While this past weekend didn't quite rival that of a couple of weeks ago, Virginia Tech still entertained a number of underclass prospects on unofficial visits. The biggest name on campus was that of 6-9 Sophomore Vernon Macklin of I.C. Norcom HS. Macklin is recognized as one of the top 10 sophomores in his class, and he came along with his teammate, Ben Finney. I have mentioned before that I am always wary of any young player that comes advertised so early with a nickname and Macklin's moniker is the "Big Ticket." He does appear early on though, to have a chance to be the next big-time prospect to emerge from the state of Virginia, following behind Alonzo Mourning and Joe Smith from that Va Beach/Norfolk area.

Also visiting was 6-8 JR Eric Whitehurst of Oak Tree Academy in Virginia, 6-7 re-classified JR F Brian Gilmore of Norfolk, and G Dwayne Priest from Roanoke. Gilmore is a combo forward who is a good shooter. and the extra year should help his development greatly. Tech was involved with him this past summer, prior to his re-classification.

The three-man class that Virginia Tech is bringing in has one constant in all three prospects, and that is toughness. Expect Seth Greenberg to only become involved in the future with players who demonstrate that they are tough, competitive and hard-nosed. He especially values these qualities and they aren't apparent in all of the current players on the roster.

Deron Washington might have hurt his stock some this summer with his pedestrian play, and it was marred by a shoulder injury suffered during the spring. Washington wasn't necessarily impressive, but his stock went up in my eyes, because he continued to play in every event, even though he was never 100%. Once you get to college, as we have early on seen with this team, injuries occur and players are never really 100% and have to play and fight through injuries.

Washington's play contrasts with that of 6-8 F James Mays, who Tech was involved with before selecting Clemson over Tech and others. Prior to this past spring and summer, I slightly preferred Mays as a player over Washington. Mays however, was also slightly injured and sat out a number of events and games, only playing when he felt he was 100% healthy and when he could most maximize his exposure in front of coaches. I wasn't the only person who started questioning Mays' toughness and in the end preferred Washington over Mays for that very reason. I was not at all bummed out to see Tech lose out on Mays, even though we needed a big man.

As many have inquired about, concerning when Tech might hear from the NCAA concerning a fourth scholarship for this class, that rests in the hands of the NCAA. I'm not sure when a decision is forthcoming, although the coaches aren't expecting something until late, perhaps April, and that greatly clouds how you proceed with winter recruiting naturally, since you have to evaluate, but can't proceed with any concrete offers. It is just a guess on my part, but my feeling is I would be surprised should the NCAA award an extra scholarship to Tech, although one was awarded to Tulane recently, and they have signed 4 players this fall, on the heels of a 5 man class last year. To have the NCAA look upon an appeal more favorably, it is in any school's best interest to have the backing and support of the league office. That, of course puts Tech in a precarious position. The Big East certainly isn't going to go to bat for a program leaving the conference, and it's hard for Tech to try and involve the ACC office, when we haven't even become a participating conference member.

I mentioned a bit about Deron Washington. Some of you might be unaware that Washington is the son of Green Bay Packer assistant coach Lionel Washington, and that fact slowed down the process of Washington and Tech formally getting the marriage done. Deron wanted to discuss things with his father, and he was on the road with the Packers, so things became a little bit more protracted than initially hoped for, for that reason. In addition, some of you also might not know that 6-7 JUCO F Justin Holt has a very unusual background as well. Holt was taken away from his mother at a very young age and lived some in foster homes. Holt has worked full time since he was in the 9th grade, and has lived on his own since he was in the 10th grade. He has had to mature and grow up much quickly than most kids, and if people think he might have an edge to him, well they could be correct, based on his background. Holt has seen and been through a lot and he has certainly become tougher because of those experiences.

Finally, while it is abundantly clear that this program needs size, and in the worst way, I would have taken Washington as well with that final scholarship, and here is why. We need to improve the depth throughout the program, not just three or four players deep. Washington is an ACC type talent, and letting him go would have been very difficult. If Tech doesn't move on him at the time they do, then he won't be there in the spring. Washington comes in next year and has a very good chance to be in the 8-9 man rotation.

Cooke and Dowdell will handle the point. Gordon and Dixon play the two, with Holt, Washington and Dixon all getting some time at the wing forward position. Holt gets some time at both inside and wing forward positions, and Collins and McCandies also get time at the 2 inside positions. Then you have Calloway, Sailes and Harris battling to find some minutes as well. In any event, Washington appears to have an excellent chance at finding some run in the rotation.

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