VT 2006 Recruiting War Room #2
by Chris Horne
Overview
There are less than two months remaining until signing day, and Division 1A
coaches from schools all across the country are busy hitting the road on in-home
visits. Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer is no different, as he made a
round of in-homes this week…and he was pretty successful, landing two
commitments - Meadowbrook defensive end John Graves and Holy Spirit (Absecon,
N.J.) wide receiver Zach Luckett. The dead period begins on December 19th and
lasts through January 1st, so recruiting will have a bit of down time coming up.
But, right now, Virginia Tech is gaining momentum.
The two commits this week brings Virginia Tech’s total to 15, counting Fork
Union wide receiver and 2005 class holdover Todd Nolen. Of Virginia Tech’s 15
commitments, eight are projected initially on the offensive side of the ball.
This does not include Devin Radford, who may get a shot at running back first
but is being recruited as an athlete.
This weekend will be big for Virginia Tech for one reason – Jarrell Miller.
The 6-3, 235-pound Highland Springs star linebacker is making his official visit
to Virginia Tech this weekend. This visit will be his fifth and final official
visit experience before he thinks over his decision and makes a commitment on
January 7th at the Army All-American Bowl. This race is pretty close at the
moment, with the in-state programs Virginia and Virginia Tech likely being the
teams to beat. Tech is the favorite and it’s hard to bet against the Hokies
here, but this one is not a lock just yet.
Key Areas
Virginia Tech has done a good job in what may be the biggest need area –
the offensive line. The Hokies went into Ohio and landed Aaron Brown, a 6-6,
290-pound offensive tackle prospect who is rated one of the top offensive
lineman in the country. Beau Warren and Clark Crum join Brown as offensive line
commits in this year’s class, giving Tech one star, one very solid lineman in
Warren, and one athletic-but-raw type in Crum. Look for the Hokies to add at
least one more offensive lineman, with two being ideal.
The addition of Graves gives Virginia Tech two very good defensive end
recruits, with New Jersey’s Mike Gee being the other. And Graves has the
versatility where, depending on how he develops physically, he could develop
into a defensive tackle. Add Budd Thacker and Daryl Robertson at defensive
tackle and you have a very good defensive line class so far, with several
prospects, including Carteret’s (N.J.) Jason Adjepong, yet to make their
decisions.
Linebacker is one position the Hokies are looking to add to before signing
day rolls around. Thomas Stone (Waldorf, MD) linebacker Nekos Brown has already
committed, but, even though he projects initially as a linebacker, he could end
up as a defensive end in college. A handful of top targets remain on Virginia
Tech’s board, including Miller, Brandon Spikes, Matt Wright and Rodney Paulk.
Some new targets could arise from the NC/SC Shrine Bowl as well.
Remaining Spots
Virginia Tech is usually pretty good at making the numbers work, so I would
expect the Hokies to be able to take 23-25 recruits depending on who wants to
commit. Plus, Aaron Brown is enrolling in January and Devin Radford could be as
well. Jacob Sykes are candidates to grey-shirt. Sykes is looking around right
now, but if he stays with Virginia Tech then he will grey-shirt.
Stay tuned as several new offers could go out in the coming weeks. This
includes one for Billy Cuffee, the standout offensive lineman out of Deep Creek
High School. Cuffee is not listed below because he does not have an official
offer from the Hokies.
Positions and Targets
TSL’s Top 10 Targets
1) LeSean McCoy – Can’t do much better in terms of running backs.
McCoy is one of the best overall prospects in the nation, and Virginia Tech is
right there for his signature.
2) Gerald McCoy – Can’t do much better in terms of defensive tackles.
Probably a long shot at this point.
3) Marcus Ball – Would be an exceptional candidate for the Rover
position. May be tough to get him away from Miami.
4) Jarrell Miller – Not only would Miller be a huge in-state get
(Miller is a big-time UVa target as well at a key position), but he would give
Coach Foster another big time blue-chip linebacker to go along with Adibi and
Hall. Tech is trying to land big-time LB talent this year.
5) Vidal Hazelton – Tech looks to be a long shot here for one of the
top receivers in the country.
6) Brent Vinson – Vinson is a superb athlete who could play receiver or
corner. He is down to Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
7) Lou Eliades – Offensive line remains an important need to fill in
this year’s class. Tech has done a good job so far.
8) Brandon Spikes – See Jarrell Miler above. Spikes qualifies as
big-time talent.
9) Jason Adjepong – Another top defensive end talent. Virginia Tech and
Rutgers are the likely frontrunners.
10) Damon McDaniel – McDaniel had a monster year for Landstown. Would
be an excellent addition to an already impressive receiving group.
Right there (Alphabetical): OL Hutch Eckerson, RB Brandon Minor, RB
Knowshon Moreno, DT Adam Patterson, LB Matt Wright
Key for “VT’s Stock”Very High – VT is the favorite.High – VT is
one of the final schools on the list.Medium – VT remains in serious
contention, but isn’t in the very top right now.Fair - VT is under
consideration but hasn’t received an official visit.
Low - VT is in contention but appears to be a long shot right now.
Running back
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Mike Imoh, Cedric Humes
2006 Roster: TB: Soph. George Bell, Soph. Branden Ore, R/S Fr. Elan
Lewis. FB: Sr. Jesse Allen, Jr. Carlton Weatherford, R/S Fr. Kenny
Jefferson
|
RB Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
None |
|
RB Targets |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
VT's Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
LeSean McCoy, 5-11, 205, 4.25
Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA) |
|
Very High/High |
USC – 10/28, VT – 11/04, PSU – 12/09 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech went into Pennsylvania in 2001 and landed
Kevin Jones, who was rated the top running back in the country. History
could repeat itself, as Tech is in good position right now. According to
sources, Penn State has slipped recently. Given the fact that LeSean may
be leaning towards staying closer to home, Tech has some reasons to feel
good about its position. |
|
Keiland Williams, 5-11, 224, 4.47
Hargrave Military Academy |
|
Fair/Low |
MISS – 11/11, FL – 12/09, USC – 01/13, LSU – 01/20 |
Billy Hite |
|
Comments: Tech recently came in with an offer, but looks like a
long shot at this point. LSU could be the team to beat. |
|
Knowshon Moreno, 5-11, 200, 4.5
Middletown South (Middletown, N.J.) |
|
Medium |
OU – 09/02, GA – 09/09 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Georgia is the team to beat right now, although Virginia
Tech probably would get an official if Moreno decides to take more visits.
That’s what Virginia Tech is hoping for right now. Stay tuned for a
further update on Moreno in the coming days. |
|
Brandon Minor, 6-0, 220, 4.6
Varina (VA) |
|
High |
TN – 10/08, MICH – 12/02, MIA – 12/16, VT – 01/14 |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: Early on, it looked like Minor would definitely leave the
state. Virginia Tech came back in the picture in August and recently
earned an official visit. Minor had a great visit to Michigan and heads to
Miami this weekend. I still like Virginia Tech’s position, but I’m not
ruling out either Miami or Michigan yet. |
|
Devven Sutton, 5-10, 220
Northeastern (Elizabeth City, N.C.) |
|
Very High |
VT in January |
|
|
Comments: Sutton will take an official visit to VT in January,
according to coach Antonio Moore. Virginia Tech may not be able to offer
right away and may have to offer a recruited walk-on spot. Sutton has
other options, including East Carolina. |
Wide Receiver
2005 Losses to Eligibility: None
2006 Roster: Sr. David Clowney, Jr. Justin Harper, Jr. Josh Hyman, Jr.
Josh Morgan, Jr. Eddie Royal, Soph. Jeremy Gilchrist
|
WR Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Todd Nolen |
|
6-3, 175, 4.5 |
Fork Union Military Academy
(Hampton, VA) |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Notes: Nolen is a 2005 signee that was forced to go to prep school
after failing to qualify. One of the top overall recruits in the state in
the 2005 class, Nolen is an outstanding receiver and could be even more
prepared to play immediately after a year at Fork Union. Nolen has size,
speed and outstanding hands. Adding his talent to an already great
receiving corps makes the Hokies even more dangerous at the receiver
position. |
|
Zach Luckett |
|
6-3, 205, 4.5 |
Holy Spirit
(Absecon, N.J.) |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Notes: Luckett is a very nice addition for the Hokies. He’s a
big, strong, athletic wide receiver who has the versatility to change
positions if it doesn’t work out there. He has the potential to be a
very good wide receiver, however, and will work hard to stay at that
position. Holy Spirit Head Coach Bill Walsh calls Luckett the best player
to play for Holy Spirit since William Green, the former star RB for Boston
College. |
|
Jacob Sykes |
|
6-0, 180, 4.56 |
Goldsboro
(Goldsboro, N.C.) |
Charley Wiles |
|
Notes: Sykes has already stated that he will likely be a grey-shirt
candidate, meaning he will sign in 2006 but will likely not enroll until
January of 2007. If he does this, he could count towards the 2007 class.
As a junior last season, Sykes caught 22 passes for 400 yards. He
impressed during the spring with standout performances at 7-on-7 camps. He
ran a 4.56 in the 40 at Virginia Tech’s 2005 summer camp.
UPDATE: Sykes has set official visits to East Carolina (01/06) and
N.C. State (01/13). He has Tech set up for January 20th. Sources say
Virginia Tech wouldn’t mind too much if Sykes heads elsewhere, but we’ll
see what happens. |
|
WR Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Vidal Hazelton
Hargrave Military Academy |
|
Fair |
VT – 11/04, TN – 11/11, USC – 11/18, MIA – 11/25, PSU –
12/09, UVA |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Hazelton enjoyed his official visit to Virginia Tech in
November, but right now the Hokies aren’t a top contender for his
signature. Miami may be the team to beat, with USC certainly in the mix as
well. He reportedly enjoyed his Penn State trip too. |
|
Damon McDaniel |
|
High/Medium |
FL – 09/16, VT – 11/04, LSU – 01/20, MIA – 01/27 |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: Damon had a terrific official visit in November, but has
since cooled a bit on the Hokies. There is still plenty of time left,
however, and Virginia Tech remains in his top four. |
Tight Ends
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Jeff King, Jordan Trott
2006 Roster: Jr. John Kinzer, R/S Fr. Ed Wang, R/S Fr. Sam Wheeler
|
TE Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Andre Smith |
|
6-4, 235, 4.7 |
Seneca Valley
(Germantown, MD) |
Tony Ball |
|
Notes: Virginia Tech started to incorporate its tight ends a lot
more last season, and it’s trying to upgrade the talent at the position
as well. Smith is a really good athlete with terrific speed for his size.
He’ll be an asset in the passing game with his athleticism and speed and
was a dominating run blocker this season according to Head Coach Fred Kim.
Smith is a very good tight end prospect and could contribute early.
Smith earned honorable mention Washington Post all-metro honors for his
senior year performance. He missed several games due to an ankle injury,
but returned to help Seneca Valley to a 10-2 record and an appearance in
the playoffs. On the year, he made 11 catches for 215 yards and five
touchdown at the tight end position. |
|
TE Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
Offensive Linemen
2005 Losses to Eligibility: C: Will Montgomery; OG: Reggie
Butler, Jason Murphy; OT: Jimmy Martin
2006 Roster: C: Sr. Danny McGrath, Jr. Tripp Carroll, Soph.
Ryan Shuman; OG: Sr. Brandon Gore, Soph. Nick Marshman, R/S
Fr. - Robert Norris, Antonio North; OT: Sr. Brandon Frye, Jr.
Duane Brown, R/S Fr.– Eric Davis, Richard Graham
|
OL Commitments
|
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Aaron Brown
|
|
6-6, 290 |
Princeton (Cincinnati, OH) |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Notes: One of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country,
Brown chose Virginia Tech over about 40 Division 1A scholarship offers. In
the end, he chose Tech over Notre Dame.
“He has good feet, height and he has a long arm span,” Princeton
head coach Brian Dodds said. “He just has the physique of a good
offensive lineman. He was only 252 pounds when he got here and he’s now
6-6, 290 pounds. As he’s gotten bigger, he’s continued to get better.”
Brown will enroll at Virginia Tech in January. |
|
Clark Crum |
|
6-7, 280 |
Scioto
(Dublin, Ohio) |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Notes: In his first few years in high school, Crum dreamed of
earning a scholarship in basketball. He took up football as well and has
since dedicated himself to the gridiron. Good news for Virginia Tech,
which lands a prospect with excellent size and athleticism. Crum has some
room to develop, but physically he looks to be an outstanding prospect.
|
|
Beau Warren |
|
6-4, 260 |
Centreville
(Clifton, Virginia) |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Notes: Add another Warren to the program. Beau is the biggest yet
and projects as an offensive lineman. A red-shirt year will be just what
Warren needs to get bigger and stronger. Right now, he shows very good
technique and is a good player for one of the most productive high school
programs in the state.
Warren earned honorable mention Washington Post all-metro honors for
his senior season performance. |
|
OL Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Lou Eliades
Ocean Twsp (Oakhurst, N.J.) |
|
High/Medium |
S Car – 09/16, VT – 11/04, PSU – 12/09 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech had been at the top of Lou’s list, but
South Carolina and Penn State are coming on strong in recent weeks. |
|
Hutch Eckerson
Lumberton (N.C.) |
|
Very High |
UVA – 11/18, NCSU – 12/02, SC – 01/13, VT – 01/20 |
|
|
Comments: Virginia had the lead until Ron Prince bolted for Kansas
State. Now, N.C. State and Virginia Tech are Eckerson’s top two, with
Virginia Tech perhaps having the slight edge. Eckerson’s parents
attended N.C. State, but I feel Eckerson may be looking to go in his own
direction. And he really liked an unofficial to VT for the Miami game. |
Defense
Defensive Tackles
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Jonathan Lewis, Tim Sandidge
2006 Roster: Sr. Chris Burnett; Jrs. – Barry Booker, Carlton
Powell, Kory Robertson; R/S Fr. – Hivera Green, Cordarrow Thompson
|
DT Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Daryl Robertson |
|
6-3, 300, 4.9 |
Liberty
(Bedford, Virginia) |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Notes: Robertson has size, strength and shows good quickness off
the ball. He has been well-coached by Liberty head coach Chris Watts, who
oversees one of the top in-state high school football programs. Robertson
also has excellent work ethic, something you would expect from someone who
looks up to Tech defensive end Darryl Tapp. |
|
Budd Thacker |
|
6-2, 250, 4.9 |
Seminole (Sanford, FL) |
|
|
Notes: Thacker could end up as either an end or a tackle. I believe
he will be red-shirted and then end up at defensive tackle. Thacker has a
tremendously quick first step and is exceptionally strong. At the Nike
Camp in Miami, he posted a 4.19 second shuttle and benched 185 pounds 45
times. He chose Virginia Tech over offers from Maryland, South Florida,
Wake Forest and West Virginia. |
|
DT Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Gerald McCoy, 6-4, 305
Southeast (Okla. City, OK) |
|
Medium |
ND – 10/14, USC – 11/04, VT – 11/25, LSU – 12/09, MIA –
12/16, OU |
|
|
Comments: McCoy enjoyed his official visit to Virginia Tech,
specifically the way he got along with Jonathan Lewis, but I don’t think
it will be enough to gain a commitment. |
|
Adam Patterson, 6-3, 260, 4.64
Richlands Northeast (Columbia, S.C.) |
|
Fair |
TN – 01/20, AUB – 01/27, NCSU |
|
|
Comments: Tech has been hanging around on Patterson’s list since
the beginning, continuing to fight just to land an official visit. At this
point, unless Adam schedules a visit to Virginia Tech, I would say that
Tech’s chances don’t look good right now. |
|
Phillip Taylor, 6-4, 330
Gwynn Park (Brandywine, MD) |
|
High |
PSU – 09/09, MD, VT |
Tony Ball |
|
Comments: Maryland was thought to be the early favorite, but Penn
State impressed on his official visit and has been right up there ever
since. Virginia Tech is up there, too, and it looks like the talented big
man will make an official visit to Blacksburg. |
|
Olufemi Ajiboye, 6-2, 290
Banneker (College Park, GA) |
|
High |
ILL - 12/09, SC - 01/13, VT - 01/27 |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Ajiboye is scheduled to visit Virginia Tech the final
weekend before signing day. It’s possible the visit doesn’t happen,
depending on how many scholarships the Hokies have remaining heading into
the weekend. |
Defensive Ends
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Darryl Tapp
2006 Roster: Sr. Noland Burchette; Jrs. Chris Ellis, Omar Hashish;
Soph. Orion Martin; R/S Fr. William Wall
|
DE Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
John Graves, 6-3, 240, 4.75 |
|
6-3, 240, 4.8 |
Meadowbrook
(Richmond, VA) |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Notes: Graves is rated as the second best defensive prospect in the
state of Virginia behind Jarrell Miller. He is a quality person on and off
the field and looks forward to working hard to prepare for his college
career. As Coach Bowles told me, he built his defense around John and the
team has gone 31-7 with that defense. Graves has truly been a leader for
his team on and off the field. He chose VT over UVa. |
|
Mike Gee |
|
6-2, 240, 4.7 |
Dwight Morrow
(Englewood, N.J.) |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Notes: Mike Gee is a typical Tech defensive end – a little small
per “typical” defensive end standards, but athletic and fast. Gee
combines good speed with good strength, as Queen of Peace DC Gabe Infante
said “he runs like a halfback but hits you like a middle linebacker.”
Gee’s favorite player is Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney and Hokie
fans certainly hope that’s what he’ll play like. |
|
DE Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Jason Adjepong, 6-3, 245, 4.7
Carteret (N.J.) |
|
High |
MICH – 10/07, OSU – 12/02, VT – 12/09, RUT – 12/16 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: I think this race will come down to Virginia Tech and
Rutgers. Jason has liked Virginia Tech the both times he visited
(unofficially and officially), but Rutgers is a player here. He is proud
of his home state school and could choose to stay at home. A decision
could come after this weekend. |
|
Brian Whitmore, 6-4, 240, 4.7
Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA) |
|
Medium |
MD Verbal |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: Before the recruiting process began, Brian admitted that
Virginia Tech was his clear leader. He made an official visit to Maryland
last weekend and committed, but this recruitment is likely far from over.
It will be interesting to follow over the next month or so, as I wouldn’t
be surprised to see Tech get an official visit and have a chance to gain a
commitment. |
|
Walter Dublin, 6-3, 235, 4.6
Sarasota (FL) |
|
Medium |
IOWA – 10/21, MN – 12/09, OSU – 01/20 |
|
|
Comments: We are working on gathering more info on Dublin, who is a
top defensive end target out of Florida. |
Linebackers
2005 Losses to Eligibility: James Anderson, Blake Warren
2006 Roster: Srs. Chad Grimm, Robert Parker, Brenden Hill; Jrs. –
Xavier Adibi, Corey Gordon, Vince Hall, Stevie Ray Lloyd, Brett Warren; Soph.
– Andrew Bowman, Purnell Sturdivant; R/S Fr. Demetrius Taylor
|
LB Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Nekos Brown |
|
6-3, 225, 4.68 |
Thomas Stone
(Waldorf, MD) |
Tony Ball |
|
Notes: Nekos is a strong player. To give you an idea of how strong,
he made seven sacks at defensive tackle last season as a junior. He also
has solid speed and is a good addition to Tech’s linebacking crew.
Brown earned honorable mention Washington Post all-metro honors for his
senior year performance. |
|
LB Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Jarrell Miller, 6-3, 235, 4.7
Highland Springs (VA) |
|
Very High |
TN – 10/08, UVA – 11/11, FL – 12/02, UNC – 12/09, VT – 12/16 |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: Tech still has reason to be optimistic because of the
track record with Highland Springs HS as well as a great relationship
between the coaches and Miller, but Virginia is a big player as well. I’m
not counting out the out-of-state programs, either. I’d still say Tech
is the team to beat, but this one is not a lock. |
|
Brandon Spikes, 6-4, 225, 4.7
Crest (Shelby, N.C.) |
|
High |
VT – 11/04, ALA – 11/11, FL – 11/25 |
|
|
Comments: Spikes had an excellent visit to Alabama, but Florida
will be tough. And Virginia Tech still has a chance, particularly because
of proximity to home. |
|
Rodney Paulk, 6-0, 200, 4.6
Richland Northeast (Columbia, S.C.) |
|
High |
SC – 01/13, VT – 01/20 |
|
|
Comments: Paulk originally committed to South Carolina, but will
give Virginia Tech one last shot with an official visit in January. |
|
Matt Wright, 6-3, 213, 4.6
Phoebus (Hampton, VA) |
|
Very High |
NCSU, VT |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech always does well at Phoebus. I think Wright
will end up with the Hokies in the end, although he is serious about his
interest in other schools. |
Defensive Backs
2005 Losses to Eligibility: CB Jimmy Williams, FS Justin Hamilton
2006 Roster: CB: Jr. Roland Minor; Soph. – Brandon Flowers,
Victor Harris; R/S Fr. – Jahre Cheeseman. FS: Srs. - Brenden
Hill; Jr. D.J. Parker; R/S Fr. Cam Martin. ROV: Srs. – Aaron
Rouse, Cary Wade; Soph. Kent Hicks R/S Fr. Dorian Porch
|
DB Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Rashad Carmichael |
|
5-9, 175, 4.49 |
Gwynn Park
(Brandywine, MD) |
Tony Ball |
|
Notes: Carmichael earned his VT offer with a stellar performance at
Tech’s senior camp. He ran a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash and posted a
tremendous vertical leap. He didn’t start as a junior, but showed off
his talents by leading his team in interceptions. |
|
DB Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Marcus Ball, 6-0, 205, 4.5
Stephenson (Stone Mountain, GA) |
|
High/Medium |
VT – 11/04, FSU – 12/09 |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Ball had a great visit to Virginia Tech, but watch the
Florida schools here. He has mentioned Miami and FSU elsewhere and they
could be tough to overcome. Virginia Tech is doing a good job recruiting
here and remains solidly in the mix. |
|
Mario Edwards, 6-1, 180, 4.6
Westlake (Atlanta, GA) |
|
Very High |
VT – 11/04 |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Tech continues to be the favorite right now. Coach Ward
has kept in consistent contact with Edwards, who has nice versatility in
the defensive backfield. An issue here could be when VT would want Edwards
to enroll, but we’ll find out for sure in the next update. |
Athletes
|
ATH Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Kam Chancellor |
|
6-4, 215, 4.6 |
Maury
(Norfolk, VA) |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Possible positions: QB, DB, LB
Notes: Chancellor led Maury to a 9-2 overall record, which included
a playoff appearance. He threw for over 2,000 yards and rushed for 400
more this year, earning Virginian-Pilot second-team all-Tidewater honors.
Kam is being recruited by Virginia Tech as a quarterback, but certainly
could switch positions if it doesn’t work out. He’s a tough kid
(played through injuries this year and last) who works extremely hard. |
|
Devin Radford |
|
5-8, 175, 4.4 |
E.E. Smith
(Fayetteville, N.C.) |
|
|
Possible positions: CB, WR, RB
Notes: Radford likely will end up at cornerback, where he made five
interceptions last year as a junior. He has tremendous closing speed,
often bating quarterbacks into throwing his direction before stepping in
front for a pick. Very fast, Radford has been timed at 11 seconds flat in
the 100 meters. He also plays running back and believes he will get a shot
in the offensive backfield once he gets to Virginia Tech. |
|
ATH Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting Coach |
|
Brent Vinson, 6-1, 185, 4.39
Phoebus (Hampton, VA) |
|
Very High/High |
TN – 10/28 |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Possible positions: WR, CB
Comments: Had he committed on Monday of this week, Vinson likely
would have chosen Tennessee. He has decided to wait, which is obviously
good news for Virginia Tech. Brent told me his final three were Florida,
Tennessee and Virginia Tech before this week, but I think the decision
comes down to Tennessee and Virginia Tech. I think that, eventually, he’ll
choose the Hokies. |
|
Lucas Caparelli, 5-11, 190, 4.5
Robinson (Fairfax, VA) |
|
Medium |
VT – 12/09 |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Possible positions: RB, CB, S
Comments: Lucas has maintained that he is wide open. He made an
official visit to Virginia Tech last weekend, but we haven’t been able
to catch up with him to find out about it. Caparelli continues to keep his
favorites, if any, to himself. He did say that location will have no
factor in his final decision. |
|
Rashad Phillips, 6-4, 205, 4.6
Landstown (Virginia Beach, VA) |
|
Medium |
SYR – 11/11, KENT – 11/18, MD – 12/16, NCSU – 01/13 |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Possible positions: H-Back, TE, DE
Comments: Phillips liked his visit to Syracuse and likes N.C. State
according to Chris Beatty. But, he also likes Virginia Tech and Tech
easily could get an official visit here. Phillips is being recruited as an
h-back, tight end by Virginia Tech and he wants to stay on offense. |
|
Douglas McNeil, 6-4, 190, 4.6
New Town (Owings Mills, MD) |
|
Very High |
VT – 12/09/05, UVA |
Tony Ball |
|
Possible Positions: WR (being recruited as), LB, DB
Comments: McNeil had a great time on his official visit to Virginia
Tech last weekend, but says he will take an official visit to UVA in
January. If he commits to Virginia Tech, he would enroll in January of
2007, so he may want to check out UVa if he is able to enroll in August. |