Welcome to Tunnel Talk, with all the latest in Virginia Tech recruiting.
September is upon us
With the turn of the Gregorian calendar, so turns the recruiting calendar, as well. When the clock hits midnight tonight, college coaches will be allowed to initiate direct contact via telephone, custom recruiting edits, and more with Class of 2022 prospects. Much like official offer day for the 2021 prospects at the beginning of this month, it'll be our opportunity to see who the staff is TRULY serious about at this stage in the recruiting cycle.
All indications are that the revamped and reinforced recruiting staff will have a more cohesive and detailed plan for how to approach the prioritization of recruits, and the consistency (and vigor) of contact as the group works down that priority list. The proof will be in the pudding, of course, but I have a pretty good feeling that there will be actual follow-through this time around.
For starters, there are more non-coaching staff members, and better-experienced (on both sides of the recruiting process) staff members in the office. Bridging that gap between recruiting staffer and on-field coaching staff member in terms of contact has of course been part of (the main?) problem in the past couple years, but a broader group of staffers should help make that process smoother. Secondly, this group has prioritized filling the 2021 class as quickly as possible - willing to accept some of the costs of that priority in terms of overall talent - which gives them the opportunity to spend the majority of their recruiting energy looking beyond.
As has been the case with the 2021 cycle (though as I've just said, the staff hasn't wanted to wait it out), a strong year on the field this Fall - depending upon how much of the season gets played - can change the perception of where recruits see Virginia Tech in the CFB pecking order.
As for 2021...
The miss on Tyleik Williams, while it became apparent for days ahead of time once Ohio State decided to accept a pledge from him, is a blow to changing the narrative of the 2021 recruiting class, barring surprises down the road. As with many other players (particularly in-state guys), the staff made up ground, but the treading of water earlier in the process prevented them from overcoming other deficits in comparison to the OSUs of the world.
Aside from a few established targets at offensive tackle and defensive line, the majority of VT's additional recruiting in the 2021 class is set to be spent on players who will be evaluated for offers in the near future.
With the lack of a high school season this Fall in many states (including Virginia and almost certainly Maryland), that could mean that VT's process extends past not only the December Signing Period - which by all accounts shouldn't happen, but we all know how the NCAA has zero interest in putting the needs of student-athletes first - but past February, as well. Since it's such an odd year, that'll be the case with other programs nationally, too.
A program like VT - which has already begun initiatives to fundraise and close AD budget gaps that the coronavirus pandemic has opened up - there's always the possibility of sticking with a smaller 2021 class, anyway, as a budget-saving concern with extra grants-in-aid to pay for in upcoming years, as well. Those decisions haven't been made (and from the coaches' perspective, they need offensive and defensive line help: the remaining positions are not ones they can pass on, really), but it's something to keep an eye on going forward.
September is upon us
With the turn of the Gregorian calendar, so turns the recruiting calendar, as well. When the clock hits midnight tonight, college coaches will be allowed to initiate direct contact via telephone, custom recruiting edits, and more with Class of 2022 prospects. Much like official offer day for the 2021 prospects at the beginning of this month, it'll be our opportunity to see who the staff is TRULY serious about at this stage in the recruiting cycle.
All indications are that the revamped and reinforced recruiting staff will have a more cohesive and detailed plan for how to approach the prioritization of recruits, and the consistency (and vigor) of contact as the group works down that priority list. The proof will be in the pudding, of course, but I have a pretty good feeling that there will be actual follow-through this time around.
For starters, there are more non-coaching staff members, and better-experienced (on both sides of the recruiting process) staff members in the office. Bridging that gap between recruiting staffer and on-field coaching staff member in terms of contact has of course been part of (the main?) problem in the past couple years, but a broader group of staffers should help make that process smoother. Secondly, this group has prioritized filling the 2021 class as quickly as possible - willing to accept some of the costs of that priority in terms of overall talent - which gives them the opportunity to spend the majority of their recruiting energy looking beyond.
As has been the case with the 2021 cycle (though as I've just said, the staff hasn't wanted to wait it out), a strong year on the field this Fall - depending upon how much of the season gets played - can change the perception of where recruits see Virginia Tech in the CFB pecking order.
As for 2021...
The miss on Tyleik Williams, while it became apparent for days ahead of time once Ohio State decided to accept a pledge from him, is a blow to changing the narrative of the 2021 recruiting class, barring surprises down the road. As with many other players (particularly in-state guys), the staff made up ground, but the treading of water earlier in the process prevented them from overcoming other deficits in comparison to the OSUs of the world.
Aside from a few established targets at offensive tackle and defensive line, the majority of VT's additional recruiting in the 2021 class is set to be spent on players who will be evaluated for offers in the near future.
With the lack of a high school season this Fall in many states (including Virginia and almost certainly Maryland), that could mean that VT's process extends past not only the December Signing Period - which by all accounts shouldn't happen, but we all know how the NCAA has zero interest in putting the needs of student-athletes first - but past February, as well. Since it's such an odd year, that'll be the case with other programs nationally, too.
A program like VT - which has already begun initiatives to fundraise and close AD budget gaps that the coronavirus pandemic has opened up - there's always the possibility of sticking with a smaller 2021 class, anyway, as a budget-saving concern with extra grants-in-aid to pay for in upcoming years, as well. Those decisions haven't been made (and from the coaches' perspective, they need offensive and defensive line help: the remaining positions are not ones they can pass on, really), but it's something to keep an eye on going forward.
