Bethel (Hampton, VA) senior defensive tackle Ricky Walker , who was one of the Commonwealth's most highly rated uncommitted recruits heading into this weekend, is now off the board after verbally committing to Virginia Tech early Sunday afternoon.
"I am officially committed to VIRGINIA TECH ! #Hokies," Walker wrote on Twitter. Prior to the commitment tweet, the 6'2", 270-pound prospect wrote: "I want take this time to appreciate all of the coaches that took their time recruiting me. This was truly a blessing! Humble experience."
Walker is the 19th high school senior to pledge to Tech, which has enjoyed success in recruiting Bethel defensive linemen -- specifically DEs Chris Ellis and James Gayle -- in the past. Rated a 4-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN, the standout defensive tackle chose Virginia Tech over offers from Nebraska, North Carolina, Penn State, and Pittsburgh, among others. He made an official visit to Nebraska prior to taking an official to Tech this weekend.
Walker, who racked up 70 tackles with 11 sacks his junior season, is Virginia Tech's first defensive tackle commitment in the class of 2014. With former defensive tackle recruits Alston Smith and Wyatt Teller moving to offense, the interior defensive line became a major need of the Hokies' in this class.
Tech now sets its sights on another Tidewater star defensive tackle in Ocean Lakes (Va. Beach, VA) product Derrick Nnadi . Nnadi is also considering Florida State, Ohio State and Penn State, but Tech is thought to be in good shape at this point.
Stay tuned to TSL for more from Walker.