2005 VT Recruiting War Room #7
by Chris Horne, 10/19/04
Since the last war room update, Virginia Tech has received commitments from Phoebus teammates Elan Lewis and Steven
Friday. The Hokies have to feel good about their positioning with many recruits. Many of the targets in our latest war
room have taken, set, or are seriously considering setting official visits to Tech. Now the Hokies just need to close
the deal on some of these prospects.
The top remaining offensive targets – with written offers – look like this (NOTE: The other Hargrave players with
offers will be added soon. I do have Brian Simmons listed below.)…
· QB’s: Antonio Bass, Greg Boone, Cameron Sexton, Ike Whitaker
· RB’s: Toney Baker, James Davis, J.C. Neal
· WR’s: Geron James, Lavar Lobdell, Todd Nolen
· TE’s: Jonathan Hannah
· OL: Curtis Crouch, Chris DeGeare, Dennis Landolt, Garrett Reynolds, Jon Walko
· DE’s: Melvin Alaeze, Everette Brown, Hivera Green, Braxton Kelley, Barry
Turner, Dakota Walker
· DT’s: Joseph Johnson, Sergio Render, Brian Simmons
· LB’s: Charles Gamble, Darryl Gresham, Jerome Hayes, Derek Nicholson
· CB’s: Jordan Hemby, Levin Neal
· S’s/Rovers: Andre Pope, Antonio Wardlow
· Ath’s/JAth’s: Jahre Cheeseman, Montario Hardesty, Willie Harriott, Victor
Harris
"Tech’s Stock" Key…
· Very High – Tech is the favorite.
· High – Tech has landed an official
visit and stands a good chance of being one of the final schools when decision time comes.
· Fair – Tech is in the mix but not
at the top of the list. In the mix to land an official visit.
· Poor – Tech is on the outside
looking in. A long shot at this point.
QB Commitments – 0
QB Targets
Antonio
Bass, 6-1, 194, 4.4, Jackson (MI)
Contenders: Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech (September 4)
Leaders: Michigan, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Tech continues to battle with Michigan. It will be tough to get Bass out of Michigan, but Tech
seems to have the best chance of any other school right now to do just that.
Greg
Boone, 6-4, 250, 4.65, Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA)
Contenders: Maryland, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: None
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. This decision will likely come down to Tech and Maryland. It’s a close call right now between
the two.
Cameron
Sexton, 6-2, 180, 4.42, Scotland (Laurinburg, NC)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Clemson, Florida State
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Tech will get an official visit from Sexton, who has stated that he likes the coaches very much.
Florida State is recruiting him very hard as well, and don’t count out the in-state schools.
Ike
Whitaker, 6-4, 200, 4.5, Northwest (Germantown, MD)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida, Maryland, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Official Visits: None.
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. A decision was thought to be coming between Maryland and Virginia Tech. Whitaker isn’t ruling
out Clemson, Florida or West Virginia though and wants to take official visits now.
RB Commitments – 1
Elan
Lewis, 5-8, 220, 4.5, Phoebus (Hampton, VA)
The Skinny: Lewis’ commitment wasn’t a shock, but that didn’t diminish the importance or excitement either.
One of the most productive tailbacks in state of Virginia history, Lewis has a running style similar to former Hokie
tailback Shyrone Stith but has more speed. Lewis is a natural runner with excellent vision and power. He is also an
effective receiver out of the backfield.
RB Targets
Toney
Baker, 5-10, 220, 4.4, Ragsdale (Jamestown, NC)
Contenders: North Carolina, N.C. State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: None
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Baker will likely narrow his list to 3 before taking official visits and making his decision. I
don’t know right now if Tech will be in the top 3. Tennessee, Virginia and N.C. State are the 3 I’d pick right now,
but anything can change. Baker did enjoy his visit to Tech a few weeks ago.
James
Davis, 6-0, 205, 4.5, Douglass (Atlanta, GA)
Contenders: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits Set: Virginia Tech – 11/26/04
Leaders: Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Davis has set an official visit to Virginia Tech. The Hokies have made up a lot of ground over the
past month and have a chance to impress the talented tailback.
J.C.
Neal, 6-1, 180, 4.39, Lakewood (Sumter, SC)
Contenders: Georgia Tech, Maryland, N.C. State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 11/26/04, Maryland – 12/03/04, N.C. State – 12/10/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. This race may easily come down to the 3 schools getting official visits. Neal likes what he’s
seen out of Tech so far, but Maryland has piqued his interest and N.C. State is right there as well. A tight race among
the three. Neal could also play wide receiver or defensive back on the next level. Tech is recruiting him as a running
back/wide receiver.
|
FULLBACKS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
None |
Soph. John Kinzer
RS Fr. or Soph. Mike Green
Walk-Ons:
Jr Jesse Allen
Soph Carlton Weatherford
RS Fr. or Soph. Billy Gorham |
Kenny
Jefferson |
|
Comments: Tech has already landed their top target at the fullback
position in Kenny Jefferson. |
|
Targets: None |
FB Commitments – 1
Kenny
Jefferson, 5-10, 230, 4.5, DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD)
The Skinny: As a junior, Jefferson earned honorable mention all-league honors. He rushed for around 400 yards and
seven touchdowns last season as a junior, averaging around 17 yards per carry. In addition to football, Jefferson is
an accomplished wrestler as well. He is a two-time State Champion and two-time National Top Six wrestler.
Jefferson chose Virginia Tech over offers from Penn State and Syracuse. He will easily qualify.
FB Targets - Finished
|
WIDE RECEIVERS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
Richard Johnson |
Split Ends:
Sr. Chris Clifton
Jr. Michael Malone
Jr. Robert Parker
Soph. Justin Harper
Soph. Josh Morgan
Flankers:
Jr. David Clowney
Soph. Josh Hyman
RS Fr. or Soph. Jeremy Gilchrist
Soph. Eddie Royal |
|
|
Comments: Tech really excelled in last year’s wide receiver
recruiting. Tech landed four wide receiver recruits, including physically gifted Josh Morgan and Eddie Royal, who
was one of the top overall players in the state last year. By filling a big need last year, wide receiver is not a
top priority this year. Virginia Tech has offered a couple of wide receivers, but since there are other positions
higher on the priority list, not landing one would not be a blow to the class. The receivers they are targeting
appear to be of the tall and fast variety. |
|
Targets:
Geron
James,
Lavar
Lobdell,
Todd
Nolen |
WR Commitments – 0
WR Top Targets
Geron
James, 6-4, 178, 4.5, Ashley (Wilmington, NC)
Other Interest: Georgia Tech, North Carolina, N.C. State, Wake Forest
Contenders: Georgia Tech (no offer), Maryland, North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits:
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Ashley Head Coach Dylan Dimock says Geron remains very interested in the Hokies but will
likely wait to set official visits and concentrate on recruiting until after the season is over. All of the schools that
have offered are serious players right now.
Lavar
Lobdell, 6-3, 195, 4.5, Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse, NY)
Contenders: N.C. State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, USC, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Official Visits: None set
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Lobdell is another prospect I hope to reach soon.
Todd
Nolen, 6-3, 175, 4.5, Hampton (VA)
Contenders: Maryland (no offer), Nebraska, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits:
Leaders: Nebraska and Virginia
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Virginia Tech has gained ground on the talented Hampton wide receiver, and I wouldn’t be
surprised to see Tech get an official visit. Virginia and Nebraska are the 2 out in front right now.
|
TIGHT ENDS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
Jared Mazzetta |
Sr. Jeff King
Jr. Andrew Fleck
Soph. Duane Brown
RS Fr. or Soph. Maurice Reevey |
|
|
Comments: Landing at least one good, versatile tight end prospect would
be ideal for this class. Jonathan Hannah is the only tight end target seriously considering Virginia Tech right
now. |
|
Targets:
Jonathan
Hannah |
Tight End Commitments - 0
Tight End Top Targets
Jonathan
Hannah, 6-4, 255, 4.8, South View (Hope Mills, NC)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Penn State, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Clemson – 09/04/04, Virginia Tech – 10/01/04, Penn State – 10/22/04, Oklahoma – 11/13/04
Leaders:
Tech’s Stock: High. Hannah enjoyed his official visit to Blacksburg. Florida State and N.C. State may be the top
competition for the outstanding tight end.
OL Commitments – 3
Antonio
North, 6-4, 310, North Stafford (Stafford, VA)
The Skinny: North chose Virginia Tech over NC State on June 28th, ending a long process where those
two schools were the finalists for quite some time. North, who is projected as a guard, is an excellent addition to
the Hokies offensive line.
"Tony has good footwork and tremendous power at the point of attack," North Stafford Head Coach Eric
Cooke said. "He moves well. He plays offensive guard for us, and we use him a lot to pull and in sweeps. He
moves really well in open space. We can move or pull him on either side."
A good student, North will easily qualify.
Ed
Wang, 6-5, 260, 4.8, Stone Bridge (Ashburn, VA)
The Skinny: Wang impressed the Hokies staff mightily during summer camp last year. A tight end and defensive end
in high school, Wang will likely grow into an athletic offensive tackle on the next level. Many schools inquired
about the firmness of his verbal to Tech this spring, however he and his family haven’t budged.
Wang is a good student who will qualify academically.
Robert
Norris, 6-4, 300, DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD)
The Skinny: Norris committed just a week after teammate Kenny Jefferson verballed to the Hokies. Norris is a
big, strong player who has quick feet according to Head Coach Bill McGregor. He chose Tech over offers from
Maryland and Syracuse.
Norris will easily qualify.
OL Targets
Curtis
Crouch, 6-6, 320, E E Smith (Fayetteville, NC)
Contenders: East Carolina, Clemson, NC State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: None set.
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Tech is listed in the top 5 and may likely get a visit. N.C. State may be the team to beat
though.
Chris
DeGeare, 6-4, 340, Glenn High School (Kernersville, NC)
Contenders: South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 09/24/04, Wake Forest – 10/23/04, South Carolina – 10/30/04, Tennessee –
10/02/04
Leaders: None among 4
Tech’s Stock: High. DeGeare is going to make 4 visits and then make a decision. He enjoyed his visit to Tech but still
has to compare it to other programs.
Dennis
Landolt, 6-5, 275, 4.87, Holy Cross (Delran, NJ)
Contenders: Boston College, Michigan State, Northwestern, Penn State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Official Visits: Penn State – 11/05/04, Virginia Tech – 12/10/04
Leaders: Penn State, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. This decision will likely come down to Tech and Penn State. Boston College may get a visit, but
right now it looks like Tech is in the final 2. Official visits will make the difference.
Garrett
Reynolds, 6-7, 250, Carter (Knoxville,TN)
Contenders: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt
Official Visits: None set
Leaders: Clemson, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Reynolds was impressed with the VT coaches during his camp experience this summer. He wants to
take an official visit to Tech.
Jon
Walko, 6-6, 295, Seneca Valley (Germantown, MD)
Contenders: Clemson, Kent State, Marshall, Purdue, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Official Visits:
Leaders: Clemson, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Tech’s Stock: High. Tech is in Walko’s top 3. He raved about Tech’s game atmosphere but still wants to see Clemson
and West Virginia games and then make official visits. It could be a while before Jon decides, but Tech is in good shape
right now.
DE Commitments – 1
Steven
Friday, 6-5, 215, 4.7, Phoebus (Hampton, VA)
The Skinny: Friday had an astounding 27 QB pressures and 17 sacks last season as a junior, earning himself
first-team all-state honors. He needs to add weight on the next level but has the fire and athleticism to be a great
defensive end in college.
DE Top Targets
Melvin
Alaeze, 6-2, 270, 4.7, Randallstown (Randallstown, MD)
Contenders: Over 20 offers including Boston College, Florida, Maryland, Miami (Fl), Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State,
Southern California, and Virginia Tech
Official Visits: None set.
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair. The only reason Tech gets a "fair" rating is because many expect Melvin to choose
Maryland, possibly sometime soon.
Everette
Brown, 6-3, 230, 4.6, Beddingfield (Wilson, NC)
Contenders: Florida State, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Official Visits: None set.
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Everette had a good unofficial visit to Tech and is very seriously considering Tech for an
official visit.
Barry
Turner, 6-3, 230, 4.6, Brentwood Academy (Nashville, TN)
Contenders: Auburn, Florida, Miami (Fl), Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, among others
Official Visits: Nebraska – 10/15/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Tech is recruiting Turner, but Turner hasn’t named any leaders right now. I hope to have an
update with Barry soon. For now, he is keeping his favorites close to the vest.
Dakota
Walker, 6-3, 225, 4.55, Oakcrest (Mays Landing, NJ)
Contenders: North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Tennessee – 12/10/04
Leaders: Rutgers
Tech’s Stock: Unknown. Walker recently re-opened his recruiting process after originally committing to Rutgers. I hope
to have more on him soon.
Hivera
Green, 6-5, 255, 4.8, Conway (Conway, SC)
Contenders: Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee,
Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – nothing set
Leaders: Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Green had a blast on his unofficial visit to Tech. Tech hopes to keep the momentum going with the
talented defender, who could play end or tackle. A visit to Michigan could put the Wolverines right there with Tech.
Michigan was Green’s leader earlier in the recruiting process before he named Tech and Michigan as his leaders. Tech
is now the leader after the visit. Tennessee is another school to watch for.
Braxton
Kelley, 6-1, 220, 4.7, LaGrange (GA)
Contenders: Georgia (no offer), Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Kentucky – 09/17/04, Virginia Tech
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Kelley said he will take an official visit to Virginia Tech, but nothing has been set yet. He
didn’t state any leaders in the last update. Could be tough to get Braxton out of the SEC, but Tech has a chance if
they land an official visit.
|
DEFENSIVE TACKLES |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
Jason Lallis
Kevin Lewis |
Sr. Tim Sandidge
Sr. Jonathan Lewis
Soph. Barry Booker
Soph. Kory Robertson
Soph. Carlton Powell |
William
Wall |
|
Needs: With Carl Howard exiting the program, Tech could use 1 or 2
defensive tackles in this year’s class. William Wall is being project more as a defensive tackle now, providing
Tech with an athletic and versatile prospect at the position. |
|
Targets:
Sergio
Render,
Joseph
Johnson, Brian
Simmons
|
DT Commitments - 1
William
Wall 6-3, 258, 4.6 HD Woodson (Washington, DC)
The Skinny: Wall committed to Tech for the 2004 class, however did not qualify academically. He will attend
Hargrave Military Academy for one year beginning late summer/fall of this year and plans on signing with Tech in
February of 2005. Wall remains very much committed to Virginia Tech.
Wall is a defensive lineman with excellent athleticism for a player his size. He played wide receiver for HD
Woodson as well, a testament to his athletic prowess.
DT Targets
Sergio
Render, 6-4, 290, Newnan (GA)
Contenders: Arkansas (no offer), Florida State, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 10/15/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Render gave Tech a chance to impress last weekend as he took an official visit to Blacksburg, and
he wasn't disappointed, naming Tech as his #1 school in the wake of his visit. Sergio committed early to Florida State
but has since re-opened his recruitment, because the Noles want him on offense and the Hokies are offering defense. The
Hokies are now in great shape with Sergio.
Joseph
Johnson, 6-2, 330, Varina (Richmond, VA)
Contenders: Virginia, Virginia Tech (verbal offers?)
Official Visits: None set
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Johnson is very interested in Tech, but I’m not sure how interested Tech is right now.
Brian
Simmons, 6-5, 280, Hargrave Military Academy (Raleigh, NC)
Contenders: N.C. State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia
Official Visits: Oklahoma – nothing set
Leaders: Oklahoma
Tech’s Stock: Fair. The Sooners are the early leader for Simmons. I haven’t spoken with Simmons to see if he will
consider others or if it’s just a matter of time before he commits to Oklahoma.
|
LINEBACKERS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
Mikal Baaqee
Brandon Manning
Chad Cooper |
Sr. Blake Warren
Sr. James Anderson
Jr. Aaron Rouse
Soph. Xavier Adibi
Soph. Vince Hall
Soph. Brett Warren
RS Fr. or Soph. Andrew Bowman
RS Fr or Soph Purnell Sturdivant |
Deveon
Simmons
Demetrius
Taylor
|
|
Needs: Sources say Virginia Tech would like to land at least two
linebackers in every class, and this year is no exception. Well, the Hokies already landed two top linebackers
from the state and are now concentrating on the third. Recently, Tech scored a commitment from Deveon Simmons, who
is rated Techsideline.com’s #4 prospect in the state. He is an excellent pickup, adding speed and crushing
hitting ability to the linebacker corps. Simmons has the speed to play Rover as well.
Tech has excellent depth on the roster with young studs Adibi, Hall, and Bowman. Reevey may play linebacker or
he could play offense. If he’s on defense, he has excellent athletic potential. Currently, he’s listed at
tight end, but we’ll have to see.
Look for Tech to try and corral one more top linebacker prospect to join Simmons and Taylor. |
|
Targets:
Jerome
Hayes,
Derek
Nicholson,
Charles
Gamble,
Darryl
Gresham, |
LB Commitments – 1
Deveon
Simmons, 6-0, 218, 4.5, Landstown (Virginia Beach, VA)
The Skinny: Simmons is the hardest hitting prospect in the state. A devastating hitter, he plays the middle well
and really runs well from sideline to sideline. Deveon earned all-state honors for his junior year performance. As a
junior, he finished with 91 tackles, 42 tackles-for-loss, and six sacks. He helped Landstown to a Group AAA State
Championship game appearance.
"Deveon is about the most explosive player on defense I’ve ever seen," Landstown Head Coach Chris
Beatty said. "When he hits people, he runs through them. He covers so much ground and he has unbelievable
instincts that you just can’t teach. He also has tremendous athletic ability. Nebraska’s coach called him a
Lawrence Taylor-type player. He’s obviously not as big, but he makes the same type of plays sideline to sideline
as well as getting to the quarterback."
Demetrius
Taylor, 6-1, 220, 4.5 Floyd Kellam (Virginia Beach, VA)
The Skinny: Demetrius Taylor is very fast with solid size. In addition, Taylor is a strong player.
"He can run like no one his size," Kellam Head Coach Chris DeWitt said in an earlier interview.
"He’s our fastest sprinter. He runs a 4.5, but we’ve timed him under 4.5 before. He can bench press 355
pounds, and his squat is huge. We do hang-cleans, and Demetrius can hang-clean 325 pounds, which is our highest
ever."
As good of a season as he had last year as a two-way player, an opposing coach indicated Taylor was very
dominating as a sophomore. That year, Taylor only played linebacker.
"Taylor was a good running back, but he’s an even better linebacker," the opposing coach said.
"He was awesome when he only played linebacker his sophomore season."
Taylor, who was receiving interest programs including Michigan and Notre Dame, chose Tech over an offer from
Duke. He was recruited as a Mike linebacker.
LB Top Targets
Jerome
Hayes, 6-2, 225, 4.6, Bayonne (Bayonne, NJ)
Contenders: Hayes has 25 scholarship offers, including Boston College, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers,
Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.
Official Visits: Florida – 10/08/04, Michigan State – 12/10/04, Miami – 12/17/04, Rutgers
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Poor/Fair. Tech is vying for the 5th and final official visit.
Derek
Nicholson, 6-2, 228, 4.55, Mount Tabor (Winston-Salem, NC)
Contenders:
Official Visits: None set
Leaders: Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami (Fl), North Carolina, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Tech has a shot – probably a good shot - at landing an official visit. If they land an
official, then the stock will rise to High. He seems very interested in Tech after having been there twice this year.
Many still consider UNC and Florida State as the teams to beat.
Charles
Gamble, 6-3, 210, 4.4, Southern (Durham, NC)
Contenders: Clemson, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: None
Leaders: South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: Unknown. Charles is likely a prep candidate. He likes Tech and South Carolina right now, but will, in my
opinion, go on to prep school without committing anywhere.
Darryl
Gresham, 6-3, 230, 4.68, William Fleming (Roanoke, VA)
Contenders: Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Leaders: Virginia
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Gresham still considers himself a Virginia commitment, but he is considering Tech, Florida and
Tennessee as well right now.
|
CORNERBACKS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
Eric Green |
Sr. Jimmy Williams
Jr. Chris Caesar
Jr. Brian McPherson
Soph. Roland Minor
Soph. Brandon Flowers
Soph. DJ Parker
RS Fr. or Soph. Theodore Miller |
Dorian
Porch |
|
Needs: Virginia Tech lost former West Charlotte star Rod Council to
Louisville, which increases the need for at least one cornerback in this year’s class. Tech is involved with
several good prospects right now, and is in very serious contention for each of them. Dorian Porch was a solid get
to start off the cornerback recruiting. He is athletic and fast, kind of similar to D.J. Parker coming out of high
school. |
|
Targets:
Jordan
Hemby,
Levin
Neal,
Stephan
Virgil |
CB Commitments – 1
Dorian
Porch, 5-11, 180, 4.4, Gordon Central (Calhoun, GA)
The Skinny: Porch possesses 4.4 speed in the 40. A good leader, he is the quarterback for his team and plays
defensive back as well. He projects as a cornerback on the next level, but could also play wide receiver.
Dorian has talked about possibly visiting Tennessee if they offer but remains committed to VT. Stay tuned for an
update on Dorian very soon.
CB Top Targets
Jordan
Hemby, 5-11 ½, 185, 4.4, Freedom (Morganton, NC)
Contenders: Clemson, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Clemson, North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech – 11/26/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Hemby wants to visit all 4 schools that have offered before he decides. Tech appears to have as
good a shot as any right now.
Levin
Neal, 5-11, 180, 4.3, Ashley (Wilmington, NC)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida (no offer), Florida State (no offer), Georgia (no offer), Maryland, North Carolina, N.C.
State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 10/01/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. I have to talk to Levin to find out his interest in Tech following his official visit. Ashley
Head Coach Dylan Dimock said Levin enjoyed his visit but wants to make other visits and is waiting to see if more
schools offer.
Stephan
Virgil, 5-11, 165, 4.4, Rocky Mount (NC)
Contenders: Clemson (no offer), North Carolina, South Carolina (no offer), Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 10/01/04
Leaders: Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Virgil wants to make more official visits, but UNC and Tech are his only offers right now. He had
a good visit to Tech, but wants to official visit UNC and possibly Clemson and South Carolina.
|
SAFETIES/ROVERS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
FS Mike Daniels
FS Vince Fuller
ROV James Griffin |
Free Safety:
Soph. Corey Gordon
Rover:
Sr. Cary Wade
Sr. DJ Walton
Soph. Brenden Hill
RS Fr or Soph Kent Hicks |
Cameron
Martin |
|
Needs: The addition of Kent Hicks is a surprising and huge boost to the
safety/rover position. Hicks combines great speed and a physical playing style. In the 2005 class, landing Cameron
Martin was an awesome get for the staff. The remaining targets are very athletic and could play either defensive
back position. Look for Tech to try and land one more safety/defensive back in this year’s class. |
|
Targets:
Antonio
Wardlow,
Andre
Pope |
Safety/Rover Commitments – 1
Cameron
Martin, 6-2, 180, 4.5, George-Washington (Danville, VA)
The Skinny: Martin is a hard-hitting and savvy safety prospect. GW-Danville Head Coach Dan Newell had this to say
about his star prospect.
"I defer to what the colleges tell me, and they like the way he plays the run from the safety position.
Cameron really fills the alleys. It's one thing to get there, but he gets there and he's a fearless tackler. One
coach described him as ferocious. He's not the biggest guy yet, but he plays with great leverage. Cameron has
deceptive closing speed. He gets his hand on a lot of passes."
He chose Virginia Tech over offers from UVa, Boston College, Tennessee, Maryland, NC State, UNC, Wake Forest, and
West Virginia. I have him rated the number 9 overall prospect in the state of Virginia.
Safety/Rover Targets
Antonio
Wardlow, 6-1, 175, 4.4, Parkland (Winston-Salem, NC)
Contenders: 14 offers including Clemson, North Carolina, NC State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech,
Wake Forest, West Virginia
Official Visits: None set.
Leaders: Tennessee leads South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Antonio wants to visit all 3 favorites before deciding. He is taking his time in his decision.
Andre
Pope, 5-11, 205, 4.5, Fort Hill (Cumberland, MD)
Contenders: Clemson, North Carolina, Penn State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: None set
Leaders: North Carolina, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. The level of interest from Pope was high, however it isn’t clear if Tech will continue to
recruit Pope following an ACL tear this season that ended his high school career. UNC is sticking with him and could
gain a commitment if Tech doesn’t do the same.
Ath/JAth Commitments – None
Ath/JAth Targets
Victor
Harris, 6-0, 180, 4.46, Highland Springs (Highland Springs, VA)
Possible Positions: CB, RB
Contenders: Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Southern California, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Southern Cal – 10/15/04, Michigan – 10/29/04, Virginia – 12/03/04, Virginia Tech – 12/10/04,
Miami – 12/17/04
Leaders: None named, but many feel that Tech is in strong position right now.
Tech’s Stock: High. Tech will be one of the final 2 or 3 at least and is looking good right now, but there is a long
way and official visits to go.
Jahre
Cheeseman, 5-9, 175, 4.4, Eastern (Voorhees, N.J.)
Possible Positions: RB, CB
Contenders: Maryland, Minnesota, Penn State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 09/24/04, Penn State – 12/03/04, Maryland – 12/10/04, Minnesota – 12/17/04
Leaders: None named
Tech’s Stock: High. Cheeseman was impressed with Tech on his official visit, but he stood firm in wanting to make more
officials before deciding. Penn State and Virginia Tech were the leaders heading into these trips, but don’t count out
Maryland now either.
Montario
Hardesty, 6-1, 197, 4.39, New Bern (NC)
Possible Positions: RB, DB, WR
Contenders: Clemson, N.C. State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State (no offer), Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Nebraska – 10/01/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair: Tech is one of 6 schools being considered for the final 4 official visit spots. Tech is doing a
good job recruiting Hardesty, who seems really interesting in visiting VT.
Willie
Harriott, 5-9, 180, 4.3, Hyde Leadership (New Haven, CT)
Possible Positions: CB, WR
Contenders: Boston College, Connecticut, Florida State (no offer), Iowa, Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia,
Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech (no date set)
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Harriott had a great Virginia Tech camp experience this summer and has really liked the Hokies
ever since. Tech will get an official visit and is the only school certain to get one right now.
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