2005 VT Recruiting War Room #8
by Chris Horne, 12/17/04
Editor's
Note: The next recruiting war room will run in mid-January.
A
big weekend starts today for Virginia Tech, which hosts 5-star defensive end
Melvin Alaeze and Washington Post first-team all-Metro selection offensive line
prospect Jon Walko and 3-star in-state linebacker Darryl Gresham.
5-star cornerback/running back Victor “Macho” Harris was scheduled to
take an official visit but will reschedule his visit for January (according to
Highland Springs head coach Scott Burton) because of an accident at his home
earlier this week. Macho suffered 3rd
degree burns on his arms and minor burns on his face in putting out a kitchen
fire (see today's Richmond-Times
Dispatch article for details). Harris is expected to make a
full recovery.
If
Harris does go to Blacksburg, he could join Walko as recruits that could make
their collegiate decision next week. Alaeze
will wait until the Army All-American Bowl to announce his decision while
Gresham, who remains a “soft commit” to UVa, will announce his decision a
week or two before Signing Day.
Recent Developments
Virginia Tech has enjoyed an excellent three or four weeks, adding top recruits including Jahre Cheeseman, Sergio
Render and Ike Whitaker during that span. Whitaker, who is now rated a 4-star prospect, is the dual-threat quarterback
the Hokies coveted. Render is a very good defensive tackle prospect while Cheeseman, who has run a 6.68 in the 55 meters
in track, brings speed and versatility to the team.
Players that Tech was recruiting that have decided to go elsewhere include… QB Cameron Sexton (UNC), CB Jordan
Hemby (will decide b/t UNC and NCSU), DE Braxton Kelley (Kentucky. No official offer from VT) and Willie Harriott (PSU.
No official offer from VT.)
Remaining month and a half
Tech now has 14 verbal commitments for the 2005 recruiting class, not counting 2004 holdovers Brandon Holland and Sam
Wheeler. Both Holland and Wheeler are currently prepping at Hargrave Military Academy and both will likely have to stay
there for one full year, through May 2005. I would look for Virginia Tech to take 5-7 more recruits in this year’s class, with adding another
defensive end and another offensive lineman being the top priorities. Otherwise, they are waiting for the top prospects
on their board. Right now, Virginia Tech is right at the top for a lot of their remaining prospects and is in position
for an outstanding 2005 recruiting class.
The top remaining offensive targets – with written offers – look like this…
· QB’s: Antonio Bass, Greg Boone
· RB’s: Toney Baker, James Davis
· WR’s: Geron James, Lavar Lobdell, J.C. Neal, Todd Nolen (Note: Derrick
McPhearson has been offered by Virginia Tech once again. I’m trying to reach him to confirm that he will be taking an
official to VT or to see if he has truly solidified his commitment to Florida. Brandon Woods, a UVa commit, could also
be talking to VT. I hope to clarify both of these situations shortly.)
· TE’s: Jonathan Hannah
· OL: Curtis Crouch, Garrett Reynolds, Jon Walko
· DE’s: Melvin Alaeze, Everette Brown, Hivera Green, Barry Turner, Dakota
Walker
· DT’s: Luqman Abdallah, Jeffrey Owens
· LB’s: Darryl Gresham, Jerome Hayes, Derek Nicholson
· CB’s: Jamie Robinson, Stephan Virgil
· S’s/Rovers:
· Ath’s/JAth’s: Montario Hardesty, 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.
|
QUARTERBACKS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
Bryan Randall |
Jr. Marcus Vick
Soph. Sean Glennon
RS Fr. or Soph. Cory Holt |
Ike
Whitaker |
|
Comments: The additions of Sean Glennon and Cory Holt give Virginia Tech
two very good traditional pocket passers in the system. Recruiting-wise, the uncertainty surrounding Marcus Vick
made landing at least one top QB a major necessity. They did that when Ike Whitaker chose the Hokies last month.
Tech is in position to land another quarterback prospect in either Bass or Boone, although Boone is being looked
at as a QB/Ath while Tech is eyeing Bass strictly as a QB at this point. |
|
Targets:
Antonio
Bass,
Greg
Boone |
QB Commitments – 1
Ike
Whitaker, 6-4, 200, 4.5, Northwest (Germantown, MD)
The Skinny: Whitaker is a tough, hard-working prospect with a lot of potential. He shows tremendous arm strength
with awesome athleticism. In addition to his athleticism, he has excellent size. Whitaker was bumped to a 4-star
prospect following a fantastic senior season, when he earned Washington Post Offensive Player of the Year honors in
leading his team to a state championship. Whitaker completed 157 of 262 passes for a school-record 2,586 yards, 28
touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2004. He also rushed for 432 yards and 10 touchdowns.
QB Targets
Antonio
Bass, 6-1, 194, 4.4, Jackson (MI)
Contenders: LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Vrginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 09/04/04, LSU – 11/12/04, Michigan – 12/03/04, Michigan State – 12/10/04
Leaders: Michigan, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. 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. Michigan State could also be a team to watch, but I feel Michigan is the favorite to
land him right now. Tech is still in the picture though.
Greg
Boone, 6-4, 250, 4.65, Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA)
Finalists: Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 12/10/04, Maryland – 12/17/04, West Virginia – 01/14/05, UNC – 01/21/05
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. This decision will likely come down to VT, MD and UNC. It’s a close call right now, but I’d
give Tech the slight edge at this point. Pitt is out after Walt Harris took the Head Coach position at Stanford. Right
now, Boone says he wants to take all 4 official visits before announcing a decision.
|
TAILBACKS |
|
2005 Losses to Eligibility |
2005 Roster |
2005 Commitments |
|
None |
Sr. Justin Hamilton
Sr. Cedric Humes
Sr. Mike Imoh
Sr. John Candelas
RS Fr. or Soph. George Bell
RS Fr. or Soph. Branden Ore |
Elan
Lewis |
|
Comments: Virginia Tech landed two excellent running back prospects in
George Bell and Branden Ore last year (Ore signed in February 2004 while Bell enrolled early.) Tech loses no one
to graduation after this year, but Humes and Imoh will run out of eligibility following the 2005 season. Adding at
least one running back was a need in this years class was big, and Tech hit it out of the park in landing Elan
Lewis. Lewis is one of the top tailbacks in the country. Tech would save a spot for one of Baker or Davis and are
in excellent shape with Davis at this point. If they land James, then it’s safe to say that VT would have landed
one of the top RB crops in the country this year. |
|
Targets:
Toney
Baker,
James
Davis |
RB Commitments – 1
Elan
Lewis, 5-8, 220, 4.5, Phoebus (Hampton, VA)
The Skinny: 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)
Finalists: North Carolina, N.C. State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: N.C. State – 12/03/04
Leaders: None named, but many feel that N.C. State has taken the lead over UVa.
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Baker indicated that he may take in a Tech bowl practice before making a decision. The Hokies
haven’t been eliminated, although N.C. State and UVa appear to be a solid top 2 with many feeling N.C. State in the
lead.
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, Alabama – 01/07/05, Clemson – 01/14/05
Leaders: Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Davis had a great official visit to Virginia Tech and almost announced for them last week before
deciding to make more visits. He has visits set to Alabama and Clemson, but right now I’d still consider Tech to be
the leader.
|
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.
After an outstanding senior season, Jefferson earned Super 44 Defensive Player of the Year honors and first-team
all-metro honors at linebacker by the Washington Post. He finished the 2004 season with 128 tackles and 9 sacks on
defense and was an outstanding blocker at fullback on offense.
Jefferson chose Virginia Tech over offers from Penn State and Syracuse. He will easily qualify.
FB Targets - Finished
WR Commitments – 0
WR Top Targets
Geron
James, 6-4, 178, 4.41, Ashley (Wilmington, NC)
Finalists: North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: N.C. State – 12/10/04, UNC – 12/17/04, VT – 01/28/05
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Geron doesn’t name a leader among his top 3. Tech has to hope he doesn’t decide between the
in-state schools after this weekend’s scheduled visit to UNC.
Lavar
Lobdell, 6-3, 195, 4.5, Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse, NY)
Contenders: Miami, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, Southern California, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Official Visits: West Virginia – 12/10/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair. Lobdell is another prospect I hope to reach soon. Tech is reportedly being considered for an
official visit, but I’m not sure of Tech’s standing right now.
J.C.
Neal, 6-1, 180, 4.39, Lakewood (Sumter, SC)
Contenders: Clemson, Maryland, N.C. State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 11/26/04, Maryland – 12/03/04, South Carolina – 01/07/05, N.C. State –
01/14/05, Clemson – 01/21/05
Leaders: N.C. State
Tech’s Stock: High/Fair. I put fair because J.C. named N.C. State as his leader even after visiting Virginia Tech. We’ll
see if VT can make up some ground in the final month and a half.
Todd
Nolen, 6-3, 175, 4.5, Hampton (VA)
Finalists: North Carolina, Penn State, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Penn State – 01/14/05, UNC – 01/21/05, Virginia Tech – 01/28/05
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Nolen was very close to selecting a school but felt like he needed to make official visits before
making a final decision. If he had decided, the school would have likely been UVa. UVa is still in good shape but Nolen
wants to visit his other 3 favorites to explore all options. Right now, all schools appear even.
|
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, Georgia, North Carolina, N.C. State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Clemson – 09/04/04, Virginia Tech – 10/01/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Hannah enjoyed his official visit to Blacksburg. He will likely make all 5 official visits before
announcing his decision. Hannah named VT as his leader earlier this summer, but has changed his favorites on several
occasions since. He is even among all of the contenders right now.
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 4-year starter, North earned all-Commonwealth District and all-Northwestern Region honors for his senior year.
He was also named to the Washington Post all-metro first team.
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. Ed earned 2004 Gatorade
Player of the Year honors for his senior year performance.
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, N.C. State, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Oklahoma – 11/12/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High/Fair. Tech is listed in the top 4 and Crouch says he wants to take a visit there. N.C. State and
Oklahoma may be tough to beat, but it appears that Tech will get their shot.
Garrett
Reynolds, 6-7, 250, Carter (Knoxville,TN)
Finalists: Nebraska, North Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 11/26/04, UNC – 12/03/04, Nebraska – 01/14/05
Leaders: None named.
Tech’s Stock: High. Reynolds was impressed with the VT coaches during his camp experience this summer. He seemed to
enjoy his official visit to Virginia Tech and will likely decide between Virginia Tech and UNC.
Jon
Walko, 6-6, 295, Seneca Valley (Germantown, MD)
Finalists: West Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: West Virginia – 12/10/04, Virginia Tech – 12/17/04
Leaders: Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Tech’s Stock: High. Walko will make his decision between West Virginia and Virginia Tech following this weekend’s
official visit to Blacksburg. He says it’s a "50/50 draw" right now between the two schools. There is no
timetable on a decision, but it will likely be around Christmas time.
DE Commitments – 2
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.
William
Wall 6-3, 258, 4.6 H.D. 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. At Hargrave, Wall has really come on and impressed many
onlookers with his determination, fire and athleticism. He’s turning into a terrific prospect.
DE Top Targets
Melvin
Alaeze, 6-2, 270, 4.7, Randallstown (Randallstown, MD)
Finalists: Maryland, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Maryland – 12/10/04, Virginia Tech – 12/17/04
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. Alaeze will announce his decision during the January 15th All-American Bowl. His
decision is down to Maryland and Virginia Tech. Maryland was thought to be the favorite about a month ago, but Virginia
Tech is right there and this will be close.
Everette
Brown, 6-3, 230, 4.6, Beddingfield (Wilson, NC)
Finalists: Florida State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, possibly Georgia
Official Visits: Florida State – 12/03/04, North Carolina – 01/14/05, Virginia Tech – 01/21/05
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: High. It looks like Brown will decide among FSU, N.C. State, UNC and VT. UNC and VT may have the edge
due to distance from home, which appears to have become a factor. Brown likes Tech’s program, opportunity for playing
time and their Business program, but this promises to be another close race that Tech is right in the mix for.
Barry
Turner, 6-3, 230, 4.6, Brentwood Academy (Nashville, TN)
Contenders: Auburn, Florida, Miami (Fl), Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech.
Official Visits: Nebraska – 10/15/04, 01/14/05
Leaders: None
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. It’s tough to determine if Turner has any favorites, although he has visited Nebraska and
set an official to Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is in the mix for an official visit. Not exactly sure of where the
Hokies stand on his list right now though.
Dakota
Walker, 6-3, 225, 4.55, Oakcrest (Mays Landing, NJ)
Finalists: North Carolina, Purdue, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Purdue – 10/22/04, North Carolina – 12/03/04, Tennessee – 12/10/04, South Carolina – 01/14/05
Virginia Tech – 01/21/05
Leaders: None.
Tech’s Stock: High. Walker recently re-opened his recruiting process after originally committing to Rutgers. He has
taken 3 official visits and has a visit scheduled South Carolina and with Virginia Tech on January 21st.
Tough to tell which schools he’s eyeing the most right now.
Hivera
Green, 6-5, 255, 4.8, Conway (Conway, SC)
Contenders: Clemson, Ohio State (no offer), Oklahoma (no offer), South Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: South Carolina – 01/07/05, Clemson – 01/14/05, Virginia Tech (no date set)
Leaders: Clemson, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Virginia Tech is still hanging in there atop his list, however Clemson has now joined the Hokies
up there. South Carolina is interesting because Green seems very intrigued about Spurrier being the Head Coach. Official
visits will be huge here.
|
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 |
Sergio
Render
|
|
Needs: With Carl Howard exiting the program, Tech could use 1 or 2
defensive tackles in this year’s class. Landing Render was a nice addition to the program. Tech is heavily
recruiting Abdallah and would take him if he wanted to come. Adding Abdallah to go along with Render would make
this an excellent defensive tackle haul. Tech is recruiting and has landed an official visit from top prospect
Jeff Owens, however appear to be below Georgia, FSU and Miami right now. |
|
Targets:
Luqman
Abdallah, Jeffrey
Owens |
DT Commitments - 1
Sergio
Render, 6-4, 290, Newnan (GA)
The Skinny: Render chose Virginia Tech a month after an excellent official visit experience. He wants to play
defense, and Virginia Tech will give him a shot to play defense on the next level.
DT Targets
Luqman
Abdallah, 6-4, 303, 5.0, The Hun School (Princeton, N.J.)
Finalists: Miami, Michigan State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Official Visits: Rutgers – 12/03/04, Michigan State – 12/10/04, Miami – 12/17/04, Wake Forest – 01/07/05,
Virginia Tech – 01/21/05
Leaders: None
VT Stock: High. Tech has made the final list here. Abdallah lived in Virginia for 4 years, which may give Tech a
boost. He wants to make all 5 visits before announcing a decision.
Jeffrey
Owens, 6-3, 265, 4.7, Plantation (FL)
Finalists: Georgia, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Georgia – 11/26/04, Virginia Tech – 12/10/04, Oklahoma – 12/17/04, Miami – 01/21/05, Florida
State – 01/28/05
Leaders: Georgia
VT Stock: Fair. Owens made an official visit to VT last weekend, but it appears that the Hokies are still behind
Georgia and possibly the two Florida schools in the race for his services.
|
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,
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."
As a senior, the state’s top linebacker and all-state performer had 105 tackles, 21 tackles-for-loss, 8 sacks
and 6 forced fumbles heading into the state semifinals. He has earned Beach District Defensive Player of the Year
the past two years. He was named to the all-Tidewater first-team at linebacker each of the last two years.
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.
In his senior season, Taylor averaged 10 tackles per game, forced 5 fumbles and had one interception. He earned
first-team all-Beach district honors as a running back and linebacker and first-team all-Tidewater honors as a
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, Rutgers – 12/03/04, 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, if Hayes decides to take one.
Derek
Nicholson, 6-2, 228, 4.55, Mount Tabor (Winston-Salem, NC)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami (Fl), North Carolina, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia Tech – 11/26/04, North Carolina – 12/03/04, Florida State – 01/28/05
Leaders: Florida State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech may be the primary contenders
Tech’s Stock: High/Fair. Tech landed an official visit and it went well. But UNC and Florida State will be tough to
beat. Many still believe that Florida State is in the driver’s seat, but Virginia Tech will be one of the finalists.
Darryl
Gresham, 6-3, 230, 4.68, William Fleming (Roanoke, VA)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Virginia – 12/10/04, Virginia Tech – 12/17/04, Florida – 01/14/05, Tennessee – 01/21/05
Leaders: Virginia (soft commit)
Tech’s Stock: Fair/High. Gresham still considers himself a Virginia commitment, but he is considering Tech, Florida
and Tennessee as well right now. He is very likely to make at least 4 visits before announcing a final decision.
|
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. Jahre Cheeseman could easily end up at cornerback as well and Tech is still targeting Robinson and Virgil. |
|
Targets: Jamie
Robinson,
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 had thought about taking a visit to Tennessee earlier this year, but re-affirmed his commitment to
Virginia Tech last week. He appears very excited to be a Hokie, and will take an official visit to Blacksburg on the
weekend of November 26th.
CB Top Targets
Jamie
Robinson, 6-1, 185, 4.5, Rock Hill (Northwestern, SC)
Contenders: Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Florida State – 01/07/05
Leaders: Florida State
Tech’s Stock: High/Fair. Tech is high on Robinson’s list, but not as high as childhood favorite Florida State.
Tech has some work to do to overcome the Seminoles.
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, North Carolina – 12/10/04
Leaders: North Carolina, Virginia Tech
Tech’s Stock: High. Virgil had a good visit to Tech, but did take a visit to UNC as well. Could be tough to land him
from North Carolina, but certainly not out of the question.
|
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: |
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
Ath/JAth Commitments – 1
Jahre
Cheeseman, 5-9, 175, 4.37, Eastern (Voorhees, N.J.)
The Skinny: Jahre chose Virginia Tech after taking official visits to Tech and Penn State.
Very fast, Cheeseman excels in the 55 meter dash in track and has been timed at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. He is
being recruited as an "athlete’ by Virginia Tech, so he could end up at RB, CB or maybe WR.
Ath/JAth Targets
Victor
Harris, 6-0, 180, 4.46, Highland Springs (Highland Springs, VA)
Possible Positions: CB, RB
Contenders: Michigan, Southern California, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Southern Cal – 10/15/04, Michigan – 10/29/04, Virginia – 12/03/04, Virginia Tech – 12/17/04
Leaders: None named.
Tech’s
Stock: High.
Tech will be Macho’s final official visit, when he takes it in
January. As of right now, he’s still scheduled to announce his decision next
Tuesday with Tom Lemming on ESPN.com. He
had a great visit to Michigan and a great visit to UVa, but I’ll stick
with my feeling that he’ll choose VT in the end.
Montario
Hardesty, 6-1, 197, 4.39, New Bern (NC)
Possible Positions: RB, DB, WR
Contenders: Clemson, North Carolina N.C. State, Nebraska, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Official Visits: Nebraska – 10/01/04, Virginia Tech – 11/26/04, North Carolina – 12/03/04
Leaders: Tennessee, UNC
Tech’s Stock: High/Fair: Hardesty likes Tech, but Tennessee and UNC are the favorites right now. Hardesty may decide
soon or he may decide to take an official visit to Tennessee before committing anywhere. Tennessee may be the favorite
here.
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