The top remaining VT defensive targets – with written offers – look like this…

• Defensive Ends: Brandon Daniel (possible DT), Olu Hall, Mike Mangold, Clint Sintim, Willie Young
• Defensive Tackles: Emmanuel Dunbar, Brandon Fanney, Marque Hall, Carl Howard, Brandon Setzer
• Linebackers: Andrew Bowman, Hugh D’Imperio, John Dunlap, Jerod Mayo, Maurice Reevey, Antonio Reynolds, Brian Toal
• Cornerbacks: Rod Council, Brandon Flowers, Damian Sims (offer contingent upon senior film)
• Safety/Rover: Jamar Adams (soft Michigan commit), Kent Hicks, Purnell Sturdivant

Official visits set for defensive prospects looks like this…

December 5^th: CB Rod Council, DB Brandon Flowers, CB DJ Parker, LB Antonio Reynolds, DL Brandon Setzer

December 12^th: LB Andrew Bowman, LB John Dunlap (per Rivals), DT Carl Howard, DE Mike Mangold (per Rivals)

January 23^rd: DT Emmanuel Dunbar, LB Jerod Mayo

Virginia Tech has its first big weekend official visits-wise, with a number of talented Hargrave players as well as West Charlotte CB Rod Council making their official visits. I will catch up with the Hargrave players on Monday’s School Combine.

Of the players listed above, I would say Virginia Tech has the best chance with Brandon Daniel, Olu Hall, Clint Sintim, Brandon Fanney, Carl Howard, Andrew Bowman, Hugh D’Imperio, Maurice Reevey, Jerod Mayo, Antonio Reynolds, Rod Council, Brandon Flowers, Purnell Sturdivant, and Damian Sims. By best chance, I mean that Virginia Tech will be in the top two before it’s all over. I do think Virginia Tech is in the hunt more than people think for Brian Toal, but I feel Miami will be the choice. BC is there too.

Brandon Holland 6-5, 265, 4.8 Northside (Roanoke, VA)

At a Glance: Holland plays defensive end and tight end for Northside. Though he was recruited as a defensive end by Virginia Tech, it would be no surprise at all to seem him end up somewhere along the offensive line…Brandon has very long arms and can carry much more weight on his frame.

William Wall 6-3, 243, 4.6 HD Woodson (Washington, DC)

At a Glance: Wall was the first player to commit to Virginia Tech on the defensive side of the ball. He possesses the quickness, size, and athleticism similar to great defensive ends of the past. Wall showed his athleticism this year by lining up at wide receiver on many occasions.

Off the field, he scored over 1,000 on his SAT’s and should qualify academically. He needs to raise his core GPA before he is qualified.

Brandon Daniel 6-4, 275, 4.75 Ely (Pompano Beach, FL)
Schools: VT (OFFER, OV on 09/26/03), K-State (OFFER, OV on 12/19/03), Miami, FL (No Offer), FLA (OFFER), MICH (OFFER), NCSU (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), OSU (OFFER), PITT (OFFER, OV 11/29/03)

The Skinny: Brandon appears to really like Virginia Tech, especially with how comfortable he felt on his official visit. He also appears very genuine about heading out-of-state. He’s made an official visit to Pittsburgh and goes to NC State this weekend. Out of state, I see the Wolfpack as Virginia Tech’s greatest competition right now.

Olu Hall 6-4, 220, 4.7 Robinson (Fairfax, VA)
Schools: UVA (OFFER), VT (OFFER, OV) lead OSU (OFFER, OV), SYR (OFFER), TN (OFFER), BC (OFFER), CLEM (OFFER), WAKE (OFFER), PUR (OFFER)

The Skinny: Olu recently mentioned UVA as having a slight edge over Virginia Tech, with both ahead of the rest. He will make official visits to Ohio State and Virginia Tech for sure, and I would be surprised if he doesn’t go to UVA for an official visit. Olu wants to take all five trips before deciding. I think it will come down to the two in-state programs, with it being very close right now.

Mike Mangold 6-3, 240, 4.65 Merritt Island (Merritt Island, FL)
Schools: Miami, FL (OFFER), VT (OFFER), PITT (OFFER), TN (OFFER)

The Skinny: Mangold has the obvious connection to VT – his uncle is Athletic Director Jim Weaver. Miami is going to be tough to beat in my opinion, however Virginia Tech is getting an official visit. I’m hoping to catch up with Mike ASAP for an update.

Clint Sintim 6-3, 247, 4.8 Gar-Field (Woodbridge, VA)
Schools: UVA (OFFER, OV 12/13/03), VT (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), OSU (no offer), TN (OFFER), MD (OFFER, OV 12/20/03)

The Skinny: Clint heads to Virginia Tech this weekend for an official visit. His choice will probably come down to VT, UVA, and Maryland, the three he has consistently listed all along. Clint seemed torn between the three the other night when I spoke with him.

Willie Young 6-4, 205, 4.6 Palm Beach Gardens (Palm Beach, FL)
Schools: FL (OFFER), NCSU (OFFER, OV 12/13/03), OKL (OFFER), OSU (OFFER, OV 01/10/04), GA (OFFER, OV), TN (OFFER, OV), VT (OFFER)

The Skinny: Young has scheduled official visits with Ohio State, NC State, and Georgia. I am trying to reach him to see if those are his final three schools or if he will take all five visits. Either way, Virginia Tech looks like a long shot right now.

None

Emmanuel Dunbar 6-4, 270 Deerfield Beach (FL)

Schools: VT (OFFER, OV 01/24/04), OK (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), BC (OFFER, OV 01/17/04), MIA (OFFER), FSU (OFFER), KSU (OFFER)

The Skinny: Emmanuel will visit Virginia Tech and likes the program quite a bit. I see Florida State as the team to beat here, although it looks like Emmanuel will make his official visits.

Brandon Fanney 6-5, 261 Morristown (Morristown-Hamblen West)
Schools: BAMA (OFFER, OV), UVA (OFFER, OV), VT (OFFER, OV)

The Skinny: These three schools are the only ones currently involved right now. Fanney is having a terrific season, having led his team to the state championship game this weekend. He will visit all three schools while seeing which other teams become involved.

Marque Hall 6-5, 305 Forest Hills (Marshville, NC)
Schools: NCSU (OFFER), UVA (OFFER), VT (OFFER, OV 01/31/04), TN (OFFER, OV 01/24/04), UNC (OFFER, OV 01/17/04), SC (OFFER, OV 01/10/04)

The Skinny: According to TheInsiders.com, Hall will make an official visit to Virginia Tech. The Hokies did a great job getting an official, however I think Marque will go in-state in the end.

Carl Howard 6-6, 290 Matawan (Matawan, NJ)
Schools: VT (OFFER, OV 12/12/03), NCSU (OFFER), MD (OFFER), RUT (OFFER), IOWA (OFFER), BC (OFFER), SYR (OFFER), PITT (OFFER, OV 12/19/03)

The Skinny: Howard is one of Virginia Tech’s top targets, as they were one of the first to offer him. He would be an excellent addition to the Hokies defensive tackle position. He has scheduled an official visit with Virginia Tech on December 12-14. He lists Tech as one of his three favorites, however wouldn’t state who the other two were. Tech is in good shape.

Brandon Setzer 6-4, 280 Hargrave Military Academy
Schools: NCSU (OFFER), UNC (OFFER), TN (OFFER), VT (OFFER)

The Skinny: Setzer visits VT this weekend, however I don’t think he will end up at Virginia Tech. UNC or Tennessee appear to be the likely destinations.

None

Andrew Bowman 6-1, 230, 4.6 Hermitage (Richmond, VA)
Schools: PUR (OFFER), TN (OFFER), UNC (OFFER), UVA (OFFER, OV 11/29/03), VT (OFFER, OV 12/13/03)

The Skinny: Bowman has made two official visits, with two more coming this weekend and next. He goes to Blacksburg next weekend. He has not decided on a fifth visit, so there is a possibility he could decide this month. I think this race comes down to Virginia and Virginia Tech, and it’s too close to call right now.

Hugh D’Imperio 6-5, 230, 4.6 Washington Township (Sewell, NJ)
Schools: MSU (OFFER, OV 12/13/03), VT (OFFER, OV) lead ) MIN (OFFER, OV), TN (no offer, OV), UNC (OFFER, OV)

The Skinny: Hugh had to reschedule his visit to Virginia Tech this weekend because his team made the state championship game. VT and Michigan State are the two leaders right now among his final five. Official visits will be big here, as Hugh has never been to Blacksburg before.

John Dunlap 6-3, 215, 4.55 Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, FL)
Schools: MIA (OFFER, OV 01/24/04) leads FL (OFFER, OV 01/17/04), FSU (OFFER, OV 01/10/04), NCSU (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), VT (OFFER, OV 12/13/03)

The Skinny: I would be surprised if Dunlap does not choose a Florida school, with Miami the likeliest of possibilities. Virginia Tech did an excellent job again of securing an official visit, which will at the very least help with exposure down in Florida.

Jerod Mayo 6-2, 210, 4.68 Kecoughtan (Hampton, VA)
UVA (OFFER, OV 12/12/03), VT (OFFER, OV 01/30/04) lead NCSU (OFFER, OV 12/05/03), PUR (OFFER), TN (OFFER, OV 01/16/04)

The Skinny: Jerod will make all five official visits before announcing his decision. Right now, however, I think Virginia is the team to beat.

Maurice Reevey 6-4, 225, 4.6 Fork Union Military Academy
Schools: TN (OFFER), UNC (OFFER), UVA (No Offer), VT (OFFER), WVU (OFFER)

The Skinny: Not sure exactly what’s happening with Maurice…hope to interview him soon to see who he really likes. Sources say Virginia Tech is looking strong.

Antonio Reynolds 6-4, 245, 4.65 Hargrave Military Academy
Schools: Miami, FL, NEB, OSU, TN, VT (OFFER, OV 12/06/03)

The Skinny: Antonio will make an official to Virginia Tech this weekend. He likes Virginia Tech, but appeared interested in making more visits as well. I think the Hokies have a better shot with Flowers and Harper at this point, but they are definitely in contention here.

Brian Toal 6-2, 227, 4.5 Don Bosco Prep (Wykoff, NJ)
Schools: BC (OFFER), MIA (OFFER. OV 12/19/03), NEB (OFFER), ND (OFFER), ORE (OFFER), PSU (OFFER), TN (OFFER), VT (OFFER)

The Skinny: I think Miami will be tough to beat here, but Brian does like Virginia Tech a lot. I think Virginia Tech definitely gets an official visit.

Sources say the staff is very high on both Hinton and Minor, which would give the staff good depth behind Fuller and Green. DJ Parker is attending Hargrave and will join Tech in the fall of 2004. They have secured a commitment from a very good prospect in Theodore Miller, and will try to sign one more.

Theodore Miller 6-2, 170, 4.5 HD Woodson (Washington, DC)

At a Glance: Miller is the bigger cornerback prospect the Hokies may be moving towards. He is a tremendous athlete, as Woodson defensive coordinator Wayne Johnson calls him "probably the most athletic corner I've ever coached." Miller has a 38" vertical leap. Off the field, he scored over 1,000 on his SAT’s and should easily qualify academically.

Rod Council 5-11, 175, 4.5 West Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)
Schools: ND (OFFER, OV 09/20/03), UVA (OFFER, OV 10/18/03), VT (OFFER, OV) lead MICH (OFFER, OV 10/25/03)

The Skinny: Rod will likely choose between Virginia and Virginia Tech. He likes both programs and schools, and his decision will likely come down to his gut feeling between the two. He may be more familiar with UVA’s coaches, as he attended summer camp there during the summer. In the past, Rod has commented how much he likes the Virginia coaches, and this is the only reason I might give Virginia the edge heading into this weekend’s visit. There’s no question it’s very close right now though.

Brandon Flowers 6-1, 195, 4.5 Hargrave Military Academy

Schools: VT (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), TN (OFFER)

The Skinny: Brandon listed Virginia Tech as his favorite before, and I think he will choose the Hokies in the end.

Damian Sims 5-10, 180, 4.5 John I Leonard (Greenacres, FL)
Schools: ECU (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), FSU (no offer), KSU (OFFER, OV 12/20/03), MISS (OFFER, OV 01/10/04), PITT (OFFER), VT (OFFER, OV 01/24/04)

The Skinny: Sources say Damian really likes Virginia Tech. If Florida State offers, they would be tough to beat, but if they don’t, I think Virginia Tech is the team to beat.

None

Jamar Adams 6-3, 200, 4.4 Butler (Charlotte, NC)

Schools: MICH (OFFER, OV 09/05/03, Verbal) leads FSU (OFFER, OV), UCLA (OFFER, OV 12/12/03), UNC (OFFER, OV 01/09/04), VT (no official offer, OV?)

The Skinny: Adams has not set up an official visit with Tech just yet. He is going to take more official visits but remains committed to Michigan. In my opinion, Florida State or even UNC would be the choice if he de-commits from Michigan. VT is a long shot right now.

Donte Herrod 6-1, 190, 4.35 HD Woodson (Washington, DC)

Schools: MD (verbal offer), MICH ST (OFFER), NCSU (OFFER), SYR (OFFER), VT (no offer), WV (OFFER)

The Skinny: It doesn’t appear Virginia Tech will offer Donte. Sources say NC State is the top choice right now.

Kent Hicks 6-3, 210, 4.4 Culpeper (Culpeper, VA)
Schools: BC (OFFER), MD (OFFER, 12/06/03), TN (OFFER, OV 12/13/03), UVA (OFFER, OV 10/18/03), VT (OFFER, OV)

The Skinny: Kent has to set up his official visit with Virginia Tech. He goes to Maryland this weekend and Tennessee next. He’s tough to read as well, however he has been to Maryland quite a few times so they may be the favorite.

Purnell Sturdivant 5-11, 225, 4.4 Lake Taylor (Norfolk, VA)
Schools: VT (OFFER, OV 01/10/04) leads CLEM (OFFER), MD (OFFER), NCSU (OFFER), SYR (OFFER)

The Skinny: Purnell set his official visit to VT for January 9-11^th. The Hokies are the clear favorite, and Sturdivant would be an excellent addition to the class.

Sam Wheeler 6-4, 235, 4.7 Blacksburg (Blacksburg, VA)

At a Glance: Wheeler plays fullback and inside linebacker for Coach David Crist. He may attend Hargrave or Fork Union next year to further develop his football skills before getting to Virginia Tech. He could contribute at a number of different positions on the next level because of his size, strength, and athleticism. A good basketball player as well.

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