in my view they try to put together a broad, strong team of athletes that want to be at VT and buy into working hard to get better (a blue collar approach). They rely on recruiting "diamonds in the rough" as well as outside the U.S. (but that is a common strategy these days). Strong throws and vaulting programs help too, along with other field events. Coach Cianelli wants a program that is strong across the board as much as possible. If they find a star that wants to be at VT, it makes sense to lock that athlete in with as much support as they can generate at the time, but they also want to spread out the scoring and be dangerous in as many events as possible.

If you follow the signee announcements each year, it is apparent they are spreading out the money (ie, partial scholarships are used often). Walk-ons are not listed in the incoming classes - if you see an announcement on hokiesports those athletes are getting some kind of support.

-drh