Missing out on Josh Sweat was a big disappointment, but there is some bright news on the defensive end recruiting front for Virginia Tech this week. Four-star Darrell Taylor, a senior out of Hopewell (VA) and currently a Tennessee commitment, is in Blacksburg on an official visit.
According to Hopewell head coach Ricky Irby, Taylor was scheduled to leave for Tech following Hopewell’s basketball game last night.
Taylor has seemed solid in his commitment to the Volunteers, though he has been consistent in saying he would take official visits to other schools. If there was a runner-up to Tennessee, it was Virginia Tech, a school the 6’4″, 227-pound prospect spoke very highly of before he announced for the Volunteers.
Convincing Taylor to flip would be big for the Hokies. As I mentioned on the TSL Recruiting Board, I’m not sure how much of an impact Taylor could have his true freshman season, but with his blend of size and athleticism — he is a special athlete — he could be a real force off the edge.
Another talented defensive end, Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) senior Shelton Johnson, reportedly (per 247Sports) is in Blacksburg as well for an official. Florida State and Miami are among the other offers the 6’5″, 230-pound prospect is considering. No doubt the Hokies would like to steal one away from the Seminoles (the favorite for Johnson according to 247Sports) given what happened earlier this week.
Thomas Makes It To Tech (Finally)
Previous plans to visit Virginia Tech have not come to fruition, but Prattville (AL) offensive lineman Kenny Thomas has finally made it to Blacksburg. The 6’5″, 330-pound senior is on an official visit at Virginia Tech one week after making an official to Louisville.
Virginia Tech has three offensive line commits so far in the class of 2015, including 4-star Austin Clark, Florida native Mike Arnold and Georgia product DAndre Plantin. Tyrell Smith, who signed with Tech in the class of 2014 but ended up at Massachusetts’ Cushing Academy this fall because he needed to improve his SAT, will be a true freshman as well next season. Smith enrolls at Tech next month. As does Clark.
Landing at least one other offensive line prospect in this class is the goal. Two would be ideal in my opinion. Thomas has been high on the wish list throughout, so obviously it’s big to get him on campus.
RB Hines Visits, Too
Garner (N.C.) all-purpose running back Nyheim Hines made an official to Tech as well this past weekend. Hines, a senior who plans to announce his college choice on Friday, December 19, tweeted the following pictures from his trip…
Official visit at Virginia Tech #Hokies pic.twitter.com/UJt1aCI1dY
— Nyheim Hines (@TheNyNy2) December 13, 2014
Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, NC State, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia are the finalists for Hines, who announces at 3 pm on Friday.
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Yikes … Bud to A&M rumors, Beamer’s looming retirement/firing … please Whit, do something soon. This is awful for recruiting. If Frank had worked out a transition plan before now, we would not be in this situation. How many major colleges have coaches pushing 70?
Tech should continue to pursue Josh Sweat.
Thomas that is
Holy Ham Hocks Batman, at 6’5″ 330 Smith could be a tight end in our system tic. That’s a beast of a man, how does he move?
Like everyone else, one step at a time. But I bet they’re big steps.
Actually, I’ve seen video. It’s the most amazing thing. He hops.