Some recent developments in the world of recruiting…
Izzo Visits Wisconsin
Pope John XXIII (Sparta, N.J.) senior tight end Ryan Izzo , one of Virginia Tech’s top remaining targets, made an official visit to Wisconsin last weekend. Multiple outlets have reported that the visit went well, but Izzo did not commit and is preparing for an official visit to Florida State this weekend.
The 6’6″, 230-pound prospect is also considering Iowa, Rutgers, USC, and Virginia Tech. Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin are the top contenders in my opinion, though the Seminoles could make a move this weekend. There is speculation that Izzo may make a decision soon after the Florida State trip, but when I talked to him recently he was unsure of when he would commit.
Of his top six schools, Izzo has been to Wisconsin on an unofficial and an official visit. He made an unofficial to Virginia Tech the weekend of the Hokies’ 2013 Spring Game, and he has been to Rutgers several times unofficially. Izzo has also taken unofficial trips out to Iowa and Southern Cal.
Stay tuned for more from the talented tight end after this weekend.
New Schools Entering The Race For Walker?
Alabama was represented at Bethel High School (Hampton, VA) recently to evaluate senior defensive tackle Ricky Walker , Recruit757.com reports.
Walker, one of Virginia Tech’s top remaining targets, decided in August to re-open his recruitment after earlier narrowing the field to five: North Carolina, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Virginia Tech. Tech remains one of the favorites in this race in my opinion, but obviously he is not sold enough on any school to make a commitment at this point. If other schools such as Alabama offer (the Tide has not offered as of yet), predicting where the standout defensive lineman will end up becomes all the more difficult.
The 6’2″, 275-pound senior will take his first official visit this weekend, when he heads to Nebraska.
Smith’s Move Makes DT A Bigger Need
Red-shirt freshman Alston Smith’s move from defensive tackle to offensive guard appears to be a good one for the offensive line; however, the move, coupled with Wyatt Teller’s move to offensive tackle, makes the defensive tackle spot more of a need for the Hokies in the class of 2014.
The projected 2014 season depth chart at defensive tackle currently stands as follows:
– Seniors Luther Maddy and Corey Marshall
– Juniors Kris Harley and Wade Hansen (not known if Hansen is a scholarship player)
– Sophomores Woody Baron and Nigel Williams
There are no sure-fire defensive tackles committed to Tech’s class of 2014. The aforementioned Walker and Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, VA) 4-star prospect Derrick Nnadi have always been top targets of Virginia Tech, but in light of the roster shake-up they are of major importance from talent and depth standpoints.
More News & Notes
– In case you missed it, a pair of Tech class of 2014 targets — RB Elijah Hood (UNC) and WR Noah Brown (Ohio State) — are no longer in play.
– Per Twitter, Lawrence Central (Indianapolis, IN) senior linebacker Brandon Lee will take an official visit to Northwestern the weekend of September 20-22. The 6’3″, 205-pound prospect has taken an official to California already. He is also considering Louisville, Oregon, Penn State, and Virginia Tech.
Lee reportedly is going to take an official to Virginia Tech the weekend of October 5-7. His coach, Jed Richman, could not confirm that date in an interview with me earlier today, but Richman did say that several dates have been discussed. Richman also confirmed that Lee plans to graduate early and enroll in college this January.
– Fork Union’s official postgraduate football roster has been released on its website. Virginia Tech class of 2013 signees Holland Fisher , Cequan Jefferson , and DJ Reid are on the list, which can be viewed by clicking here.
Fisher and Jefferson are listed as defensive backs, while Reid is listed as a running back.
– I caught up with new basketball commit Justin Bibbs (Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL) earlier today. Seems like a great kid. Says his decision came down to Virginia Tech and Xavier. He made lists, spoke with his parents and coaches, and finally Virginia Tech came out on top. The 6’5″, 190-pound shooting guard says he “fell in love” with the campus on a recent unofficial visit. He also said it’s a “dream come true” to have a chance to play against schools such as Duke and UNC in the ACC.
My full report on Bibbs, which will be a TSL Pass piece, will be out tomorrow.
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If the DT players are interested in early PT, come to VT and show that you can play.
These uncommitted recruits are the reason us fans need to show up and make some serious noise in Lane week in and week out. Some of them may take official visits for “lesser” games so we still need to make the place rock regardless of the opponent. Let them know how awesome it would be to play in front of a crowd that loves their school and football team!
Nice notes — making me concerned over DT recruiting and how many will be available in 2014, but esp. in 2015!!