL Micah Clark, St John Vianney (NJ), four stars (2017) -- Searels/Brown
OL Cesar Ruiz, Camden (NJ), four stars (2017) -- Searels/Brown
DT Fred Hansard, Hun School (NJ), four stars (2017) -- Brown
LB Drew Singleton, Paramus Catholic (NJ), four stars (2017) -- Brown
DE Corey Bolds, Paramus Catholic (NJ), three stars (2017) -- Brown

Top targets:
DT Rashan Gary, Paramus Catholic (NJ), five stars, No. 4 in Rivals100, No. 1 DT, No. 1 in NJ -- Brown
WR Ahmir Mitchell, Cedar Creek (NJ), four stars, No. 50 in Rivals100, No. 8 WR, No. 3 in NJ -- Brown
DE Ron Johnson, Camden (NJ), four stars, No. 96 in Rivals100, No. 5 WDE, No. 5 in NJ -- Brown
WR Brad Hawkins, Camden (NJ), four stars, No. 162 in Rivals250, No. 33 WR, No. 7 in NJ-- Brown
OL Will Fries, Cranford (NJ), four stars, No. 242 in Rivals250, No. 10 OG, No. 10 in NJ -- Searels/Brown
TE Jovani Haskins, Bergenfield (NJ), four stars, No. 27 ATH, No. 11 in NJ -- Brown
DE Quayshon Alexander, DePaul Cayholic (NJ), three stars, No. 16 in NJ -- Brown

Recent Rivals Stories On VT NJ Targets:
Mitchell from ScarletNation.com, May 17: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766942
Hawkins from ScarletNation.com, May 8: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1764395
Fries from TigerIllustrated.com, May 6: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1763754
Ruiz from Rivals.com, May 4: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1763251
Bolds from HokieHaven.com, May 9: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1764485
Hansard from HokieHaven.com, May 16: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766270

Overview:
I've tried to keep this series focused on the players Virginia Tech has a realistic shot with. And while the odds are low, the Hokies are at least in the mix with Gary, the No. 4 player in the country. Gary visited Blacksburg for junior day in early February with a lot of his teammates, so he at least has visited and has a feel for VT. But with every school in the country chasing him, the odds are slim. He's on a tour of the SEC right now, but Rutgers, Michigan, Ohio State and a few others are probably in best position right now.

The Hokies do have a good shot with Mitchell. He released a top eight in February that consisted of VT, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, South Carolina and Rutgers. His coach said nearly two weeks ago that Cornell Brown visits the school nearly every week and that the five they're focused on are Rutgers, Notre Dame, VT, Ohio State and Michigan. Mitchell has also shown his affinity multiple times on Twitter for the Hokies, another good sign.

Also in the mix for Virginia Tech are teammates Johnson and Hawkins. Both visited Blacksburg in February for junior day, though it looks like the more realistic shot is with Hawkins. He doesn't have any favorites, while Johnson hinted to Adam Friedman last month that Michigan, Ohio State, South Carolina, Miami and Alabama might have a bit of an edge.

Alexander is also one to keep an eye on. He's visiting the Hokies next weekend, which could be a huge sign of just how serious he is. Nebraska has long thought to be the leader here, but he's opened up a lot more to VT recently. Also keep an eye on Fries, who hasn't mentioned the Hokies much, but whom assistant coach Stacy Searels has visited multiple times this spring. Fries keeps telling the staff he's still interested.

Paramus Catholic keeps pumping out big time players and VT is squarely in the mix with each of them. It helps having Billy Ray Mitchell with the Hokies, a PC alum who stays in touch with nearly all of the current players there. That's reason enough to keep an eye on Bolds and Singleton.

And one to peek at here and there is three-star quarterback Anthony Brown. He committed to Boston College last week after putting Virginia Tech in his top four, but there's talk that he could still be open and looking around a bit.

Rivals national team analysis:
"It kinda starts and ends, really, with Ahmir Mitchell. They're doing a great job with him, but they've gotta get him on campus. That's gotta be priority number one for them. They're probably in his top three right now. There are a lot of guys in that state, though, that Virginia Tech is paying attention to. You've gotta look at the wide receivers. There's a really good group of wide receivers in New Jersey this year. Mitchell is the top guy, but you look at someone like tight end Jovani Haskins. He's a guy they're really high on and he really likes Virginia Tech.

Brad Hawkins and his teammate, Ron Johnson are most likely gonna go to the same school and they're looking more Big Ten than the ACC. But I feel like Virginia Tech has done a good job with them and has certainly gotten their attention.

There's other guys emerging still, like Kelvin Harmon. He's a guy coming onto the scene and picking up more offers. He was MVP at the Rivals Camp in New Jersey. Donald Stewart from Paramus Catholic is starting to blow up, as is KJ Gray, from St Peter's Prep. And Quayshon Alexander, I know Virginia Tech has shown interest in him and he's returned that interest."

-- Rivals.com mid-Atlantic analyst Adam Friedman

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Guys, I just spoke a few minutes ago with Roswell (Ga.) three-star linebacker Tyrone Hopper, who's been one of the top defensive targets for VT.

Since I saw him last month in Charlotte at the Rivals Camp, Hopper said he's gotten new offers from Mississippi State, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. The Bulldogs have jumped out a little bit and he's visiting there June 3.

But I should also mention that most notably, Hopper said he literally just got off the phone with defensive coordinator Bud Foster when he called me. Hopper said Foster told him he's still one of the Hokies' top guys on the board and they want him to visit again. And he is, on June 20. That's a very strong sign and going into that visit, Hopper said he likes the program and how long the staff has been together.

Those are the only two visits planned so far. But he just visited Tennessee last month for the Volunteers' spring game. He likes the Vols a lot, too, but the others to really watch here are North Carolina and Kentucky. He's seen both of them and wants to visit them again this summer.

Right now, Hopper said he's planning on making an official cut down to his list in late June or early July. He said he could have a decision as soon as the end of the summer, but said he could also decide later in the season, so that's a little more up in the air. We'll wait to see how his next VT visit goes, but right now, the Hokies are in great shape.

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.

Guys, no offer here yet, but definitely one to watch, 2018 Ed White (Fla.) LB Eriq Gilyard. He claims eight to this point, with South Carolina being a bit of an early leader. Only school he's visited and they've already offered.

But VT is one he's waiting on. He said he's been to multiple Hokies games through the years with his cousin, so there's definitely some familiarity there: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1769766

Guys, Rivals has released the roster for the Rivals Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour, June 5-7 in Baltimore. Kelly and I will be there for full coverage, but here's who we'll be seeing, as far as VT targets. Also keep in mind that the new rankings are released next week, so these will change. I've also not included the ones who have VT offers, but have eliminated the Hokies:

DT Rashan Gary, Paramus Catholic (NJ), five stars, No. 4 in Rivals100, No. 1 DT, No. 1 in NJ -- Brown
DT Dexter Lawrence, Wake Forest (NC),five stars, No. 13 in Rivals100, No. 3 DT, No. 1 in NC -- Wiles
WR Dredrick Snelson, American Heritage (Fla.), four stars, No. 24 in Rivals100, No. 3 WR -- Wiles
WR Ahmir Mitchell, Cedar Creek (NJ), No. 50 in Rivals100, No. 8 WR, No. 3 in NJ -- Brown
OL Terrance Davis, Dematha (Md.), four stars, No. 124 in Rivals250, No. 5 OG, No. 4 in MD -- Searels
LB Devin Bush, Flanagan (Fla.), four stars, No. 136 in Rivals250, No. 4 ILB, No. 22 in Fla. -- Wiles
OL Richard Merritt, Archbishop Carroll (DC), four stars, No. 12 OG, No. 4 in DC -- Searels
LB Jaquan Yulee, Indian River (Va.), four stars, No. 11 ILB, No. 8 in VA -- Stinespring
OL Josh Ball, Stafford (Va.), four stars, No. 24 OT, No. 9 in VA -- Searels
DE Nick Coe, Asheboro (NC), four stars, No. 16 SDE, No. 13 in NC -- Wiles
OL Landon Dickerson, South Caldwell (NC), three stars, No. 16 OG, No. 16 in NC -- Searels
DB Devon Hunter, Indian River (Va.), five stars, Rivals100 to watch for 2017 -- Stinespring
RB Khalan Laborn, Ocean Lakes (Va.), four stars, Rivals100 to watch for 2017 -- Burden
OL Tony Gray, Central Gwinnett (Ga.), four stars (2017) -- Searels/Gray
DB William Poole III, Hapeville Charter (Ga.), four stars (2017) -- Gray
DB LeAnthony Williams, Roswell (Ga.), four stars (2017) -- Gray
QB Joey Gatewood, Bartram Trail (Fla.) (2018) -- Loeffler

Guys, I also talked a little earlier with McDonogh (Md.) three-star OL Jordan McNair, whom the Hokies offered earlier this month. He's up to 11 offers, as North Carolina and Duke have offered since VT.

McNair has only visited Penn State and Maryland this spring, so he's still pretty open. But when I asked him about any aspect he's seen or heard that's stood out, he mentioned Penn State and he likes how coach James Franklin is passionate and talks with the players and coaches. So right now, the Nittany Lions have a slight advantage.

With VT, McNair said assistant coach Stacy Searels visited him last week. He said he liked how Searels told him there's more to his game than size and that "I play the right way." McNair said he plans on visiting Blacksburg for one of the Hokies' camps, but isn't sure which one he'll be at.

This summer, McNair said he also wants to visit Michigan, Boston College, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Duke, all of which have offered, though no dates have been set. He told me he hopes to have a decision by next spring. Past being behind Penn State, it's tough to say where VT is right now. We'll find out more if he does visit this summer.

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.

Continuing our breakdowns of the recruiting area for the Hokies. I'll be breaking down where VT stands in the states it recruits, plus DC and the northeast, since the Hokies are only up there sporadically.

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.

Most Recent Offers:
LB Tavante Beckett, Indian River (Va.), three stars, No. 19 in VA -- Stinespring

Top targets:
CB Patrice Rene, Episcopal, (Va.), four stars, No. 160 in Rivals250 -- Gray
OL Josh Ball, Stafford (Va.), four stars, No. 24 OT, No. 9 in VA -- Searels
CB Wayne Davis, Lake Taylor (Va.), four stars, No. 20 CB, No. 7 in VA -- Burden
WR Grant Holloway, Grassfield (Va.), three stars, No. 23 in VA -- Stinespring
WR Phil Patterson, Bayside (Va.), three stars, No. 79 WR, No. 14 in VA -- Burden
WR Eric Kumah, Forest Park (Va.), three stars, No. 21 in VA -- Foster
ATH Devon Hunter, Indian River (Va.), five stars (2017), Rivals100 to watch -- Stinespring
RB Khalan Laborn, Ocean Lakes (Va.), four stars (2017), Rivals100 to watch -- Burden
ATH Eric Crosby, Ocean Lakes (Va.), four stars (2017), Rivals100 to watch -- Burden
DE/OL Darnell Ewell, Lake Taylor (Va.) four stars (2017), Rivals100 to watch -- Burden
LB Dylan Rivers, Sherando (Va.) four stars (2017) -- Gray
LB Ellis Brooks, Benedictine (Va.), four stars (2017) -- Beamer
RB Ricky Slade, Hylton (Va.) (2018) -- Foster

Recent Rivals Stories On VT VA Targets:
Patterson from VirginiaPreps.com, May 15: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766560
Holloway from HokieHaven.com, May 11: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1765222
Ball from Rivals.com, May 22: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1768492
Jaquan Yulee from Rivals.com, May 12: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1765655
Beckett from BadgerBlitz.com.com, May 17: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766954
Beckett from VirginiaPreps.com, May 6: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1764014
Rene from HokieHaven.com, May 25: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1769056
Davis from HokieHaven.com, May 6: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1763851
JJ Givens from TigerIllustrated.com, May 14: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766116
Jalen Elliott from BlueandGold.com, May 19: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1767622

Overview:
The only new offer that's gone out over the past few weeks is Beckett, at the first of the month. And already, the Hokies are the presumptive favorite, even with Wisconsin jumping in last week with an offer of its own. Beckett has long been very fond of VT, but he's still expected to wait at least through the next month or so, to see if any other offers come in. There's not one specific school that would overtake the Hokies, but it would have to be a big one.

In this state, as far as big targets, you have to start with Rene. For months, he's been arguably the top defensive back target on the board. Assistant coach Torrian Gray has visited multiple times, as has defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Rene is a Haitian-born Canadian and VT has two Haitians currently on the roster in Dadi Nicolas and Luther Maddy. But Rene said he's a big fan of Gray and the Hokies' history of putting DBs in the NFL. Rutgers and Ohio State look to be the top contenders right now, but VT is in excellent shape.

The other designated top target is Ball, whom the Hokies have made one of their top three OL gets. The other two are soon-to-be four-star Landon Dickerson and Nansemond River's (Va.) Jarrett Hopple, who is very strong with his VT commitment. Ball tweeted out a top 15 last week (below), that not surprisingly included the Hokies. They're in great position, but as he chose to go to West Virginia's spring game, they're not a definite by any means. VT, WV, Penn State and South Carolina are the top contenders here.

The Hokies' staff has made big efforts towards Yulee and Holloway and has felt good about their chances, but as of now, Yulee is bound for Alabama barring a shocker and Holloway has Tennessee in front, though VT is close. There's still time with Holloway, though, as he'll likely visit Blacksburg this summer and won't decide until August, or at least around the start of his senior season. The Hokies need him to visit, though, to feel good about their chances.

One of the likeliest commitments in-state, besides Beckett is Kumah, who has a decision date set for June 19. Kumah has a top 10 that includes VT, which is the presumptive favorite here. West Virginia, though, is also in good position and could be in a very close second.

A popular name in-state has been Davis, who has long shown an affinity for VT. He made his first visit to Blacksburg for the spring game and soon after announced a top five of Tennessee, VT, Ohio State, Michigan and Wake Forest. The Buckeyes are really the ones to watch here. He'll be in Columbus this weekend, though he'll be back at VT next weekend. No indication of a decision right now.

In 2017, the Hokies are in arguably much better shape in-state than 2016. VT stands in good position with Hunter, Crosby and Ewell, all likely immediate contributors, though there's work to do with Laborn

Rivals national team analysis:
"They're the big stick right now. UVA went on that run with guys from the Tidewater area, but it looks like that has more or less ended. For all intents and purposes, UVA will get its guys out of Tidewater, but I think Virginia Tech is starting to get back some of that momentum. It's more about UVA falling back to the pack and Virginia Tech is trying to take advantage of that.

Bryan Stinespring, Cornell Brown and Zohn Burden are working hard out there. You look at the guys at Indian River, they're in good shape with those guys, although it looks like Yulee will probably pick Alabama. But Virginia Tech is in good shape with Devon Hunter, although he still has a long way to go. In Richmond, they are the team. You look at Benedictine and that's a school where Virginia Tech has done a good job. Then, in northern Virginia with Stonewall Jackson, that's become a pipeline. They're also in great shape with Ricky Slade, out of Hylton. Virginia Tech is his in-state school. Then, there's Kyree Campbell. Virginia Tech is still working hard there, but still playing a little catch up

Virginia is a state where every pivotal team in the country recruits. It's hard to keep your home state locked down when that's happening, unless you're Georgia in-state or Florida State in-state. But the Hokies are holding their own, getting guys they want, guys they know can develop into major contributors and you have to credit their scouting department for that."

-- Rivals.com mid-Atlantic analyst Adam Friedman

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We're one week away from the Rivals Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour and at 12:30 pm ET on Friday (tomorrow), I'm answering all your VT-related questions, on football, basketball, recruiting and anything having to do with the Hokies. Come take advantage of and get the very most out of your subscriptions and join us for the chat!

And if you can't make the chat, don't worry. The chat is the best way to get real-time answers, but you can always post something on The Gobbler or email me directly at jason.stamm@rocketmail.com.

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Guys, I spoke just a little while ago with Tampa Bay Tech (Fla.) class of 2017 WR Daquon Green. He picked up a VT offer earlier in the month and now claims 17 offers.

It's still very early here and Green said he doesn't have any schools standing out. But the ones he specifically mentioned more of were VT and Ohio State. The only specific coach Green mentioned coming to watch him during spring practice was assistant coach Torrian Gray. Green said they've spoken very briefly, with Gray telling him he liked his film and gave him some pointers.

With Ohio State, Green said assistant coach Tony Alford really stood out. Green said they talked about his film, but that they also talked about life after football that stood out to him.

When I say it's early here, though, it's very early. Green didn't take any visits this spring and hasn't been anywhere since he toured with his seven-on-seven team, Unsigned Preps, last summer. Green said he has no plans, but wants to go on tour with the team again this summer and also visit VT, Ohio State, South Carolina and maybe Ole Miss.

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.

We ought to have news by now, no? Maybe just me but seems like no news is bad news.

Continuing our breakdowns of the recruiting area for the Hokies. I'll be breaking down where VT stands in the states it recruits, plus DC and the northeast, since the Hokies are only up there sporadically.

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.

Most Recent Offers:
DT Grant Gibson, Mallard Creek (NC), four stars (2017) -- Beamer
WR JT Cauthen, Cuthbertson (NC), three stars (2017) -- Beamer

Top targets:
OL Landon Dickerson, South Caldwell (NC), three stars, No. 16 OG, No. 15 in NC -- Searels
DE Nick Coe, Asheboro (NC), four stars, No. 16 SDE, No. 13 in NC -- Wiles
WR Divine Deablo, Mt Tabor (NC), three stars, No. 61 WR, No. 21 in NC -- Wiles
DE Josh Brown, Mallard Creek (NC), four stars, No. 16 WDE, No. 14 in NC -- Beamer -- FSU COMMMIT
RB CJ Freeman, N. Guilford (NC), three stars, No. 10 APB, No. 20 in NC -- Wiles

Recent Rivals Stories On VT NC Targets:
Freeman from HokieHaven.com, April 26: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1760925
Dickerson from The Wolverine.com, May 15: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766668
Dickerson from BlueWhiteIllustrated.com, May 13: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1765880
Deablo from HokieHaven.com, May 22: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1768563
Boyd from Rivals.com, May 19: Zack Gilbert from WVSports.com, May 15: http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1766022
Marquill Osborne from TigerIllustrated.com, May 12: https://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1765429
Gibson from HokieHaven.com, May 18:

Overview:
In North Carolina, you have to start with who has arguably been one of the top couple of targets for months, Dickerson, who's grandfather played with the Hokies in the 1960s. Months before he blew up in April at the Charlotte stop of the Rivals Camp Series presented by Under Armour, assistant coach Stacy Searels had made him one of VT's top three OL targets, along with Jarrett Hopple (committed) and Josh Ball. Dickerson also might be one of the best and most realistic shots for a commitment in the state as well. A future member of the Rivals250, Dickerson has long maintained a top two of VT and Tennessee, but South Carolina, Alabama and Florida State are hanging around. No sign at a decision right now.

The Hokies have been high on Deablo for some time now and it looked like Clemson would be the one to fight off the most. But Deablo put out a top five last week that excluded the Tigers. That five is VT, NC State, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. And now, the biggest threat is the Wolfpack. Of that group, the Hokies have probably been on him hardest, longest, but they need him to visit again this summer. He's already visited multiple times, but will be visiting the top five and others.

Coe has impressed in camps and will be participating in the Rivals Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour. But questions on his grades have scared a few schools off. An state-champion wrestler, Coe has been to Blacksburg multiple times, including junior day this spring, but he's taking his time. He has interest in Florida State, but that hasn't been reciprocated just yet. UNC and West Virginia also remain in the mix.

The Hokies are also still flirting with a pair of commits, both of whom visited VT this spring. Brown has been committed to Florida State since last fall and remains adamant that's still the case. But he's been actively shopping around this spring, seeing the Hokies' first scrimmage in early April. Brown has also been to Tennessee, Oregon, North Carolina and others. He's certainly enjoying the recruiting experience, but at the end of the day, he'll be hard to pry from the Noles.

Virginia Tech is still keeping tabs on some big-timers in the state, too, like five-stars Dexter Lawrence and Keion Joyner. But Joyner has his eye on FSU, LSU, Texas A&M and UNC and has all but written the Hokies off. There's still a very slim chance with Lawrence, as Wiles has visited him multiple times this spring and he's receptive, but likely, Lawrence will stay close to home. NC State thought to be the favorite there.

Others to keep an eye on in NC are LB Jonathan Smith, OL Pete Leota and DE Zack Gilbert. While Marquill Osborne is worth watching, with a connection to current Hokie Mook Reynolds, odds are, he'll stick with his Tennessee commit. For 2017, VT is already in good shape with Gibson, Cauthen and WR Ryan Jones.

Rivals national team analysis:
"In North Carolina, Virginia Tech is making major in-roads. That's especially a credit to Charley Wiles and Shane Beamer. The big one is Landon Dickerson right now. They've done a great job with him and Landon is a legacy for Virginia Tech, so Stacy Searels is doing a fantastic job with him. They can be considered the favorite or one of the two favorites for him.

There's a couple of other guys they're very much in play with, like Divine Deablo. They're in good shape with Josh Brown and he took a visit up there. In Charlotte and Greensboro, they're doing a good job and Mook Reynolds has had some connections there. He has connections with Marquill Osborne from playing with the NC Elite team. But right there along I-40, they're doing a great job."

-- Rivals.com mid-Atlantic analyst Adam Friedman

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