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Numbers Getting Tight for 2012 Class
by Chris Coleman, TechSideline.com, TSLMail #492, July 8, 2011

With 15 verbal commitments already for the 2012 recruiting class, Virginia Tech is going to have to be selective from here on out. There aren't that many spots remaining in this recruiting class, and the Hokies have to make sure they get the right players at the correct positions of need.

2012 Verbal List
Pos. Player
QB Brenden Motley
RB J.C. Coleman
WR Mario Nixon
WR Der'Woun Greene
TE Dakota Jackson
OG Jack Willenbrock
DE Jarontay Jones
LB Jawand Blue
LB Deon Clark
LB Dahman McKinnon
LB Devin Vandyke
CB Donaldven Manning
CB Davion Tookes
S Donovan Riley
S Desmond Frye

The Hokies have done a great job in the secondary and at linebacker, and they've landed a quarterback, a running back, and a couple of wide receivers as well. Obviously the biggest needs are up front, on both sides of the ball.

Offensive Line: The Hokies have struck out on many offensive line targets, with only Jack Willenbrock committed at this point. They are expected to issue a few more offers soon, and should be able to find a few worthy players at tomorrow's camp. Offensive line is now the #1 priority in this recruiting class. Expect Tech to sign 2-3 more offensive linemen to go along with Willenbrock.

Defensive Tackle: Again, I would think the Hokies will take 2-3 players at this position. Korren Kirven, Alston Smith and Woody Baron are all considered Tech leans, and Jarron Jones of New York has the Hokies in his top four.

Defensive End: Tech will sign another defensive end or two to go along with Jarontay Jones. Courtnye Wynn, Darrius Hamilton, Ken Ekanem and Gimel President are all high on the Hokies.

Wide Receiver: Mario Nixon is a wide receiver, and Der'Woune Greene could end up at wideout or safety. Joel Caleb, the top recruit in the state, is being recruited as a wideout. The Hokies probably lead for South Carolina prospect Mark Irick, and they have a shot with Stefon Diggs, Eugene Lewis and Chris Brown as well.

Running Back: The Hokies would like to get another running back to go along with Chesapeake star J.C. Coleman. Pennsylvania's Drew Harris is currently at the top of the list, and he is very high on the Hokies.

Tech is recruiting several other prospects at other positions that would be difficult to turn away. Trey Edmunds is a 4-star linebacker according to Rivals.com, and his top two are rumored to be Virginia Tech and Virginia. The Hokies already have four linebacker commitments, but Edmunds has been near the top of their board the whole time.

Washington, DC defensive back Kenneth Crawley is another player who would be tough to turn away. He is another 4-star prospect, and he is versatile enough to play either cornerback or safety.

Making the numbers work could be difficult this year, but it's a good problem to have.

 

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