Last year, the Hokies were able to fill big needs at the linebacker and defensive line positions with the additions of Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi, Mike Brown, Brett Warren, Chris Ellis, Kory Robertson, Barry Booker, and Carlton Powell. This season, the positions of cornerback, wide receiver, running back, and offensive line appear to be key areas.

On offense, the Hokies need one or even two good running backs as Kevin Jones will be a senior after the 2003 season, leaving only rising sophomores Mike Imoh and Cedric Humes to man the tailback position. At wide receiver, the Hokies received commitments from Michael Hinton and David Clowney last season, but will look to add a few more this year. On the offensive line, Robert Ramsey, James Miller, and Jon Dunn will be seniors in the 2004 season, so look for offensive line to be another position of emphasis this year. The Hokies will likely try to add another quarterback to the mix, even with the commitment of Cory Holt last season.

Continuing with the defensive theme, Andrew Bowman and TSL #2 player Jerod Mayo head the list of linebackers. Bowman, who hails from Hermitage High School, is an energetic outside player with a non-stop motor. He can flat-out run. Bowman attended Virginia Tech�s Spring Game, where he said he spoke with Vince Hall, Chris Ellis, and Noland Burchette. While he enjoyed his experience, he plans to take his official visits before making a decision�he appears wide open at the moment. Mayo, who visited UVa�s Spring Game, was a Virginia Tech fan growing up. Both in-state schools are heavily in the running for Mayo, who projects as an outside linebacker in college. He has a nose for the football.

At defensive back, Culpeper safety Kent Hicks (TSL #18), Highland Springs safety Kevin Allen (TSL #15) and Liberty (Bealeton) athlete AJ Brown (TSL #10) head the list of targets. Hicks is built like a truck and runs a 4.4 in the 40. He has received early offers from UVa, Boston College, Duke, and Maryland, but likes Virginia Tech as well. He has been to Maryland quite a few times during this year, so the Terrapins could prove to be tough competition. Allen is tall and lanky, but uses good instincts and determination to consistently make plays. Brown only runs a 4.6 in the 40, however he is a big hitter at the safety position. He has received an early offer from Clemson, according to coach Tom Buzzo. Both in-state schools are recruiting both players. Franklin County cornerback Patrick Preston (#19) is fast and has good anticipation. He could also prove to be a good punt and kick returner in college because of his elusiveness.

The TSL #1 prospect in the state, QB Sean Glennon, tops the offensive targets for Virginia Tech. Glennon is smart and accurate and has pretty good mobility as well. He has been to Virginia Tech quite a few times in attending camps over the past few years, but claims to be wide open at this point. Virginia Tech and Virginia have offered, with the Hokies making the first official offer. Virginia Tech is not making a run (at this point at least) at Hopewell quarterback Lee Bujakowski (TSL #4), according to coach Marshall Parker. The Hokies prefer a more athletic quarterback, and Bujakowski is a pocket passer.

At running back, Deep Creek standout Antwain Carey (TSL #5) may be tops on the Hokies list. Carey is a big back with the explosiveness to take any play to the house. With Deep Creek producing many Virginia Tech players over the years, the connection is there. Graham standout Ahmad Bradshaw (TSL #3) may be a little undersized to play running back in college, however he can certainly make an impact as long as he is on the field�whether it be as a cornerback or a wide receiver. Bradshaw has excellent hands and is very tough at just 5-10, 180 pounds. It does not appear as if the Hokies are showing much interest in William Campbell running back Cedric Peerman (TSL #6), according to head coach Brad Bradley. Other potential running back prospects include Indian River�s Brandon Ore and Princess Anne�s Evan Taylor, who attended VT�s Spring Game.

Sean Glennon�s top target, Eddie Royal (TSL #22), is a top wide receiver target of the Hokies. Royal displays great speed and quickness, and coach Tom Verbanic calls him the "fastest player he�s ever coached." Royal has not received any official offers to this point. Deep Creek�s Jamaal Jackson (#30) is big at 6-3, 200 pounds, and could be a big receiver target. Along the offensive line, Osbourne Park�s Zac Stair and Stafford�s John Bradshaw are the two primary targets. Both have received offers from Virginia Tech. Stair received his on his visit to the Spring Game, while Bradshaw received his immediately following his trip to the UVa Spring Game. Both prospects like both in-state schools with no apparent favorites right now.

Olympic (NC) Antonio Miller � Miller, who has received early offers from Kansas State, Wake Forest, and Maryland, is the typical athletic quarterback the Hokies love to have. At 6-1, 190 pounds, he runs a 4.5 in the 40. He could also play other positions, but VT is likely recruiting him as a quarterback.

Wilson (PA) Chad Henne � Henne is likely one of the top five quarterbacks in the country. He has a cannon for an arm, moves well, and is very competitive. Penn State and Michigan have been in on him for a few years now, which gives those two schools an edge. According to coach Jim Cantafio, the Virginia Tech coaches called Henne "the best quarterback they had seen on tape this year." VT is not in his top five at the moment.

Trinity (PA) Chris Crane � Crane, who is a sleeper type prospect, is an excellent athlete with a 6-5, 215 pound frame. He runs a 4.6 in the 40 and can really move. He runs the Wing-T offense, which is why not many teams know much about him, but he can throw and will be given the chance to show his skill at the Nike Camp in Blacksburg.

Parkview (GA) Brad Lester � Lester has started the last three years for Parkview, which has won three straight state titles. Coach Cecil Flowe says Lester is more of a slashing type runner with excellent breakaway speed. UVa and VT are both high on Lester, according to coach Flowe.

JH Rose (NC) Andre Brown � In a state filled with top running backs, Brown is the most versatile of the bunch. Rose coach Greg Thomas runs his offense through Brown, because of his ability to catch the football and, of course, his running ability. Thomas says Brown "can run through or around tacklers�he�s one of the best running backs I�ve ever been around."

North Hills (PA) Andrew Johnson � Had an outstanding sophomore campaign for Central Catholic, but missed virtually his entire junior season at North Hills due to transfer eligibility rules. The 6-0, 205 pound Johnson possesses outstanding speed and has listed the Hokies as one of his favorites since junior recruiting coverage began. Will participate at the Nike Camp in Blacksburg.

Toms River (NJ) Dwayne Jones � Jones is kind of a sleeper prospect because he only played in six games as a junior. What really jumps out, however, is his 4.4 speed with the 6-1, 230 pound frame. No offer to date from Virginia Tech.

Cumberland Valley (PA) Dan Lawlor � Lawlor is an outstanding fullback/running back and a linebacker prospect as well. According to Coach Rimpfel of Cumberland Valley, Lawlor is a tough and bruising runner and a good blocker as well. His father played football for the Hokies. Lawlor will also attend the Nike Camp in Blacksburg.

Other prospects: Jack Britt (NC) George Bell, Hackensack (NJ) Jean Beljour.

Don Bosco Prep (NJ) Marquise Liverpool � Liverpool is in the same mold as Eddie Royal - small, quick, and very fast. According to coach Greg Toal, Virginia Tech has not offered Liverpool, who is a key contributor to one of the New Jersey�s top high school programs.

Parkview (AR) Marc Winston � Winston is likely one of the top football/basketball combination players in the country, as he is being heavily recruited for both sports. Virginia Tech is looking at this phenomenal athlete as a tight end, and he is reciprocating the interest.

Lancaster Catholic (PA) Ryan Purvis � When I asked several coaches in the Lancaster area who some of the best players in the area are, Purvis' name was consistently mentioned. Is a tight end who can block, catch, and run. Both VA in-state schools are actively recruiting Purvis, who has received an offer from Pittsburgh.

Mount Carmel (PA) Jon Skinner � Both UVa and VT appear to be very interested in Skinner. Has earned an early offer from Pittsburgh. Coach Mike Brennan says Skinner combines excellent footwork with long arms, and he really knows how to use his hands. Skinner will likely be an offensive tackle in college. He is one of the top o-lineman in Pennsylvania, so expect both the Hokies and the Cavaliers to extend offers.

Bishop McDevitt (PA) Quincy Rain � Rain is another excellent athlete at the offensive line position. Will play offensive tackle as a senior in high school. Could play either defensive tackle or offensive guard on the college level. Plays for the same program that produced Tech wide receiver Fred Lee. Rain�s teammate, Jaime Thomas, is also a top prospect. Neither prospect has received an offer from the Hokies.

Freedom (PA) Ryan Ehrie � Ehrie certainly has the size (6-7, 295 pounds) to be a dominant player in college. Very strong player who uses his arms very well. Ehrie has good footwork for a player his size. VT has not yet offered Ehrie, according to coach James Morgans.

Ragsdale (NC) Jon Terry � Terry hails from the same school as UVa signee Emmanuel Byers. He certainly has the size, and has made a name for himself in the Greensboro area. The Hokies have not offered, but are recruiting him, according to coach Tommy Norwood.

Forest Hills (NC) defensive tackle Marque Hall - Hall goes 6-5, 300 pounds, and can run a 4.8 in the 40. That�s pretty much enough said right there in terms of his athletic ability. He also has great hands for a big man, and fights off opposing offensive linemen very well. UVa has been in on Hall since last year according to Coach John Lowery, while Virginia Tech really began recruiting him hard after signing day. Virginia Tech and Virginia make up two of his early offers, and Hall appears to like both schools as well.

Dudley (NC) DeMario Pressley � Pressley looks like Warren Sapp on the high school level. He can rush the passer or stuff the run. Very quick off the ball � gets in the backfield almost immediately on many occasions. Offers from just about everyone on the East Coast, including Virginia Tech.

Butler (PA) defensive end Tyrell Sales � Sales is the athletic defensive end the Hokies produce year in and year out. At 6-4, 225 pounds, Sales is a phenomenal athlete who plays three sports at Butler. Has not received an offer from Virginia Tech, however has always listed the Hokies in his list of favorites. Sales could also play linebacker.

Moon (PA) AQ Shipley � Shipley is one of the top players in Pennsylvania. Can play either center or anywhere on the defensive line. Virginia Tech could use him at either center or defensive line. Shipley plans to attend the Nike camp in Blacksburg in May.

HD Woodson (DC) defensive end William Wall � According to coach Greg Fuller, "Virginia Tech has been on Wall for a long time, and he really likes them as well." Wall attended VT�s Spring Game and kept the Hokies as his favorite. He is a very well put together prospect, as Coach Fuller says most schools drop their jaws at the site of him. Wall runs a 4.6 in the 40 yard dash. Simply put, he is a great prospect. The Hokies have yet to offer, however it appears they will soon, according to coach Fuller.

Reading (PA) James Bryant � Bryant has been a star since his freshman year at Reading. He is now 6-3, 240 pounds, and extremely fast (averages a 4.6 in the 40). He has a nose for the football. Virginia Tech is recruiting Bryant heavily, as are many other programs. Boston College, Michigan State, LSU, and Pitt are the schools who have offered so far.

Washington Township (NJ) Hugh D�Imperio � Big and fast in the mold of Jake Houseright, except bigger. D�Imperio could grow into a defensive end. Has interest in both UVa and Virginia Tech, and the Hokies have a connection with his high school coach Tom Brown, who is friends with Hokie defensive coordinator Bud Foster.

Marlboro County (SC) Robert Ayers � One of the strongest players on his high school team (he won the team award for weight lifting), Ayers is a linebacker with great pass rushing skill. No offer yet from VT.

Trinity Christian (FL) Brett Bowers � Bowers is a safety prospect who will make his decision in the next week or two. Oklahoma is the rumored favorite, but the Hokies are at the top as well following his visit to the Tech Spring Game. But the Sooners will prove tough to beat, and most would probably be surprised if he goes elsewhere.

HD Woodson (DC) Donte Herrod � Herrod plays safety for Coach Greg Fuller, where he is the "heart of the defense." Herrod does pretty much everything for his defense. When asked to compare Herrod to VT signee Roland Minor, Fuller said "Herrod is probably a better athlete." According to Coach Fuller, the month of May will be big in determining if Herrod will receive many offers or not. Michigan State and Nebraska have offered, while Virginia Tech is in the mix as well.

Mocksville (NC) Billy Riddle � Riddle could play either defensive back position in college, but will likely play cornerback. He has a reputation as a tough hitter in high school. Has not yet received any offers, but should in the near future.

Starmount (NC) James Houston � Houston has all the talent in the world, as evidence by his remarkable 16 interceptions as a junior. Houston is also an accomplished quarterback at Starmount. He has received an offer from Tennessee and would receive offers from everyone, however academics are a concern, according to Starmount coach Joe Hutchens.

Other prospects�Roanoke (NC) Trimaine Goddard � Cornerback/athlete had not received much attention from the Hokies when we last spoke with coach Donnie Kiefer, however he is a stud player in North Carolina and the Hokies have been one of his favorites since the Michael Vick days.