Seniors Sam Denmark, Joshua Jackson and Jimmie Taylor IV have signed grant-in-aid papers with Virginia Tech, Beamerball.com reported via Twitter this evening.
We have received signed grant-in-aids from Jackson, Denmark, and Taylor. Glad to officially welcome these guys to Virginia Tech! #Sandman16
— BeamerBall (@Beamer_Ball) October 29, 2015
Denmark, a 6’0″, 180-pound wide receiver out of Hanahan (S.C.), is rated a 4-star prospect by ESPN and a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout. The reigning Group AAA state champion in the 100 and 200 meters boasts outstanding speed and says the Tech coaches plan to give him a look as a returner on special teams.
Denmark has averaged over 20 yards per catch his junior and senior seasons. He is in the midst of a successful senior season, which included a monster game against Timberland (highlights below).
ESPN also ranks Joshua Jackson, a 6’2″, 200-pound quarterback out of Saline (MI), a 4-star recruit. 247Sports, Rivals and Scout rank the standout signal caller as a 3-star.
After helping Saline to the Division 1 state championship game in 2014, Jackson has guided the Hornets to an undefeated regular season in 2015. He is dual-threat signal caller who ESPN’s Gerry Hamilton describes as an “accurate passer with a lot of skill.”
Boston College, Minnesota, Oregon State, Syracuse, Utah and West Virginia are among the other schools that offered.
Jackson’s father was a long-time assistant coach at the University of Michigan.
Taylor, a star at Southwest Onslow (Jacksonville, N.C.), is currently Virginia Tech’s only sure-fire defensive end prospect in the class of 2016. The consensus 3-star recruit also considered scholarship offers from Duke, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, NC State and Tennessee, among others.
“As good as he is now, I think he still has a lot more potential in him. He has size, speed, and athleticism. Most guys that big may not move as well and most guys who are as speedy as him are smaller,” Southwest Onslow head coach Charlie Dempsey said of the 6’3″, 225-pound Taylor in this TSL Pass article posted in August.
The above three recruits are not expected to be the only early enrollees for Virginia Tech. In fact, seven members of Virginia Tech’s class of 2016 — including the above three — have said they plan to enroll in January of 2016.
A grant-in-aid does not bind a recruit to a school, so any of the three prospects could still head elsewhere. Clearly, though, at this point their intention is to be in Blacksburg for the spring semester.
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Can I get a Linebacker?
So this sounds like they realize that there will be a coaching change and that they don’t want to look around in December to start school This binds Virginia Tech to them but not them to us. I think these are all good prospects however coach Beamer is taking the decision out of the next coaches hands by accepting their grant in aid papers.
It would be unwise to not accept them for 2nd semester enrollment.
I don’t disagree at all, especially in the case of these three. My point was that this move only protects the recruits, which I fully support, especially with a coaching change on the way. My secondary point was that this staff is making decisions for the next staff, much like a couple of the blown red shirts this year. Not saying that it is right or wrong, just bringing it up for discussion.
Just remember we have JoVonn Quillen coming from Hampton High School. They are undefeated and JoVonn looks exactly like another Tyrod!!! Could well be the VT QB of the future!!!
Interesting non-binding questions below, but I would have to think that this is a really strong indication of their commitment?
I think the biggest significance of these three would be the JJ commitment, given the relationship with CSL and fluidity of HC situation. Let’s hope this is rock solid! Congrats to all of these guys!
CH- is 7 recruits the highest we have ever had in early enrolling?
Do you ever do comparative recruiting research for articles, like CC, Will, etc do for regular season comparative analysis? It would be interesting to see the growth of this trend at other schools as well. Thank you!
If they do the grand-aid papers, does that mean they can’t back out?
They can back out. It’s not binding.
I was also impressed by JJ’s highlights, looks like he will be a good qb.
Your last line threw me for a loop….I thought nothing was firm UNTIL they signed on the dotted line.. I would think signed a “grant-in-aid” is MORE binding than faxing in a LOI! My confusion may stem from the fact that, in my profession, I have had deals NOT close after a LOI was signed, but ALWAYS once the signature is added to a contract….In other words, they signed saying they want a scholarship, but don’t have to take it??
Good news…but with a caveat.. Sounds like 3 guys we REALLY want to be Hokies!!!
That’s correct. The grant-in-aid is a non-binding agreement. And yes, it is confusing : ).
DANG…well, i like that they are in a hurry to start at Tech..THAT bodes well! Thanks Chris!
Signs of great things to come. Get it – “signs” as in signatures. I’ll be here all week. Please remember to tip your waitress.
Ba-dum psh! Sorry, little late with the drumroll.
I really like JJ. I do not want any transfers, but really like the way this guy hangs in the pocket and chucks the rock.
Agree – Every time I watch JJ’s highlights I see a solid, strong arm, accurate, mobile and pocket passer. We’ve all had the 2015 season to evaluate QB play under a microscope with BM and MB. I think what we see here is a senior in HS that may have a better skill set and higher ceiling — With all due respect given to our existing QBs who have given their very best effort for sure.