Halifax County High School (Halifax, VA) running back Alonzo Coleman, one of the more underrated talents in the state of Virginia, is starting to pique the interest of the Virginia Tech coaching staff. In fact, he recently set up an official visit to Blacksburg following a conversation with Virginia Tech coach Kevin Rogers.

"Virginia Tech called recently," said Coleman. "I spoke to Kevin Rogers. They were telling me about the official visit that we set up for January 24^th. They haven�t offered yet, but I�m pretty sure they will."

Other schools recruiting Coleman include UNC, Vanderbilt, Marshall, Elon, Hampton, and Morgan State. Elon, Hampton, and Morgan State have already extended scholarship offers, while Vanderbilt will likely offer Coleman on his official visit.

Before his visit to Virginia Tech, Coleman will visit Elon during the weekend of January 3^rd and will visit Vanderbilt some time in mid-January. Both sides are working out the details on the official trip.

Coleman likes the Hokies quite a bit and appears excited about the recent contact from Coach Rogers.

"I like the program," said Coleman. "Basically, I like everything about Virginia Tech. Coach Rogers seems like a great guy from the way he talks. On the 24^th, they are going to show me what they have to offer."

Coleman doesn�t have a leader at the moment, as he wants to see what happens with the Virginia Tech visit. What he does know is the criteria he is looking for in his school of choice.

"First thing is the graduation rate," said Coleman, who is already qualified and hopes to maybe pursue a degree in Business Management. "Then I want to see what running backs they have in the program, and which ones they are bringing in. That�s pretty much it."

Following a terrific season for Halifax in which he set a single season rushing mark for Halifax High School by running for 1,518 yards, Coleman earned Co-Player of the Year honors in the Western Valley District, sharing the award with Virginia Tech commitment Kenny Lewis. He broke the rushing mark despite missing three games due to injury.

In addition, Coleman holds the Halifax High School career-rushing record with over 3,300 yards rushing.

At 5-11, 185 pounds, Coleman is a versatile back who possesses good receiving skills to go along with his talent and speed (4.5 40) to run the football. According to Halifax Head Coach James Hodges, Coleman has the total package as a running back and the versatility to play defensive back.

"Over the years, he has really developed into a complete running back, who can not only use his speed and quickness to go around you, but who can lower his shoulder and get the tough yards also," said Hodges. "He could be a Tiki Barber type of player or he could put on pounds and be a tougher runner easy. On the college level, he could also turn into a terrific defensive back."

Coleman also earned second-team All-Northwest Region honors following his senior season. With the loss of Tyrone Moss to Miami, Coleman could be a viable option at the running back position.

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