Now that it’s a dead period, it’s a little quiet on the recruiting trail. However, there are still some things to catch up on. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to Virginia Tech recruiting.
Hokies add offensive lineman to ’17 class as walk-on
Virginia Tech added a piece to their offensive line for the Class of 2017 with Brennon Garrison as a preferred walk-on.
Garrison is a 6-foot-3, 285-pound center who played this past season at Fork Union Military Academy. His only scholarship offers were from Stetson University and Elizabeth City State. Garrison is the second commitment for the Hokies from Fork Union, as Silias Dzansi (originally Class of 2016) will also join Virginia Tech next season.
The Hokies now have three offensive linemen coming in for the Class of 2017. Aiden Brown and Christian Darrisaw will be on scholarship while Garrison will walk-on. Dzansi (2016) will join the team in January. Depending on how the numbers work out, the Hokies could offer another lineman before Signing Day to beef up the class a little bit. The Hokies will lose at least two offensive linemen this offseason (Jon McLaughlin and Augie Conte) and there could be attrition here as well.
Here’s the most recent highlight film from Garrison.
Gill headed to North Carolina
In rather less surprising news, defensive tackle Xach Gill announced on Monday that he will play for North Carolina next season.
Gill was one of the last targets at defensive tackle for Virginia Tech. The 4-star recruit from Wake Forest, NC. would’ve been a solid addition for the Hokies, though insiders believe he would have ultimately played offensive line. Now, Tech will likely focus it’s efforts on Victor Dimukeje. Dimukeje is likely headed to either Duke or Virginia Tech.
As of now, Virginia Tech will return quite a few defensive tackles. Tim Settle and Ricky Walker will both be back, along with Steve Sobczak. All three have playing experience. Behind them, Darius Fullwood, Clay Dean (walkon) and Jarrod Hewitt are slated to return. Again, there could be some attrition here as well.
Judson back on the market… sort of
Remember Bruce Judson Jr.? Well he’s back… somewhat.
https://twitter.com/4way_lilbruce/status/810250764165804032
Judson says he’s technically still committed to South Florida, but it sure doesn’t look like it. He also says Virginia Tech is in the mix, but I’m not sure how hard the Hokies are recruiting him. Judson is taking an official visit to Oregon, now coached by Willie Taggart. Taggart of course coached South Florida previously.
Don’t count on it, but you never know these days in recruiting.
Tech extends offer to ’18 recruit
Virginia Tech has offered Class of 2018 recruit Alim McNeill.
McNeill is listed as an inside linebacker, but at 6-foot-2, 262-pounds, he’s likely moving down to defensive tackle at the collegiate level. The Raleigh, NC. native has received offers from Boston College, East Carolina and Tulane so far.
Here’s some highlight film from his junior season. He plays a mixture of inside linebacker, end and tackle. You’ll notice he’s pretty athletic for his size and has great instincts against the run.
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Bruce Judson Junior’s post could have used a quick spell check.
Wouldn’t Garrison be the 3rd FUMA recruit, counting Terius Wheatley? 🙂
Garrison looks to have a mean streak with all the pancakes. Hope he develops. You are so right about McNeill being athletic. He moves 262 lbs around very easily
Do you know Dzansi’s jersey number? I would like to observe him on Garrison’s highlight film.
#69, per FUMA’s web site.