Clayton (N.C.) 2019 athlete/DB J.R. Walker doesn't do a whole lot of talking in the recruiting process, so it's sometimes tough to tell exactly where his head is as it relates to his favorites.
After last weekend's visit to Blacksburg, though, it's safe to say that Virginia Tech is a realistic option when he announced his college commitment today at noon. The Hokies' coaching staff feels like they're seriously in the running for the three-star.
That said, this is a kid with a lot of connections to NC State, and my personal take (from reading tea leaves only) is that the Wolfpack will be tough to beat, no matter the quiet confidence the staff is showing at VT. Indeed, even if today's selection is not in favor of NC State, I'd have a hard time seeing him completely shut it down - with the Wolfpack a contender as long as they have room for him - and end the process for the final time.
Given that it's tough to see where he even fits into the Virginia Tech class (landing him would probably be accompanied by another Ath/DB prospect being pushed out), and that NC State is making its statement for a move into the top 10 this weekend if they knock off Clemson, and it seems the safe bet is that he picks them anyway. Still, the relationships he's forged with the coaching staff at VT (notably defensive line coach Charley Wiles, who's done an unreal job in North Carolina since taking over that recruiting territory) make you think there's a chance.
I'll have full coverage here, whatever the decision turns out to be.
After last weekend's visit to Blacksburg, though, it's safe to say that Virginia Tech is a realistic option when he announced his college commitment today at noon. The Hokies' coaching staff feels like they're seriously in the running for the three-star.
That said, this is a kid with a lot of connections to NC State, and my personal take (from reading tea leaves only) is that the Wolfpack will be tough to beat, no matter the quiet confidence the staff is showing at VT. Indeed, even if today's selection is not in favor of NC State, I'd have a hard time seeing him completely shut it down - with the Wolfpack a contender as long as they have room for him - and end the process for the final time.
Given that it's tough to see where he even fits into the Virginia Tech class (landing him would probably be accompanied by another Ath/DB prospect being pushed out), and that NC State is making its statement for a move into the top 10 this weekend if they knock off Clemson, and it seems the safe bet is that he picks them anyway. Still, the relationships he's forged with the coaching staff at VT (notably defensive line coach Charley Wiles, who's done an unreal job in North Carolina since taking over that recruiting territory) make you think there's a chance.
I'll have full coverage here, whatever the decision turns out to be.
