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VT 2006 Recruiting War Room #1
by Chris Horne
Click here for a printer-friendly version
Editor's Note: We're trying out a new war room format this year.
Tell us what you think. Note that planned future enhancements are to link each player to their recruiting
profile, and to increase the use of bold print and shading to make the tables more legible. Give us
your feedback! Send email to Will Stewart at [email protected] and Chris Horne at [email protected]
Overview
Virginia Tech finished in strong fashion in the 2005 recruiting class, landing commitments from 5-star CB Victor
Harris, 4-star QB Greg Boone, 4-star WR Todd Nolen, among others, in the final few months. Tech finished with one of its
highest-rated classes in school history, rated #14 by Rivals.com and #18 by Scout.com.
Tech currently has nine verbal commitments, 10 if you count Todd Nolen in the mix. Nolen is attending Fork Union
Military Academy and will likely be there for one year, which means he�ll have to re-sign with Tech in February of
2006.
I�d look for another strong finish, maybe even stronger than last year�s. Why? Well, here are the prospects that
have named Tech as the leader at this point.
OL Lou Eliades
TE Drew Gloster
WR/Ath Zach Luckett
DB/WR Brent Vinson
DE Brian Whitmore
Now, for the prospects that Tech is in very good position with and could easily be a finalist for�
OL Aaron Brown
OL Alex Stadler
DE Jason Adjepong
DE Aaron Maybin
DE Josh Minton
LB Navorro Bowman
LB Jarrell Miller
Further, Tech is in solid shape with RB LaSean McCoy, RB Brandon Minor and DL Jared Odrick. Safe to say, Tech should
feel very good about its chances to close strongly in this class. And with some of the talent Tech could potentially
sign, the class could very well be better than last year�s stellar haul.
Key Areas
The top areas of focus for the 2006 recruiting class appear to be the offensive line, defensive line and linebacker
positions. Virginia Tech would like to take five offensive linemen for 2006 and already has two solid prospects in the
fold in 6-7, 280-poun Clark Crum and 6-4, 260-pound Beau Warren. Consider the fact that the Hokies are in good shape
with top prospects Brown, Eliades and Stadler, and Tech could have quite a group on signing day.
Defensive line is always an area of concentration for the staff and this year is no different. Tech is off to a good
start here as well, landing mammoth but athletic defensive tackle Daryl Robertson and speedy defensive end Mike Gee.
Tech is in great position with a handful of d-ends right now, so landing one or two more studs certainly seems possible,
if not probable.
With stars Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall having only two years remaining after this year, landing some big time
linebacker prospects would be nice. Tech already has a commitment from Nekos Brown, a tough, strong �backer out of
Thomas Stone HS in Maryland. Tech is in good shape with Navorro Bowman, Jarrell Miller, Matt Wright and has landed an
official visit date from Brandon Spikes, a top talent out of North Carolina. The staff probably felt good about its
position with Bowman, Miller and Wright, so Spikes� interest is a very nice added bonus.
Tech looks to be in good shape at all three top needs positions. Of course the staff will have to close the deal, but
by being in such good shape with so many prospects, you have to like the odds.
Out-of-state
Seven of Virginia Tech�s nine commitments thus far are from outside the state of Virginia. Three are from Maryland,
two from North Carolina, one from Ohio and one from New Jersey. But Tech still could finish strong in the state, as it
is in serious contention with Miller, RB Brandon Minor, Whitmore, Stadler, DB/WR Brent Vinson, Wright and remains in the
mix with DE John Graves, Ath Lucas Caparelli, and DB Greg Davis.
As is always the case in recruiting, wait until signing day before making any judgments.
Positions and Targets
TSL�s Top 10 Targets
1) Aaron Brown �
Offensive line is a key need and Brown is the best of a highly rated bunch of targets.
2) Jarrell Miller �
Not only would Miller be a huge in-state get (Miller is a UVa target as well at a key
position), but he would give Coach Foster another blue-chip linebacker to go along with Adibi and Hall. Tech is trying
to land big-time LB talent this year.
3) LaSean McCoy �
Running back isn�t a big need with Elan Lewis, Branden Ore, and George Bell, but adding the
exceptionally fast McCoy would be tremendous.
4) Jared Odrick �
Odrick is a massive, athletic, versatile defensive lineman. One of the best in the country.
5) Drew Gloster
� Gloster would bring serious speed and big play ability to the tight end position.
6) Alex Stadler
� Stadler would be a big pick up along the o-line and in-state wise.
7) John Graves �
Graves is a quality talent with the personality and work ethic to match. Graves is another
huge target for Virginia as well.
8) Lou Eliades �
Did I mention that OL is a need? Eliades is the best in New Jersey and plays with an attitude.
9) Navorro Bowman �
Bowman is a tough, athletic linebacker. Adding Bowman and Miller would be a big haul at
linebacker.
10) Josh Minton �
Minton is a versatile d-lineman with a tremendous motor.
Running back
2005 Losses to Eligibility:
Mike Imoh, Cedric Humes
2006 Roster: TB:
Soph. George Bell, Soph. Branden Ore, R/S Fr. Elan Lewis. FB: Sr. Jesse Allen, Jr.
Carlton Weatherford, R/S Fr. Kenny Jefferson
|
Running Back Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
None |
|
Running Back Targets |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
VT�s Stock |
Official Visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
LaSean McCoy, 5-11, 205, 4.25
Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA) |
|
High/Very High |
|
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech went into Pennsylvania in 2001 and landed Kevin
Jones, who was rated the top running back in the country. History could repeat itself, as Tech seems to be in good
position to at least land an official visit from McCoy, who may be the top running back in the 2006 class. Tech
jumped into the picture after McCoy paid a visit to Blacksburg in August. |
|
Knowshon Moreno, 5-11, 200, 4.5
Middletown South (Middletown, N.J.) |
|
Fair |
OU � 09/02, GA � 09/09 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Tech has offered and is in the mix, but it�s tough to tell
which programs the New Jersey star may be favoring. He enjoyed both official visits and seems to want to take all
five trips. |
|
Brandon Minor, 6-0, 220, 4.6
Varina (VA) |
|
High/Very High |
TN � 10/08, MICH � 12/02, MIA � 12/16, VT � 01/14, FL |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: Early on, it looked like Minor would definitely leave the
state. Virginia Tech came back in the picture in August and recently earned an official visit. If Minor stays
close to home, Tech will be the choice, but it will be interesting to see how his visits to Miami and Michigan go
� Minor expressed high interest in both of those programs early on. |
|
Evan Royster, 6-0, 200, 4.5
Westfield (Chantilly, VA) |
|
Low |
OU � 09/02 |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Royster really wants to leave the state and, right now, it
looks like that will happen. |
|
Devven Sutton, 5-10, 220
Northeastern (Elizabeth City, N.C.) |
|
Very High |
|
|
|
Comments: Hoping to get some more info on Sutton soon. |
Wide Receiver
2005 Losses to Eligibility: None
2006 Roster:
Sr. David Clowney, Jr. Justin Harper, Jr. Josh Hyman, Jr. Josh Morgan, Jr. Eddie Royal, Soph. Jeremy
Gilchrist
|
Wide Receiver Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Todd Nolen |
|
6-3, 175, 4.5 |
Fork Union Military Academy(Hampton, VA) |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Notes: Nolen is a 2005 signee that was forced to go to prep school after
failing to qualify. One of the top overall recruits in the state in the 2005 class, Nolen is an outstanding
receiver and could be even more prepared to play immediately after a year at Fork Union. Nolen has size, speed and
outstanding hands. Adding his talent to an already great receiving corps makes the Hokies even more dangerous at
the receiver position. |
|
Jacob Sykes |
|
6-0, 180, 4.56 |
Goldsboro(Goldsboro, N.C.) |
Charley Wiles |
|
Notes: Sykes has already stated that he will likely be a grey-shirt
candidate, meaning he will sign in 2006 but will likely not enroll until January of 2007. If he does this, he
could count towards the 2007 class. As a junior last season, Sykes caught 22 passes for 400 yards. He impressed
during the spring with standout performances at 7-on-7 camps. He ran a 4.56 in the 40 at Virginia Tech�s 2005
summer camp. 2005 Stats: 6 receptions, 104 yards; 74-yard KR return |
|
Wide Receiver Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Percy Harvin |
|
None/Low? |
FSU, MIA, MICH, FL � 10/16, USC |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: There are rumors floating around that Harvin may have more interest in VT than he lets on, but I won�t
believe it until I see it. I still see Harvin heading to the state of Florida for his college football. |
|
Vidal Hazelton
Hargrave Military Academy |
|
Fair |
FSU � 09/03, MIA, FL, USC, TN, VA, VT |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Hazelton said in August that he wanted to make a visit to Virginia Tech. Still, it looks like he�s
going to head out-of-state after his one-year stint in the state of Virginia. |
|
Damon McDaniel |
|
High |
FL � 09/16, LSU � 10/16, VT � 11/04 |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: Just when Damon says Tech is on the outside looking in, he reportedly schedules an official visit for
the Miami game. |
|
LaMarcus Bond |
|
Fair |
AUB, MIA, UNC, NCSU, VA, VT |
|
|
Comments: Bond always names Virginia Tech among his top programs but, as of a few weeks ago, hadn�t had any
phone contact with the Tech staff. Wide receiver is not really a need, so perhaps the staff is looking to fill
needs elsewhere. |
|
Owen Spencer |
|
High |
NCSU, VT |
|
|
Comments: Virginia Tech may get an official visit, but N.C. State is the team to beat. |
Tight Ends
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Jeff King, Jordan Trott
2006 Roster:
Jr. John Kinzer, R/S Fr. Ed Wang, R/S Fr. Sam Wheeler
|
Tight End Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Andre Smith |
|
6-4, 235, 4.7 |
Seneca Valley(Germantown, MD) |
Tony Ball |
|
Notes: Virginia Tech started to incorporate its tight ends a lot more
last season, and it�s trying to upgrade the talent at the position as well. Smith is a really good athlete with
terrific speed for his size. He�ll be an asset in the passing game, but will likely need to improve his strength
in order to be a solid blocker as well. Still, Smith is a very good pick-up. |
|
Tight End Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Drew Gloster
Good Counsel (Wheaton, MD) |
|
Very High |
VT � 10/10, MD � 12/02, FL, GA, MIA |
Billy Hite |
|
Comments: Obviously, the best thing would have been for Drew to commit to Tech and not take any official
visits. But he has decided to make all five officials and may wait until he has taken all of them before
committing. I still like Virginia Tech�s chances a lot, as Drew has had Tech at the top of his list for a long
time. |
Offensive Linemen
2005 Losses to Eligibility: C: Will Montgomery; OG: Reggie
Butler, Jason Murphy; OT: Jimmy Martin
2006 Roster: C: Sr. Danny McGrath, Jr. Tripp Carroll, Soph. Ryan Shuman; OG: Sr.
Brandon Gore, Soph. Nick Marshman, R/S Fr. - Robert Norris, Antonio North; OT: Sr. Brandon
Frye, Jr. Duane Brown, R/S Fr. � Eric Davis, Richard Graham
|
Offensive Line Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Clark Crum |
|
6-7, 280 |
Scioto (Dublin, Ohio) |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Notes: In his first few years in high school, Crum dreamed of earning a
scholarship in basketball. He took up football as well and has since dedicated himself to the gridiron. Good news
for Virginia Tech, which lands a prospect with excellent size and athleticism. Crum has some room to develop, but
physically he looks to be an outstanding prospect. |
|
Beau Warren |
|
6-4, 260 |
Centreville(Clifton, Virginia) |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Notes: Add another Warren to the program. Beau is the biggest yet and
projects as an offensive lineman. A red-shirt year will be just what Warren needs to get bigger and stronger.
Right now, he shows very good technique and is a good player for one of the most productive high school programs
in the state. |
|
Offensive Line Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Aaron Brown
Princeton (Cincinnati, OH) |
|
Very High |
AUB � 09/02, OSU � 09/09, LOUS � 09/16, VT � 09/23, MIA � 09/30 |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: There is tough, tough competition here, but Brown had a fantastic experience in Blacksburg earlier
this year. At the very least, it looks like Tech has just as good a chance as the rest right now. Brown would be a
huge addition at a position of need. |
|
Lou Eliades
Ocean Twsp (Oakhurst, N.J.) |
|
Very High |
S Car � 09/16, VT � 11/04 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Eliades is an important recruit as well and he seems to really like the Hokies. He had a great
unofficial visit to Blacksburg earlier this year. If Tech isn�t the team to beat, it�s close. |
|
Alex Stadler
Liberty (Bealeton, VA) |
|
Very High |
VT � 09/23 |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Tech is in good position with Stadler, however, he is looking at several out-of-state schools as
well. Alabama is one school that the Liberty star really liked on an unofficial visit. But, in the end, the
childhood favorite (Tech) could be hard to overcome. |
|
Lee Tilley
South (Springfield, OH) |
|
Fair |
AZ St, CLEM, FL, LSU, OU, S Car, VT |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: Tilley enjoyed his unofficial visit to Tech earlier this year, but it�s up in the air right now as
to whether Tech will land an official visit. I�d give the edge to the SEC programs at this point. |
|
Hutch Eckerson
Lumberton (N.C.) |
|
High |
UVA leads S Car, VT |
|
|
Comments: Eckerson will take an official visit to Tech. Virginia leads right now, but he will take a thorough
look at all of his options before committing anywhere. Hutch wants to take all five official visits. |
|
Sean Allen
James Hunt (Wilson, N.C.) |
|
High |
VT (only offer) |
|
|
Comments: Allen listed Tech as his favorite school, but the Hokies may be waiting to hear from other more
highly-rated prospects at this point. |
Defense
Defensive Tackles
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Jonathan Lewis, Tim Sandidge
2006 Roster: Sr.
Chris Burnett; Jrs. � Barry Booker, Carlton Powell, Kory Robertson; R/S Fr. �
Hivera Green, Cordarrow Thompson
|
Defensive Tackle Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Daryl Robertson |
|
6-3, 300, 4.9 |
Liberty (Bedford, Virginia) |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Notes: Robertson has size, strength and shows good quickness off the
ball. He has been well coached by Liberty head coach Chris Watts, who oversees one of the top in-state high school
football programs. Robertson also has excellent work ethic, something you would expect from someone who looks up
to Tech defensive end Darryl Tapp. |
|
Defensive Tackle Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Gerald McCoy, 6-4, 305
Southeast (Okla. City, OK) |
|
Fair |
MIA � 10/1, USC � 11/04, LSU, NEB, ND, OU, TN |
|
|
Comments: Hoping to get some more info on McCoy very soon. |
|
Jason Kates, 6-3, 320
Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA) |
|
Fair/High |
ND leads? |
Danny Pearman |
|
Comments: Kates has shown interest in Virginia Tech. According to his head coach, Kates will take several
official visits before committing anywhere. Virginia Tech remains in the mix but maybe isn�t at the top of the
list right now. Notre Dame may be the team to beat here. |
|
Jared Odrick, 6-6, 300
Lebanon (Lebanon, PA) |
|
High |
FL � 09/16, VT � 09/23, PSU � 10/28, GA �
11/11, UVA � 11/18 |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech will get its shot to impress Odrick, a stud defensive line recruit. Each team figures
to have a solid shot. Penn State is the in-state school, so it may be the team to watch if location becomes a
factor. |
|
Phillip Taylor, 6-4, 330
Gwynn Park (Brandywine, MD) |
|
High |
MD, PSU, VT, UVA |
Tony Ball |
|
Comments: Maryland will likely be tough to beat, but Taylor has expressed interest in taking an official visit
to Tech. Penn State and UVA are also serious contenders. |
|
Olufemi Ajiboye, 6-2, 290
Banneker (College Park, GA) |
|
Very High |
AUB, GA, VT |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Hope to get some more info on Ajiboye very soon. |
|
Reggie Gibson, 6-2, 285 |
|
Very High |
Syracuse, Virginia Tech |
Billy Hite |
|
Comments: Gibson may be getting slow-played right now, as he is waiting to hear from the coaches on if he would
be accepted at Tech. If Tech would accept him, he would be a Hokie. If not, look for Reggie to head to Syracuse. |
Defensive Ends
2005 Losses to Eligibility: Darryl Tapp
2006 Roster: Sr.
Noland Burchette; Jrs. Chris Ellis, Omar Hashish; Soph. Orion Martin; R/S Fr.
William Wall
|
Defensive End Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Mike Gee |
|
6-2, 240, 4.7 |
Dwight Morrow
(Englewood, N.J.) |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Notes: Mike Gee is a typical Tech defensive end � a little small per
"typical" defensive end standards, but athletic and fast. Gee combines good speed with good strength, as
Queen of Peace DC Gabe Infante said "he runs like a halfback but hits you like a middle linebacker." Gee�s
favorite player is Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney and Hokie fans certainly hope that�s what he�ll play
like. |
|
Defensive End Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Jason Adjepong, 6-3, 245, 4.7
Carteret (N.J.) |
|
Very High |
VT, RUT |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Comments: Rutgers should no be overlooked here, as Jason is very proud of his home state. That being
said, Virginia Tech has a good chance here. Jason had a great unofficial visit earlier this year and likes VT�s
system. |
|
John Graves, 6-3, 240, 4.75
Meadowbrook (Richmond, VA) |
|
Very High |
UVA leads VT, GA |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: John hasn�t committed yet, so it looks like he might take a few official visits before
committing. I still think Virginia�s the team to beat, so Tech has some work to do if it wants to overcome the
Cavs. Georgia is there as well, but I think location plays a factor in the end. |
|
Aaron Maybin, 6-3, 220, 4.6
Mt. Hebron (Ellicott City, MD) |
|
Very High/High |
FL, PSU, VT |
Tony Ball |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech has landed an official visit spot from Maybin and appears to be in solid shape.
Aaron wants to take all five official visits, so this will be a hard fought recruitment. |
|
Josh Minton, 6-4, 245, 4.7
Pulaski SW (Somerset, KY) |
|
Very High/High |
KY, LOU, VT |
Charley Wiles |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech was the first major program to offer Minton and still remains high on his list. I like
Virginia Tech�s chances here, as coach Wiles has done a great job. Minton�s head coach, Dale Anderson, has a
tremendous amount of respect for the Tech staff. |
|
Brian Whitmore, 6-4, 240, 4.7
Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA) |
|
Very High |
LSU, MIA, VT |
Bryan Stinespring |
|
Comments: Before the recruiting process began, Brian admitted that Virginia Tech was his clear leader. He now
wants to visit out of state powerhouses such as LSU and Miami. Whitmore is no longer a Tech lock, but he is good
friends with Greg Boone and the fact that Tech was his original leads me to believe that the Hokies remain the
team to beat. |
|
Donnell Sanders |
|
Very High |
ARK, VT |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Hope to get more info on Sanders soon. |
Linebackers
2005 Losses to Eligibility: James Anderson, Blake Warren
2006 Roster: Sr.
Chad Grimm; Jrs. � Xavier Adibi, Corey Gordon, Vince Hall, Stevie Ray Lloyd, Brett
Warren; Soph. � Andrew Bowman, Purnell Sturdivant; R/S Fr. Demetrius Taylor
|
Linebacker Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Nekos Brown |
|
6-3, 225, 4.68 |
Thomas Stone(Waldorf, MD) |
Tony Ball |
|
Notes: Nekos is a strong player. To give you an idea of how strong, he
made seven sacks at defensive tackle last season as a junior. He also has solid speed and is a good addition to
Tech�s linebacking crew. |
|
Linebacker Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Navorro Bowman
Suitland (MD) |
|
Very High |
PSU � 09/02, TN - , VT � 11/04 |
Tony Ball |
|
Comments: Bowman had a very good visit to Penn State and has set visits to Tennessee and Virginia Tech
as well. Bowman likes Tech�s defense and he likes the ACC a lot. Assuming he has a great experience on his
official visit, Virginia Tech could be one of if not the favorite for his signature. |
|
Jarrell Miller, 6-3, 235, 4.7
Highland Springs (VA) |
|
Very High |
UVA, VT, 10 others |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: Miller is more open than Macho Harris was last year. Tech has reason to be optimistic because
of the track record with Highland Springs HS as well as a great relationship between the coaches and Miller, but
don�t be surprised if Virginia is a big player as well. If I had to guess, I�d still say Tech is the team to
beat, but this one is far from over. Miller is looking seriously at Tennessee as well, so don�t count out the
Vols, either. |
|
Brandon Spikes, 6-4, 225, 4.7
Crest (Shelby, N.C.) |
|
Fair/High |
VT � 11/04, FL � 11/25 |
|
|
Comments: Even though Virginia Tech will get an official visit, I think Florida may be the team to beat
here. But a great official visit experience could give the Hokies a huge boost here, so we�ll see. |
|
Kelvin Sheppard, 6-2, 220, 4.6
Stephenson (Stone Mtn, GA) |
|
Fair |
LSU � 09/23, GA, MD, TN, VT |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Sheppard is another player we hope to have more on soon. |
|
Matt Wright, 6-3, 213, 4.6
Phoebus (Hampton, VA) |
|
Very High |
NCSU, VT |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech always does well at Phoebus. I think Wright will end up with the Hokies in the
end, although N.C. State is another school he seems high on as well. |
Defensive Backs
2005 Losses to Eligibility: CB Jimmy Williams, FS Justin Hamilton
2006 Roster: CB: Sr.
Chris Caesar; Jr. Roland Minor; Soph. � Brandon Flowers, Victor Harris,
Theodore Miller; R/S Fr. � Jahre Cheeseman. FS: Srs. - Brenden Hill, Robert Parker; Jr. D.J.
Parker; Soph: Kent Hicks; R/S Fr. Cam Martin. ROV: Srs. � Aaron Rouse, Cary Wade; R/S Fr. Dorian
Porch
|
Defensive Back Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Rashad Carmichael |
|
5-9, 175, 4.49 |
Gwynn Park(Brandywine, MD) |
Tony Ball |
|
Notes: Carmichael earned his VT offer with a stellar performance at Tech�s
senior camp. He ran a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash and posted a tremendous vertical leap. He didn�t start as a
junior, but showed off his talents by leading his team in interceptions. |
|
Defensive Back Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Greg Davis, 6-2, 189, 4.5
Blue Ridge (St. George, VA) |
|
High |
NEB � 10/30, MIA (no offer), UVA, VT |
Tony Ball |
|
Comments: I would look for Virginia Tech to land an official visit from Davis, but right now I�d give
the edge to UVa. Greg is not a UVa lock, but I do like UVa�s chances. |
|
Mario Edwards, 6-1, 180, 4.6
Westlake (Atlanta, GA) |
|
Very High |
Mississippi State, VT |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Comments: Tech is the favorite right now. Coach Ward has kept in consistent contact with Edwards since
September 1st, so it looks like the Hokies remain extremely interested as well. Edwards is thinking of a November
4th official visit to Blacksburg. |
Athletes
|
Athlete (ATH) Commitments |
|
Player |
Star Rank |
Ht, Wt, 40 |
School (Hometown) |
Recruiting coach |
|
Devin Radford |
|
5-8, 175, 4.4 |
E.E. Smith (Fayetteville, N.C.) |
|
|
Possible positions: CB, WR, RB
Notes: Radford likely will end up at cornerback, where he made five
interceptions last year as a junior. He has tremendous closing speed, often baiting quarterbacks into throwing his
direction before stepping in front for a pick. Very fast, Radford has been timed at 11 seconds flat in the 100
meters. |
|
Athlete (ATH) Targets |
|
Player(School) |
Star Rank |
VT Stock |
Official visits/Favorites |
Recruiting coach |
|
Lucas Caparelli, 5-11, 190, 4.5
Robinson (Fairfax, VA) |
|
High |
No favorites |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Possible positions: RB, CB, S
Comments:
Lucas has maintained that he is wide open. I would be surprised if VT doesn�t land an official,
though. I will also be surprised if Tech isn�t one of the finalists here. |
|
Zach Luckett, 6-3, 205, 4.5
Holy Spirit (Absecon, N.J.) |
|
Very High |
VT � 09/16 leads BC |
Kevin Rogers |
|
Possible positions: WR, DB, LB
Comments:
Virginia Tech has led for Luckett for quite some time and the official only firmed his stance.
Tech looks to be on the right track for a verbal from one of the best athlete�s on the East coast. |
|
Brent Vinson, 6-1, 185, 4.39
Phoebus (Hampton, VA) |
|
Very High |
VT, UVA |
Jim Cavanaugh |
|
Possible positions: WR, CB
Comments:
Again, Virginia Tech has a great track record in landing Phoebus players. Virginia Tech has had
the edge for quite some time, but Virginia is right there as well and will also get an official visit. I still
give Tech the edge right now, but Vinson is checking out the �Hoos as well. |
|
Sterling Blunt, 6-5, 255
Hemmingway (S.C.) |
|
Very High |
VT |
|
|
Possible Positions: OL, DL
Comments: Hope to get more info soon, but Blunt is another player that may miss out b/c of other more
highly rated prospects. |
|
Keith Payne, 6-3, 215, 4.6
Oakton (Vienna, VA) |
|
Very High |
Virginia Tech |
Lorenzo Ward |
|
Possible positions: RB, LB, DB
Comments: Payne has had an offer from VT for a while, but appears to be waiting for other programs to
offer. If Virginia offers, they would likely be the team to beat. |
|