Probably VT's top overall target, safety Devon Hunter, has changed his commitment plans. What does it mean for the Hokies? And will another key recruit end up in Blacksburg? Plus an early look at key weekend visitors.
When Chesapeake (Va.) Indian River safety
Devon Hunter announced
a change to his commitment timeline last night, it was naturally met with some consternation by VT fans. The Hokies are seen as the favorite for the four-star, and pushing back his date only gives a bit more time for other schools to close the gap (or, as some worry, other schools have already closed the gap, enough that he wouldn't be confident in picking VT early). However, don't read too negatively into it. Yes, it's possible that different schools will have the chance to convince him not to end up a Hokie, but
they would still have to do that, given sources on both ends that Hunter is still strongly favoring the opportunity to stay home.
Yes, pushing back the timeline - opening up official visit dates in January - does mean there's a bit of room for things to change. However, all indications at this point are that he simply wants the opportunity to take some official visits, since he was focused on his senior season until the past couple weeks. Don't be surprised if his official trip to Blacksburg sees a burst of confidence from the Hokies.
Another top target is Stockbridge (Ga.) three-star running back
Jalen Holston. He doesn't have the accolades of Hunter, but could be just as important a recruit in the short-term, with VT needing some talented ball-carriers. In the wake of his official visit to campus for the UVa game, the tune hasn't changed: he's likely to end up a Hokie, the primary question is timing. However, there is now a slight desire (like with Hunter) to take advantage of the recruiting process and get out on a couple official visits. We'll see if that changes, but for the time being, regardless of whether that happens, his camp sees him ending up in Maroon and Orange.
The story isn't quite as positive with Detroit Cass Tech cornerback
Donovan Johnson. When the four-star took his official visit to Blacksburg in September, it cemented the Hokies as a solid favorite. However, that was when it looked like Penn State coach James Franklin looked closer to the hot seat than a shocking Big Ten Championship. Johnson takes his official visit to State College this weekend, and if he comes out uncommitted, there's still a chance for VT. Unless things go horribly, though, the Nittany Lions should remain the favorite and give the Hokies' coaching staff a bit of work to do.
On to the visitors for this weekend...
Look for most of the Hokies' commits (at least those who are available, with a half-dozen of them still playing for state titles) to find their way to campus, whether it's for a their official visits - which the staff wanted to set up in a large group for this weekend - or an unofficial. That's not the exciting side of things though: the uncommitted visitors are where the action may be. Here are the headliners:
Devon Hunter, as discussed extensively above
Bridgeton (N.J.) athlete
Markquese Bell
Baltimore Boys Latin defensive end
Victor Dimukeje
Indian Head (Md.) Lackey linebacker
Nathan Proctor
The list should grow in the coming days (and outside of Hunter, the group thus far is either players who aren't that exciting or who still seem unlikely to end up Hokies), so stay tuned.
