The weather did not cooperate with Virginia Tech’s recruiting plans this weekend, and as a result, all official visits have been cancelled. This leaves the Tech coaches in a less than desirable situation because National Signing Day is Wednesday, February 3, and next week is the last week recruits can make official visits before Signing Day arrives.

In addition to a handful of committed prospects, class of 2016 targets JaQuan Bailey (DE), Marlon Character (ATH), Nygel King (DB), Tyrrell Pigrome (ATH), Dylan Powell (OL), Malcolm Pridgeon (JUCO OL), Dominique Ross (LB, UNC commit) and Rick Wells (WR, Florida commit) were expected in Blacksburg this weekend. The objective is now to reschedule with as many of these prospects as possible. The weather certainly didn't help, but a strong close to 2016 can still be achieved if these trips can be rescheduled.

Eight recruits enroll in this Spring Semester, leaving 10 left to sign on National Signing Day. The early enrollees include QB Jerod Evans, QB Joshua Jackson, WR Divine Deablo, WR Sam Denmark, WR Eric Kumah, OL Demetri Moore, DE Jimmie Taylor IV and CB Khalil Ladler. The remaining commitments include WR Phillip Patterson, OL Thomas Jarrett Hopple, OL T.J. Jackson, OL Patrick Kearns, DL Clay Dean, LB Tavante Beckett, LB Emmanuel Belmar Jr., DB/RB Reggie Floyd, ATH JoVonn Quillen Jr. and P Marshall Long.

Aside from Tavante Beckett, all of Tech’s remaining commits appear solid. Beckett has not de-committed but is seriously considering Maryland after taking an official visit there last weekend. Beckett's teammate and classmate, linebacker Jaquan Yulee, announced today that he will attend Marshall. Yulee was a remaining target of Virginia Tech's.

Below is a rundown of Virginia Tech’s top remaining targets in the class of 2016. From a position standpoint, linebacker and defensive back appear to be the top priorities as the Hokies look to close out 2016 on a strong note. Tech is in the running for quality prospects at wide receiver, tight end, offensive line and defensive end as well.

TOP TARGETS

- JaQuan Bailey, DE, Florida

Bailey took an official visit to Tennessee last weekend. The trip went well, but I expect he will visit Virginia Tech before making his commitment.

- Marlon Character, ATH, Georgia

Character committed to South Carolina originally before flipping to Auburn. The consensus is that he will sign with one of those two schools on National Signing Day. Virginia Tech was scheduled to get a look this weekend. It wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't reschedule with the Hokies, but we'll see.

- Landon Dickerson, OL, North Carolina

At this point, it appears to be Florida State or the SEC for the Under Armour All-American. I’m keeping Dickerson on this list because of his family ties to Tech, but I don’t expect him to end up in Blacksburg.

- Coney Durr, CB, Louisiana

Durr is a Minnesota commitment who took an official visit to North Carolina last weekend. He wants to visit Virginia Tech as well before making his final decision. Tech offered earlier this week.

- Jovani Haskins, TE, New Jersey

Haskins will go to Miami this weekend for what is expected to be his final official visit. Virginia Tech and West Virginia round out his top three schools, and he is expected to announce his choice on National Signing Day.

- Solomon Kindley, OL, Florida

Kindley reportedly (per Rivals) will visit Georgia this weekend.

- Nygel King, CB, Texas

Utah seems to be in strong shape with King right now, but if Virginia Tech can get a visit then anything can happen.

- Tyrrell Pigrome, ATH, Alabama

Maryland has recently joined the race for Pigrome, who visited Tulane last weekend and is also considering Rutgers and Virginia Tech. I expect him to reschedule his visit to VT and still think Tech has a good shot; however, it appears those other schools are making strong pushes as well.

- Chase Pine, LB, Virginia, Pittsburgh commit

Pine took an official visit to Pitt last weekend and announced soon after that he was 100-percent committed. However, Virginia Tech coaches Fuente and Foster were reportedly at Lafayette High School yesterday to talk to him. Tech is not giving up, but will they be able to flip the talented prospect? My guess is no, but I think Pitt fans will be anxiously awaiting his signed LOI.

- Dylan Powell, OL, Missouri

Powell reportedly has narrowed his list of schools to three: Iowa State, Stanford (Powell was offered by the Cardinal this week), and Virginia Tech. Powell has taken an official visit to Iowa State and probably will visit Stanford and Virginia Tech before National Signing Day.

- Malcolm Pridgeon, OL, New York (Nassau CC)

Virginia Tech stopped by Nassau to recruit Pridgeon earlier this week. Baylor, Florida, Ohio State, Rutgers and West Virginia were there as well for the 6’8” lineman.

- Dominique Ross, LB, Florida (UNC commit)

Ross took an official to UNC last weekend and was scheduled to visit Virginia Tech this weekend.

- Keith Simms, LB, Maryland

It’s evident that Simms is one of Virginia Tech’s top priorities remaining in the class of 2016. Maryland, North Carolina, Ole Miss and Oregon round out Simms’ top five, but judging by his Twitter account I’d say UNC, Ole Miss and Virginia Tech are the frontrunners.

RECRUITING CALENDAR

National Signing Day For The Class Of 2016: Wednesday, February 3

Recruiting Calendar Through May

- A Contact Period resumed January 14 and runs until January 30. During this time, FBS coaches can visit schools and make in-home visits with class of 2016 recruits. Class of 2016 recruits can make official visits.

- A Quiet Period is January 31.

- A Dead Period is February 1 – February 4.

- A Quiet Period begins February 5 and runs through April 14.

- The Spring Evaluation Period takes place from April 15 through May 31.

PICTURES FROM THE ROAD

Justin Fuente was in Richmond last night for the All-Metro Banquet. Here is video with comments from Fuente...

Commit JoVonn Quillen Jr. met with Coach Fuente and Coach Foster...

Target Keith Simms tweeted about his visit from Coach Foster...