Running down a few of the hot topics in the Hokie recruiting world...
What's the story on the offensive line? It looks like a major area of need for the Hokies, but there hasn't been a lot of movement on the recruiting trail. There are a couple things to keep in mind here: first, only two players (albeit starters - right guard Augie Conte and right tackle Jonathan McLaughlin) will exhaust their eligibility at the conclusion of this season. There's also a chance we see early NFL departures, but at this time, those decisions are in the distant future. Then, it's easy to forget that VT has just one class of 2017 OL commit in Aiden Brown, but effectively two in the class, given the post-grad year at Fork Union for Silas Dzansi, who initially signed with the 2016 class. The two names that continue to come up as it relates to potential additions to the 2017 group are in-staters Mekhi Becton and Tyran Hunt. Becton is really feeling out college programs based on their play on the field this year (so far, so good for the Hokies), and while that won't be the sole factor in his choice, a bad UVa program probably takes a major hit in his eyes, and the Hoos have been considered the primary competition. Hunt has gone radio silent lately. He's tough to get a read on, but the staff is working to bring the three-star on campus for a visit, which could go a long way toward determining the outcome of his recruitment.
He's been committed to Ohio State forever, but Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian five-star corner Shaun Wade is notoriously soft in that commitment. Alabama, Florida State, and Michigan have been considered the favorites to flip him from the Buckeyes, but Virginia Tech will have a shot. The No. 17 overall prospect in the nation plans to take an official visit to Blacksburg (though he's yet to set a date). It's a bit of a tough pull, given the level of competition, but he has friends interested in VT, including commit Aundre Ricardo-Kearney (and Isaiah Ford is a Jacksonville native who has turned a commitment to the Hokies into a huge career thus far). The flip may not happen, but getting such a highly regarded player on campus can be a win regardless.
Speaking of elite defensive backs, we continue to hear that VT is in very strong position with in-state safety Devon Hunter. The Chesapeake Indian River star could play a number of positions at the next level, but a hybrid nickel/linebacker type seems to be the best fit for how his body is developing. The No. 53 overall prospect in the country is a major priority for the Hokies, and though he is intent on going through the process (including a full slate of official visits), all indications are that, barring a major change, it'll be tough for another school to sway him.
It could end up being a similar story with a group from Stafford (Va.) North Stafford. 2019 running back Devyn Ford, 2018 offensive lineman Nana Asiedu, and 2020 RB/WR Javon Swinton have already visited, and all but Swinton hold VT offers. They're building a bond with the Hokies' coaching staff, and Asiedu especially seems to be high on the program. They're no done deal - of course, given the youth of all three - but things look good.
What's the story on the offensive line? It looks like a major area of need for the Hokies, but there hasn't been a lot of movement on the recruiting trail. There are a couple things to keep in mind here: first, only two players (albeit starters - right guard Augie Conte and right tackle Jonathan McLaughlin) will exhaust their eligibility at the conclusion of this season. There's also a chance we see early NFL departures, but at this time, those decisions are in the distant future. Then, it's easy to forget that VT has just one class of 2017 OL commit in Aiden Brown, but effectively two in the class, given the post-grad year at Fork Union for Silas Dzansi, who initially signed with the 2016 class. The two names that continue to come up as it relates to potential additions to the 2017 group are in-staters Mekhi Becton and Tyran Hunt. Becton is really feeling out college programs based on their play on the field this year (so far, so good for the Hokies), and while that won't be the sole factor in his choice, a bad UVa program probably takes a major hit in his eyes, and the Hoos have been considered the primary competition. Hunt has gone radio silent lately. He's tough to get a read on, but the staff is working to bring the three-star on campus for a visit, which could go a long way toward determining the outcome of his recruitment.
He's been committed to Ohio State forever, but Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian five-star corner Shaun Wade is notoriously soft in that commitment. Alabama, Florida State, and Michigan have been considered the favorites to flip him from the Buckeyes, but Virginia Tech will have a shot. The No. 17 overall prospect in the nation plans to take an official visit to Blacksburg (though he's yet to set a date). It's a bit of a tough pull, given the level of competition, but he has friends interested in VT, including commit Aundre Ricardo-Kearney (and Isaiah Ford is a Jacksonville native who has turned a commitment to the Hokies into a huge career thus far). The flip may not happen, but getting such a highly regarded player on campus can be a win regardless.
Speaking of elite defensive backs, we continue to hear that VT is in very strong position with in-state safety Devon Hunter. The Chesapeake Indian River star could play a number of positions at the next level, but a hybrid nickel/linebacker type seems to be the best fit for how his body is developing. The No. 53 overall prospect in the country is a major priority for the Hokies, and though he is intent on going through the process (including a full slate of official visits), all indications are that, barring a major change, it'll be tough for another school to sway him.
It could end up being a similar story with a group from Stafford (Va.) North Stafford. 2019 running back Devyn Ford, 2018 offensive lineman Nana Asiedu, and 2020 RB/WR Javon Swinton have already visited, and all but Swinton hold VT offers. They're building a bond with the Hokies' coaching staff, and Asiedu especially seems to be high on the program. They're no done deal - of course, given the youth of all three - but things look good.
