Welcome to Tunnel Talk, with the latest in Hokies recruiting.
Tray Curry
I've been beating the bush in the Chattanooga area the past couple weeks to get a little bit of the story behind Tray Curry's departure from Cleveland (Tenn.) Bradley Central High. I'm pleased to report that it doesn't seem like there's anything disciplinary or particularly sketchy about it. His older brother switched high schools before his senior year as well (after their mother swore up and down that he wouldn't), and signed to play basketball at South Alabama. It really does sound like the family is just trying to find the best opportunity to prepare for the next level.
All indications are that a school in Georgia (whose high school governing board has unequivocally stated that high school football will happen as planned, whereas Tennessee hasn't gone quite that far) will be the choice. In particular, he's expected to play at Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb.
That's a program that produces some top talent - so Curry's presence there could boost future Hokie recruiting efforts - and is outside of Atlanta still in the direction of Blacksburg. Getting a little farther from the Tennessee fanbase (which is still upset he went back on a silent commitment to the Vols) can't be a bad thing, either.
Kenji Christian good vibes
HokieHaven has been riding the "Kenji Christian likely ends up a Hokie" train ever since Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst Chad Simmons dropped a tidbit on our board a few weeks ago.
There was a time where we weren't sure there was still room for a third running back in the class, but the versatility of commits Chance Black and Malachi Thomas (as well as with Christian, who has the frame to play safety or even grow into a linebacker if RB doesn't work out) left the door open. When the Hokies sent Christian an official written offer, I was confident enough to make my FutureCast pick.
Now, Christian has officially narrowed it to two (Ole Miss is the other finalist) and established a commitment date (Aug. 24). He always planned to announce in August, and having the specific date firmed up is just another step toward what looks like one of the next players to pick the Hokies.
Focus shift to future
You've likely noticed in the past few days that the staff has really pivoted to pumping out a bunch of offers for underclassmen. That's no coincidence: they mostly feel good about where the 2021 recruiting board stands. Of course, we've seen broad steps in that direction before, but players faded from "we feel good about him" status and they had to re-focus and even expand the offer net.
I'm still a little wary about the number of quality offensive tackle and defensive line options on the board - particularly among those with whom they're in good shape. We shall see how it plays out, but for the time being, the staff is ready to take a step back and establish their board for 2022 and beyond, while letting some 2021 recruitments play out a bit more without adding targets.
The potential lack of a 2020 season is obviously a wrench in the works - making a statement on the field has been a big part of the over-arching plan on the recruiting trail - but with decisions not yet made in that regard, there's hope that things won't be scuttled.
Tray Curry
I've been beating the bush in the Chattanooga area the past couple weeks to get a little bit of the story behind Tray Curry's departure from Cleveland (Tenn.) Bradley Central High. I'm pleased to report that it doesn't seem like there's anything disciplinary or particularly sketchy about it. His older brother switched high schools before his senior year as well (after their mother swore up and down that he wouldn't), and signed to play basketball at South Alabama. It really does sound like the family is just trying to find the best opportunity to prepare for the next level.
All indications are that a school in Georgia (whose high school governing board has unequivocally stated that high school football will happen as planned, whereas Tennessee hasn't gone quite that far) will be the choice. In particular, he's expected to play at Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb.
That's a program that produces some top talent - so Curry's presence there could boost future Hokie recruiting efforts - and is outside of Atlanta still in the direction of Blacksburg. Getting a little farther from the Tennessee fanbase (which is still upset he went back on a silent commitment to the Vols) can't be a bad thing, either.
Kenji Christian good vibes
HokieHaven has been riding the "Kenji Christian likely ends up a Hokie" train ever since Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst Chad Simmons dropped a tidbit on our board a few weeks ago.
There was a time where we weren't sure there was still room for a third running back in the class, but the versatility of commits Chance Black and Malachi Thomas (as well as with Christian, who has the frame to play safety or even grow into a linebacker if RB doesn't work out) left the door open. When the Hokies sent Christian an official written offer, I was confident enough to make my FutureCast pick.
Now, Christian has officially narrowed it to two (Ole Miss is the other finalist) and established a commitment date (Aug. 24). He always planned to announce in August, and having the specific date firmed up is just another step toward what looks like one of the next players to pick the Hokies.
Focus shift to future
You've likely noticed in the past few days that the staff has really pivoted to pumping out a bunch of offers for underclassmen. That's no coincidence: they mostly feel good about where the 2021 recruiting board stands. Of course, we've seen broad steps in that direction before, but players faded from "we feel good about him" status and they had to re-focus and even expand the offer net.
I'm still a little wary about the number of quality offensive tackle and defensive line options on the board - particularly among those with whom they're in good shape. We shall see how it plays out, but for the time being, the staff is ready to take a step back and establish their board for 2022 and beyond, while letting some 2021 recruitments play out a bit more without adding targets.
The potential lack of a 2020 season is obviously a wrench in the works - making a statement on the field has been a big part of the over-arching plan on the recruiting trail - but with decisions not yet made in that regard, there's hope that things won't be scuttled.
