Signing Day: February 6, 2008
Calendar: Recruiting is in a Quiet Period/Evaluation Period. Coaches may call each target once per week and official visits may take place. The Contact Period, which is when in-home visits may take place, begins on November 25th.
Virginia Tech commitments: 20
Breakdown by position:
RB (1): Tony Gregory, First Colonial (Virginia Beach, VA)
WR (2): D.J. Coles, Goochland (VA); Dyrell Roberts, Smithfield (VA)
WR/DB (1): Austin Fuller, Richlands (VA)
TE (1): Eric Martin, Hylton (Woodbridge, VA)
OL (1): Michael Via, Northeast Guilford (McLeansville, N.C.)
OL/DL (1): Bobby Massie, Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchburg, VA)
DE (2): Isaiah Hamlette, Brooke Point (Stafford, VA); Antoine Hopkins, Highland Springs (VA)
LB (4): Lyndell Gibson, Salem (Virginia Beach, VA); Jake Johnson, Stafford (Falmouth, VA); Allen Stephens, Halifax County (South Boston, VA); Bruce Taylor, Myrtle Beach (S.C.)
CB (3): Cameron Demps, Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee, GA); Eddie Whitley, Butler (Matthews, N.C.); Lorenzo Williams, Westover (Fayetteville, N.C.)
S (1): Jeron Gouveia, Stone Bridge (Ashburn, VA)
S/WR (1): Xavier Boyce, Landstown (Virginia Beach, VA)
DB (1): Peter Rose, Amherst (VA)
ATH (1): Derrick McCoy, Amherst (VA)
Spotlight: 2007 signee Quillie Odom...
It didn't take long for the TechSideline.com Recruiting Message Board to get excited about Hargrave head coach Robert Prunty's comments about Odom less than two weeks after the former Osbourn Park (Manassas, VA) star linebacker arrived at Hargrave.
"I would be very surprised if Odom doesn't start at Tech his first year," Prunty said in late August. "He is the best linebacker I've coached since [former UVa and current Cincinnati Bengals linebacker] Ahmad Brooks. He's that good. This kid plays at another level. Once he caught on, I saw that this is the best linebacker I've coached since Ahmad Brooks."
The starting middle linebacker for Coach Prunty, Odom hasn’t disappointed this season. The 6-2, 225-pound prospect has been a big playmaker for Hargrave. He has made an interception, forced a fumble that resulted in a Tigers touchdown, recovered a fumble and contributed to a safety.
"I think I'm playing great," Odom told TechSideline.com. "I feel like I'm on top of my game. I feel like I get better and better everyday. Hopefully, I'll be able to do this when I go to Virginia Tech."
Odom is at Hargrave because he fell short of qualifying on the SAT and ACT. He took the SAT recently and is awaiting the results, but he is confident that he has made the necessary score. Odom's plan is to leave Hargrave in December and enroll at Virginia Tech in January.
ACADEMICS...
Over the past few months, quite a few posters have asked questions about the new NCAA qualification standards with respect to Division 1 high school football recruits. Below is a list of the new requirements from NCAA.org...
Division I
2008 and Later
If you enroll in a Division I college on or after August 1, 2008, and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must:
• Graduate from high school;
• Complete these 16 core courses:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)
- 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school)
- 1 extra year of English, math or natural or physical science
- 2 years of social science
- 4 years of extra core courses (from any category above, or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)
• Earn a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses; and
• Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core course grade-point average and test score sliding scale (for example, a 2.400 core-course grade-point average needs an 860 SAT).
One Core Course after High School Graduation
Beginning in 2007 and thereafter, if you graduate from high school on schedule (in eight semesters) with your incoming ninth grade class, you may use one core course completed in the year after graduation (summer or academic year). You may complete the core course at a location other than the high school from which you graduated and may initially enroll full time at a collegiate institution at any time after completion of the core course.
Before the new rules were put in place, athletes only needed 14 core courses and athletes could essentially repeat their senior year at a prep school. With the new limitations, more emphasis will be put on players to at least come very close to qualifying in the four years of high school.
The new rules do not affect Virginia Tech's three recruits currently at Hargrave Military Academy. They apply directly to the 2008 class and beyond.
Needs/Targets overview
Since our last "Countdown," Virginia Tech has added three more commitments and all hail from the Commonwealth. Goochland WR D.J. Coles, Highland Springs DL Antoine Hopkins and LCA OL/DL Bobby Massie are the latest recruits to commit to the Hokies 2008 class. Hopkins is in solid shape in terms of qualifying, but Coles and Massie have work to do to make the grade. At this point, the Tech staff probably wouldn't be disappointed if Coles and Massie only have to go to prep school to make up the necessary ground. With the new rules, there is more of a chance prospects would have to go the junior college route.
Coles and Smithfield's Dyrell Roberts give Virginia Tech two dynamic wide receivers; important considering that wide receiver is a key need in this class. Coles and Roberts both combine size and speed and make big plays for their respective high schools. They are two excellent wide receiver prospects for Tyrod Taylor to throw to. Add Xavier Boyce, Derrick McCoy and Austin Fuller and you have a big, physical wide receiver group. Coles and Roberts represent the big-play guys, but the other three are solid wide receiver recruits that could well switch positions at Virginia Tech.
Because Boyce, Fuller and McCoy could all eventually switch positions, look for Virginia Tech to continue to recruit the wide receiver position.
Bobby Massie combines outstanding size - 6-6, 325 pounds - with tremendous agility. Offensive tackle is the likely destination for him, although he could end up at defensive tackle as well. Assuming he begins his Virginia Tech career on offense, he provides the Hokies with yet another big talent on the line. Massie and North Carolina prep star Michael Via are two very, very good offensive line recruits, but Virginia Tech is not done yet. Maury's Vinston Painter remains one of Tech's top overall targets and the Hokies are in good shape there. West Potomac's Jimmy Bennett and New Hanover (Wilmington, N.C.) star Nick Becton, who could well end up on defense if he chose Tech, are more talented prospects as well. If the right combination wanted to commit, Tech could take three more offensive linemen.
Antoine Hopkins is being recruited initially to play defensive end, but he is a versatile player that could move inside to tackle as well. In fact, Highland Springs head coach Scott Burton feels that defensive tackle could be Hopkins' best position in college. Regardless of where he lines up, Hopkins is a playmaker and a very solid get for the defensive line. But while Hopkins and Brooke Point's Isaiah Hamlette, a defensive end, are two very good commits, look for defensive line to be the main focus in terms of positions for the remainder of the class. Specifically, Tech needs more talent at the defensive end position.
Even though it is likely that several Virginia Tech commits may need prep school or more before landing in Blacksburg, there aren't too many spots remaining in this class. If prospects look certain to prep, Tech could land 7 or 8 more recruits in this class. Defensive end is the top remaining position of need, but adding another talented wide receiver or two would be ideal as well. With respect to everything else, look for the Tech staff to simply concentrate on its top overall targets on the board. There could be more targets not currently offered as well, so stay tuned to the coming months for more info there.
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Class of '09 coverage underway...
Just like last year, Virginia Tech's coaches are able to focus some of their attention on the next class as a result of the summer success. Virginia Tech is off and running in the 2009 class with a commitment from Stone Bridge (Ashburn, VA) OG/DT David Wang, who is the brother of current Hokies offensive tackle Ed Wang. Wang is a 6-2, 295-pound junior.
Great Bridge (Chesapeake, VA) WR Logan Heastie, Orange ATH Quintin Hunter, Western Branch QB/ATH Kevin Newsome and Varina DL DeAntre Rhodes are other star in-state juniors that have been offered by Virginia Tech. Also, according to a very good source, Tech recently offered 6-6, 220-pound Brookville (Lynchburg, VA) junior QB/ATH Logan Thomas as well.
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2008 TARGETS
(Sorted alphabetically and by position. These are players we have confirmed as having an offer from Virginia Tech.)
RB
Ryan Williams - 5-11, 205 pounds, Stonewall Jackson (Manassas, VA)
Contenders: Maryland, N.C. State, Notre Dame (OV - 09/22/07), Pitt, Virginia Tech, others
TSL’s take: I continue to hear that Virginia Tech likes its positioning with the talented running back. I'm also hearing that he could narrow his list of schools down very soon, so stay tuned.
Kevin Whaley - 5-11, 170 pounds, Salem (Virginia Beach, VA)
Contenders: Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: An excellent running back, Whaley still has question marks surrounding him in terms of academics. It is not clear at this point exactly where he stands on Virginia Tech's radar. If everything works out off the field, then he would be an outstanding get.
WR
Ben Barber - 5-10, 190 pounds, Edison (Alexandria, VA)
Contenders: Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: At last check, Virginia Tech was the only school to extend an official offer to Barber. We hope to catch up with him for more this week, so stay tuned.
Marcus Davis - 6-5, 215 pounds, Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, VA)
Contenders: Florida (no offer), North Carolina, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: If Florida offers, it will be tough to beat. Davis loved his unofficial visit there in September and hopes for an offer. He is also expressing serious interest in Penn State and Tennessee, but I have to believe that, in the end, Virginia Tech is in good shape if the Gators do not offer.
Malcolm Johnson - 6-0, 165 pounds, Bartow (FL)
Contenders: Arkansas, Central Florida, Kansas, Rutgers, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: Reports have Rutgers as the current favorite, but Virginia Tech remains very much under consideration.
Deion Walker - 6-3, 180 pounds, Christchurch (VA)
Contenders: Boston College, Florida, Florida State (OV - 10/06/07), Notre Dame (OV - 11/03/07), Penn State (OV - 09/08/07), Southern Cal (OV), Virginia, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: Until Virginia Tech actually gets Walker on campus for a visit, it is tough to call Tech a serious threat. Walker says he will attend either the Florida State or Miami game, though, so we'll see. His schedule tends to be very fluid, so anything can happen. Until the visit happens, Tech remains a longshot.
OL
Jimmy Bennett - 6-9, 290 pounds, West Potomac (Alexandria, VA)
Contenders: Boston College, Connecticut, Maryland, Penn State, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: Bennett is down to the above five schools. The only finalist he has yet to visit is Virginia Tech and he hopes to make it for a game this fall. If not, he says he will visit after the season is over. If he makes the trip, then certainly Virginia Tech has a chance.
Vinston Painter - 6-6, 315 pounds, Maury (Norfolk, VA)
Contenders: Virginia Tech (OV - 09/29/07) leads Miami (OV - 11/10/07), Florida, Georgia, Penn State
TSL’s take: Painter enjoyed his official visit to Virginia Tech last month. The experience moved Virginia Tech back to the front and I continue to think that Tech will likely ultimately end up with him.
DT
Dwight Tucker - 6-2, 275 pounds, Oviedo (FL)
Contenders: Tennessee, Virginia Tech (OV - 12/08/07) lead Air Force, Army, Duke, Mississippi State
TSL’s take: Tucker is very high on Virginia Tech and has scheduled an official visit for the weekend of December 8th. Tennessee is also a serious contender here. The "Big 3" Florida schools have not shown much interest to this point, but do not discount those programs if they do come into the mix.
DE
Quinton Coples - 6-6, 240 pounds, Hargrave Military Academy (Kinston, N.C.))
Contenders: Clemson, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, others
TSL’s take: Virginia Tech's coaches are trying to get Coples to make an unofficial visit next month. The first step is getting him to Blacksburg for the trip.
Everett Dawkins - 6-3, 245 pounds, Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.)
Contenders: Florida State leads Illinois, Michigan State, N.C. State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
TSL’s take: Reports have Florida State as the favorite right now, but Dawkins wants to make all five official visits if possible. The 'Noles could be tough to beat, though.
Mike Gee - 6-1, 248 pounds, Nassau Community College (Long Island, N.Y.)
Contenders: Virginia Tech (offer?)
TSL’s take: Tech assistant coach Charley Wiles continues to stay in contact with Gee, calling him once every week. It seems Virginia Tech would like to bring him back into the fold...at the very least, the staff is trying to get Gee to make an unofficial visit next month and an official in December. Gee still wants to be a Hokie as well.
Leon Mackey - 6-5, 275 pounds, Hargrave Military Academy (Newark, DE)
Contenders: Florida (offer?), N.C. State, Pitt, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, others
TSL’s take: See Quinton Coples. The first step with Mackey is getting him to make a visit to Blacksburg. After that, we'll see if he is showing heavy interest in the Hokies.
Devin Taylor - 6-6, 215 pounds, Beaufort (S.C.)
Contenders: Duke, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
TSL’s take: Taylor plans to make an official visit to Tech this fall. The exact date is unknown at this time, but if Tech can get him in town then it should have a good shot. South Carolina seems to be very high on his list as well.
ATHLETES/JUMBO ATHLETES
A.J. Alexander - 5-10, 165 pounds, Altoona (PA)
Possible positions: RB, WR, KR, PR
Contenders: Clemson (11/17/07), Florida, Florida State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee (OV - 10/27/07), Virginia Tech, West Virginia
TSL’s take: At this point, Virginia Tech is just vying for an official visit spot. Tech looks like a bit of a longshot right now, but things could change with an official visit.
Nick Becton - 6-6, 290 pounds, New Hanover (Wilmington, N.C.)
Possible positions: OT, DT
Contenders: Alabama, East Carolina, Maryland, N.C. State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: Becton continues to be quiet in terms of naming an actual favorite, but he has made unofficial visits to South Carolina and N.C. State. He told TSL that he would like to make an unofficial to Virginia Tech for a game as well.
T.J. Lawrence - 6-1, 190 pounds, Kathleen Senior (Lakeland, FL)
Possible positions: CB, S, WR, KR, PR
Contenders: Florida leads Boise State, Iowa, South Carolina, Virginia Tech
TSL’s take: Lawrence made an unofficial visit to Florida this fall and, by all reports, loved the trip. The Gators seem to be the team to beat right now.