The Virginia Tech contingent must be happy with how they have done in terms of filling needs on offense this year. The Hokies have done an excellent job at landing quality players for the skill positions, including all three offensive skill spots. Running back was a big need with Kevin Jones turning pro early, and they filled the need with two outstanding prospects and, additionally, filled a need at fullback with the recent commitment of Michael Green. One target remains at the running back position, and he is being recruited as an athlete. The player is Damian Sims, who will get looks at running back, cornerback, and possibly wide receiver.

Wide receiver was also a big need for the Hokies, and they have done a fine job of landing very good prospects. Tech has landed three prospects with excellent potential and hopes to land either Eddie Royal or Derrick McPhearson for the final wide receiver slot. The Hokies landed a commitment from a big receiver who can run and jump (Harper), a physically-gifted receiver who displays great toughness (Morgan), and an ultra-productive, polished player (Gilchrist). If they can land either Royal or McPhearson, Virginia Tech�s receiving corps would certainly look promising for the next four years. Both of those players displayed game-breaking potential for their high school teams. If they cannot land any of those two prospects, Virginia Tech may decide to take (depending on scholarship situation) Cauthen or Pitts if either one of those players decides on Tech.

So, with the recruitment of Sims and holding a spot for one of the remaining wide receiver prospects, it looks like Virginia Tech�s recruiting for Offense is complete. There will be no tight ends taken in this class, and it looks like only two offensive line prospects -- Ryan Shuman and Brandon Holland. Holland was recruited as a defensive end but many feel he will likely end up on the offensive line. Dio Herrera, an offensive guard prospect whom Virginia Tech had been recruiting since December, likely will not be offered per sources.

The top remaining offensive targets � with written offers � look like this �

• WR�s � Armand Cauthen, Eddie Royal, Derrick McPhearson, Hilton Pitts
• Ath � Damian Sims

Sean Glennon, 6-4, 190 Westfield HS (Chantilly, VA)

Senior Stats: 105 completions in 180 attempts, 1,839 yards and 26 touchdowns. He threw only five interceptions. Sean led Westfield to the Virginia AAA Division 6 Championship title and earned first-team AAA All-State honors by the AP.

 

George Bell, 5-11, 225, 4.45 Jack Britt HS (Fayetteville, NC)

The Skinny: Bell received a qualifying ACT score and will now enroll at VT in January of 2004. He earned a spot in the Army All-American Bowl game, which was played in early January, and looked solid. He estimates he is at 90-95 percent of the player he was as a junior, and he is confident he will only get better.

Branden Ore, 6-2, 195 4.4 Indian River HS (Chesapeake, VA)

The Skinny: Branden enjoyed a fantastic senior campaign, rushing for 1,279 yards and 15 touchdowns on 156 carries.

Michael Green, 6-1, 235, 4.7 Deptford (Deptford, NJ)

Senior Stats: Green averaged over seven yards-per-carry as a senior, helping Deptford to an undefeated record and a State Championship. He was the primary blocker in the offensive scheme, which flourished to the tune of 3,800 yards rushing.

 

Justin Harper, 6-4, 190, 4.5 Hargrave Military Academy

The Skinny: Harper chose the Hokies over offers from NC State, UNC, and Wake Forest. Justin is a big receiver with good speed, great leaping ability, and good hands. He may need some time to develop, but he certainly has the physical tools to become an excellent player on the next level. He will enroll at Virginia Tech in January 2004.

Josh Morgan, 6-1, 200, 4.31 Fork Union Military Academy

The Skinny: Josh wowed on-lookers during last month�s FUMA combine, posting a 4.31 time in the 40-yard dash and showing a 39-inch vertical leap. He has the toughness to make hard catches across the middle and the speed to break big plays.

Jeremy Gilchrist, 5-11, 185, 4.55 Landstown High School (Virginia Beach, VA)

The Skinny: As a senior, Gilchrist made 87 catches for 1,439 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was one of the most productive players in the state during his senior season, and thrived in Coach Chris Beatty�s pass-oriented offense.

Armand Cauthen, 6-1, 200, 4.5 Hargrave Military Academy
Schools: CONN (no offer), NCSU (no offer), UNC (no offer), VT (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), WF (no offer)

The Skinny: Armand is a receiver that runs great routes, has great hands, and has improved his speed since high school. He has an offer from Virginia Tech (his only written offer), but wants to keep his options open for as long as possible.

Hilton Pitts, 6-3, 215, 4.5 John I Leonard (Greenacres, FL)
Schools: CINC (OFFER), ECU (OFFER, OV 12/06/03), ISU (OFFER), VT (OFFER)

The Skinny: According to JIL Head Coach Terry Gough, Virginia Tech offered Pitts contingent upon him improving his academic standing. Reportedly, Pitts may make an official visit to Virginia Tech with teammate Damian Sims on January 31^st, however I am trying to confirm this.

Ryan Shuman, 6-3, 257 Fork Union Military Academy (Zion Crossroads, VA)

Damian Sims 5-10, 180, 4.5 John I Leonard (Greenacres, FL)
Schools: KSU (OFFER, OV 12/20/03), VT (OFFER, OV 01/31/04) lead FSU (no offer), MISS (OFFER, OV 01/10/04)

The Skinny: Damian has pretty much narrowed his list to two schools�Kansas State and Virginia Tech. If Florida State offers, they would very likely be a big factor here, however that remains to be seen. Right now, Virginia Tech is in great shape with the final official visit.

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