TechSideline.com has learned that George Washington (Danville, VA) junior CJ Barksdale, a 6-7, 225-pound forward, has verbally committed to Virginia Tech. One of the most highly rated forwards in the 2011 class, Barksdale chose Tech over offers from Alabama, Florida, Maryland and Wake Forest. He also had interest from Kentucky, North Carolina, Villanova and others.
TSL basketball recruiting guru Rev. Zeke reported the commitment on the TSL Pass Recruiting Message Board this afternoon.
As a sophomore in 2008/2009, Barksdale averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game. He is rated a 4-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com, with the latter putting the standout prospect as #28 in the nation.
Barksdale envisions himself as a combo forward on the next level.
“I see myself as more of an inside-out forward,” he told TSL earlier this fall. “I can go in and post up and I can go out.”
6-4, 180-pound East Ridge (Clermont, FL) guard Robert Brown was the first 2011 class player to commit to Tech, pledging to Seth Greenberg earlier this July. Barksdale becomes the 2nd commit in Tech’s 2011 class. He visited Virginia Tech several times this fall and had listed the Hokies in his top five in October.
“I like it a lot,” Barksdale said of Tech in October. “I like the school and the atmosphere, and the new practice facility is nice.”
Stay tuned to TSL for more on Barksdale’s decision.
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