Welcome to Tunnel Talk, with the latest in Hokie recruiting.
McDonald twins
The Hokies' newest commitments are both listed at cornerback - and that's their college preference - but given their size (both over 6-3, 215), you can safely assume that if they don't have the Adonis Alexander-type ability to play that position despite being linebacker sized, they'll transition to other roles. The fact that Justin Hamilton is their only point of contact from the coaching staff proper isn't a dead giveaway of safety, though. Since he's a fellow SWVA native (and the team's defensive coordinator) it's only natural that he'd be the primary recruiter.
The staff is looking at a number of different possibilities for the duo - Jayden is a pretty effective receiver in high school, while Jorden's defensive back responsibilities for Salem High often have him executing the responsibilities of a linebacker - but the general concept is that they're talented multi-position athletes. The positions they could realistically end up playing are some at which the Hokies have some needs. It's a "get 'em in and sort it out" situation.
They're not the most explosive defensive backs at this point, but they also fit that mold of underdeveloped, underexposed players that Virginia Tech has landed and turned into stars in the past. They're worth the risk in a class that should have a bit of space available. They should also help to smooth over some feelings close to home from those who feel like Virginia Tech isn't focused enough on recruiting players in the region. I don't know that it'll help with DC-area players or those from the 757 in a "state pride" type of play, but it also can't hurt.
Da'Wain Lofton
With rumors swirling that three-star slot receiver Da'Wain Lofton may flip to TCU after receiving an offer from the hometown squad, I have been poking around the past few weeks. The prospect himself has maintained radio silence, and those around the high school program are also quiet (this isn't necessarily a surprise - it often happens in the midst of the high school season). Our people close to the TCU staff indicate that the vibe in the recruiting room hasn't wavered: cautious optimism, but fairly tempered optimism, too. The vibe is slightly flipped in the VT football office: cautious pessimism, with a hope that they can hold on to the end.
Interestingly, the folks I speak to in Texas also don't have a lot to say about Lofton. That could just mean he's not tipping his hand to anyone (teammates, friends, people in the community, etc.). It may also mean there's nothing doing with the TCU pursuit. We did receive initial indication that staying close to home is a priority for the family, but also that they wouldn't force his hand in that regard. He plans to sign in the early period, so we won't likely be left in the dark much longer.
...all that may be trumped by what appears to be the Hokies making contingency plans, offering Ethan Davies out of the DC area last night. He's a similar type of player - mostly speed, but in need of being refined to a specific role - and the staff may very well move to take a commitment before getting final word from Lofton, which would be the writing on the wall there.
Desmond Mamudi
USF defensive tackle commit Desmond Mamudi took his anticipated virtual visit to Virginia Tech earlier this week. Without an immediate flip happening (which you'd probably expect if a Power-5 team is going to snag a guy away from a Group of Five school), nor a move to soften his commitment to USF, even the fact that he "loved" the visit is a little less positive than you'd hope to hear.
He's bene very clear that he grew up a USF fan and playing for the hometown school really appeals to him. The Hokies have impressed upon him the opportunity to play at the Power-5 level. Those two competing factors will go back-and-forth until a final decision is made. Unless and until he makes more serious noise about being split down the middle (or decommitting from USF, etc. etc.), my expectations have gone down one tick.
