The last time Virginia Tech signed a prospect out of Ocean Lakes High School (Virginia Beach, VA) was 2008, when the Hokies signed a pair of Dolphins in Marcus Davis and Randall Dunn. Six classes have come and gone since then, but Tech has finally scored another prospect from the talent-rich school.
Today, while on the High School Sports Talk show on ESPN Radio 94.1 in Hampton Roads, Ocean Lakes product Jahque Alleyne (pronounced Jah-quay Allen) announced he has committed to the Hokies over East Carolina, Kentucky, Louisville, Oregon and Virginia. He becomes the 12th class of 2015 prospect to pledge to Virginia Tech.
Alleyne, who told TSL in an August 7 update that he planned to take all five official visits before committing, visited Blacksburg in July. He said this morning, though, that he “knew when he went out” to Virginia Tech what he wanted to do.
“I really liked it,” Alleyne said of Tech in the August 7 update. “It actually shocked me that I liked it more than I expected. Coaches are really laid back. Coach Beamer and Coach Stiney and all those guys.”
Virginia Tech’s success in developing defensive backs was an important factor as well.
“I can see myself going there and Coach Gray producing me into a great player,” Alleyne said on High School Sports Talk.
Bryan Stinespring serves as Tech’s primary recruiter at Ocean Lakes. A main message from Stinespring that resonated is “that they are such a big family,” Alleyne said.
Free safety has been Jahque’s primary position in high school, but he has the athleticism and versatility to play either safety or corner for the Hokies. Virginia Tech likes players who can play multiple positions, and Alleyne really seems to fit the bill in that regard.
“Actually I’ve really gotten a lot that I can play both. I play corner a little bit here when I need to. It is different variations between safety and corner here,” Alleyne said.
“I see myself as a defensive back (in college). Not a lot of teams can say they have a 6’0” defensive back who is 180. I really like it. Receiver is good to me too, but I’ve always been told I’m going to college as defensive back.”
Dolphins head coach Chris Scott touted Alleyne’s football smarts and savvy and ability to run sideline-to-sideline. The 3-star rising senior also brings a physical brand of football.
“If you come across the middle, I’m going to hit you,” he said.
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