Recruiting is heating up, and the summer will be a battle with in-state rival UVA and other schools for some major prospects. Today, Chris Horne and Chris Coleman take a look at the 2012 class, including Tech’s quick start, positions of need, and the in-state battle with UVA.

1) Are you surprised that Virginia Tech is off to such a quick start in recruiting, with nine commitments already?

Chris Horne: Not really. Most kids seem to want to end the process earlier rather than later these days. I do, however, feel that the staff has been more active earlier in the process than in past years. Last year, of course, they were hamstrung by limited scholarships, but this year they have hit the trail hard early on with offers. It pays off.

Look at Thomas Dale’s Desmond Frye, for example. Tech was the first to offer, and he admits this made a difference. Tech was also the first to offer Donovan Riley, it’s most recent commitment.

...