July of 2006 set the world of Virginia Tech football recruiting on its ear.
From July 5th, 2006 to August 1st, 2006 -- a span of 28 days inclusive -- the
Hokies received an astounding 19 verbal commitments. By the time the hysteria
was over, the way Virginia Tech recruited football players had changed, and it
continues to change to this day.
By July of 2006, the Virginia Tech football coaching staff was already in the
process of changing the way it was recruiting football players. Prior to the
1990s, recruiting didn't start in earnest until the season was over. January was
the intense recruiting month, as coaches hit the road to see players and hosted
them for official on-campus visits. January was the big push towards signing day
on the first Wednesday in February.