Back
in 2005, the most highly-touted recruit on Virginia Tech's board was Melvin
Alaeze, a defensive end from Randallstown High School in Maryland. The Hokies
had a legit chance to sign the blue-chip prospect, but he eventually signed a
letter of intent to play for the Maryland Terrapins, instead. But unlike most
prospects, the Melvin Alaeze story was just beginning.
When I say that Alaeze was the highest-rated target on Tech's board, that's
not a stretch. He was rated the #4 recruit in the country and the #1 defensive
end by Rivals.com. The highest-rated recruit to actually sign with the Hokies
that year was Macho Harris, the #28 player in the country and the lowest-rated
of all the 5-star recruits.