The biggest prospect on campus (from a star-power perspective, not a literal one) was Stafford (Va.) North Stafford five-star running back Devyn Ford. Naturally, he's the one that there's the most intrigue around.
Everything went very well with Ford's visit. He got to see a run game show a few signs of life - not necessarily something he needed to see, but it certainly helps after last year's struggles to move the rock on the ground - experience the gameday atmosphere in Blacksburg without too much of the hustle and bustle that would otherwise prevent the coaches from showing him plenty of attention on a true gameday, and of course got to interact with some former Hokie greats. That included a former all-pro quarterback and one of the most famous Hokies of all time tweeting about him after the game:
It was actually a player who was in Blacksburg for his playing career a bit more recently than Vick, though, that Ford bonded with the most: recently retired defensive back Brandon Flowers. That bond is a positive for VT, and allowed Ford to be comfortable on campus.
As predicted heading into the visit, Virginia Tech is solidly back on top for the priority 2019 target. However, the official visit to Ohio State still looms in the distance, and with a college commitment coming in May, if the Buckeyes get back on top (something they've shown an ability to do during visits), the Hokies will have to fight to have enough time to return the favor.
Clemson and Penn State seem to be a touch behind at this point (though he'll take a visit to State College before a commitment, too), with VT primarily battling Urban Meyer's crew.
I haven't had a chance to connect with the other official visitor, Rivals100 offensive lineman Quinn Carroll, but by all accounts his trip was good as well. His older brother Collin got to mingle with some of his former VT teammates, and while that doesn't directly impact Quinn's decision, certainly the comfort on campus is helpful when decision time comes.
Virginia Tech still feels like it's a touch behind some of the more Midwest-based (or nationally powerful) teams on Carroll's list, but the coaches have laid the groundwork to be in this one until the end.
I'll have more detail from Carroll when I manage to catch up with him.
Finally, I teased a potential commitment Saturday morning. At least from a public perspective, that one didn't come to fruition over the weekend. However, the coaching staff has reason to believe that another four-star prospect will be in the fold sooner or later.
That would be the third four-star player to commit last week (well, this one actually would have happened before Nyquee Hawkins joined the group), a very solid run for the Hokies. When things stay below the radar, there's always a chance of the status changing before a public announcement is ever made. I'm not expecting anything to disrupt this future commitment, but again, you never know.
In due time, there should be another top prospect joining up with the Orange and Maroon.
Everything went very well with Ford's visit. He got to see a run game show a few signs of life - not necessarily something he needed to see, but it certainly helps after last year's struggles to move the rock on the ground - experience the gameday atmosphere in Blacksburg without too much of the hustle and bustle that would otherwise prevent the coaches from showing him plenty of attention on a true gameday, and of course got to interact with some former Hokie greats. That included a former all-pro quarterback and one of the most famous Hokies of all time tweeting about him after the game:
It was actually a player who was in Blacksburg for his playing career a bit more recently than Vick, though, that Ford bonded with the most: recently retired defensive back Brandon Flowers. That bond is a positive for VT, and allowed Ford to be comfortable on campus.
As predicted heading into the visit, Virginia Tech is solidly back on top for the priority 2019 target. However, the official visit to Ohio State still looms in the distance, and with a college commitment coming in May, if the Buckeyes get back on top (something they've shown an ability to do during visits), the Hokies will have to fight to have enough time to return the favor.
Clemson and Penn State seem to be a touch behind at this point (though he'll take a visit to State College before a commitment, too), with VT primarily battling Urban Meyer's crew.
I haven't had a chance to connect with the other official visitor, Rivals100 offensive lineman Quinn Carroll, but by all accounts his trip was good as well. His older brother Collin got to mingle with some of his former VT teammates, and while that doesn't directly impact Quinn's decision, certainly the comfort on campus is helpful when decision time comes.
Virginia Tech still feels like it's a touch behind some of the more Midwest-based (or nationally powerful) teams on Carroll's list, but the coaches have laid the groundwork to be in this one until the end.
I'll have more detail from Carroll when I manage to catch up with him.
Finally, I teased a potential commitment Saturday morning. At least from a public perspective, that one didn't come to fruition over the weekend. However, the coaching staff has reason to believe that another four-star prospect will be in the fold sooner or later.
That would be the third four-star player to commit last week (well, this one actually would have happened before Nyquee Hawkins joined the group), a very solid run for the Hokies. When things stay below the radar, there's always a chance of the status changing before a public announcement is ever made. I'm not expecting anything to disrupt this future commitment, but again, you never know.
In due time, there should be another top prospect joining up with the Orange and Maroon.
