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Three schools were supposed to receive official visits from Oscar Smith (Va.) linebacker Keshon Artis (6-0, 230). It came down to two schools, however, for his commitment.

That final result was in part because he never visited that third school. It was just one more reason why that on Nov. 14, Artis gave his pledge to Virginia Tech. Now, he is readying himself for what the Hokies have planned for him.

“They stayed with me throughout the whole process,” Artis said of Virginia Tech. “When I went on my visit, I saw there were numerous opportunities. I saw a chance to come in and compete for time as a true freshman. Coach (Bud) Foster is a very cerebral coach. I feel like he can develop me and put me where I want to go and that’s the NFL. My parents are all academics, and I chose the school based on a 40-year plan, not just a four-year plan.”

Artis, Rivals.com’s No. 22 player in Virginia, said he had narrowed his possibilities of that plan to two schools. The actions of one made his final choice easier.

“It came down to Virginia Tech and NC State,” Artis said. “But once my official for NC State got rescheduled, I knew Virginia Tech was the place to be. NC State rescheduling showed they just liked me and didn’t love me.”

Artis said he did feel the love from assistant coach Zohn Burden, his primary recruiter. For Artis, it helped that Burden could relate in multiple ways.

“He played a big role,” Artis said. “He’s from the 757, so any time we talk, he can relate to my everyday life.