VT Recruiting Has Momentum

Last week’s big recruiting weekend also turned out to be a successful one, highlighted by 4-star defensive tackle Ricky Walker ‘s commitment. With Walker on board Virginia Tech now has 19 commitments in the class of 2014, not including three postgraduate prospects — class of 2013 signees Holland Fisher , Cequan Jefferson , and DJ Reid — who may have to enroll at Tech next summer if they do not gain admission in January.

Walker is an important recruit for Tech, which needed defensive tackles in this class. The Bethel (Hampton, VA) product’s decision, plus Tech’s strong standing with Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, VA) star Derrick Nnadi , has the Hokies looking good with interior defensive line recruiting.

Linebacker remains a need in this class, but last weekend no doubt gave the Tech coaches reason to feel good about the potential for a strong finish. Top targets Melvin Keihn and Raymon Minor were on hand at the UNC game. The Hokies really helped themselves with Keihn, a speedy outside linebacker out of Gilman (Baltimore, MD), and continue to be in strong shape with Minor, a 6’3″, 225-pound prospect out of Benedictine (Richmond, VA).

Ultimately I see the 6’2″, 220-pound Keihn choosing from Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Tech has the momentum as a result of last Saturday’s visit, though.

Minor, who was accompanied by Benedictine teammates Clelin Ferrell (junior DE with VT offer) and Scott Bracey (sophomore WR with VT offer) in Lane Stadium last Saturday, has now been to two Virginia Tech home football games this season (both unofficial visits). He has visited Blacksburg at least five times in total. I see Tech as the strong favorite for this promising athlete.

As reported here earlier this week, if Virginia Tech offers Atlanta Sports Academy (Atlanta, GA) postgraduate linebacker Jay Payton , he will be a Hokie. Academics are the key for Payton, who ideally would like to enroll in college this January though he did not rule out returning to ASA after this semester if necessary. Tech is also expected to get an official visit from Lawrence Central (Indianapolis, IN) linebacker Brandon Lee , who is also considering California, Louisville, Northwestern, Oregon and Penn State. Lee likely will take an official to Tech the weekend of the Duke game.

On offense, adding another receiver in this class would be ideal. Winter Haven (FL) star Kendrick Holland took an official to Virginia Tech last weekend. Kentucky, Minnesota, and South Florida are other top contenders for him. Virginia Tech is also very much in the running with Washington (PA) senior running back Shai McKenzie , who reportedly will take an official to Blacksburg in November. Pitt is Tech’s top competition in my opinion, so it’ll be interesting to follow the talented running back’s take on tomorrow’s matchup in Lane.

Class Of 2015 Recruiting News

Hokie fans should feel very good about Virginia Tech’s position with the aforementioned Clelin Ferrell , who raved about the experience he had in Blacksburg this past July and returned to watch the UNC game. I also see Tech as the favorite for another top in-state junior, Dan River (Ringgold, VA) linebacker/tight end Tremaine Edmunds , who has now scored an offer from the Hokies. The 6’4″, 215-pound Edmunds is the younger brother of current Hokie Trey Edmunds and Tech class of 2014 commitment Terrell Edmunds.

Tech impressed Stonewall Jackson (Manassas, VA) junior defensive tackle Tim Settle last weekend. I still think UVa is in good shape with Settle right now, but obviously much will depend on how the Cavaliers finish out the 2013 season. Alabama and Ohio State are top contenders for the 6’3″, 310-pound prospect as well.

According to our sources, Virginia Tech will receive a visit from another prominent class of 2015 prospect tomorrow. He is Michael Barnett , a 6’5″, 235-pound prospect out of Woodland High in Dorchester, South Carolina. This will be Barnett’s third trip to Tech this year, as he attended the Spring Game and the July 13/14 one-day camp/recruiting event. Virginia Tech was the first school to offer Barnett, who is also considering offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, and others.

Barnett didn’t name a clear favorite in my TSL Pass update on him back in July, but the Hokies are thought to be high on his list. Stay tuned for more following this weekend.

Barnett is the most high profile uncommitted visitor we’ve confirmed for tomorrow’s game against Pitt. Certainly there will be more recruits in attendance, and we’ll be sure to provide those names for you as we get them.

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