Michael Hazel. Try a week on us. 6-2 / READ MORE, 2024 in-state target Chanz Wiggins was in Blacksburg on Monday night, and he's become very familiar with Virginia Tech. And while well see if hes actually that big listed heights and weights on recruiting sites are hardly unimpeachable its a body type Techs lacking now that Kaleb Smith is in the transfer portal. - / 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Hes going to challenge them whenever they need to be challenged.. All four have legit size and Ghannam could play early in his career. 220, OLB / I love to see receivers play defense, especially in high school, show some physicality, show that theyll play on special teams. The last Tech signee ranked that high came in 2019 when wide receiver Jaden Payoute was a consensus top-five recruit in the state and fellow receiver Tayvion Robinson cracked the top five on Rivals. The Hokies currently have 19 commitments in their 2023 recruiting class, which will probably grow a little bit here. He had 729 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 840 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns and 17 catches for 338 yards and three touchdowns, showing plenty of athletic chops for someone his size. 295, TE / Once commits sign their NLIs to the Hokies, they will have a green check next to their name in the table below and move to the top of the list. Of that second group, tight end Nick Gallo, safety Nasir Peoples and linebacker Alan Tisdale are the only three to publicly say they plan to return next season. We still have a couple needs were trying to fill, he said. (On3 ranks him 33rd, bringing down his average.). 6-2 / 243, IOL / 32 among NCAA FBS programs (per Rivals ). (D-lineman Rashaud Pernell signed but did not enroll, ending up at Liberty.). -, S / Virginia Tech Head Coach Brent Pry expects roster turnover this offseason as he attempts to rebuild the Hokies roster by way of the transfer portal and the 2023 recruiting class. With a Burst of Energy, Brent Pry Throws All-Out Blitz at Virginia's Recruiting Trails. 185, RB / Baylor is from Radford, and his combination of size and speed is exciting. I think in this cycle, they understand we meant it. In addition to key transfers in quarterback Kyron Drones and receiver Ali Jennings III, the Hokies have gotten six high school commitments this month, with four coming from players who are among the top-six ranked recruits in Techs class receivers Chance Fitzgerald (2) and Ayden Greene (3), cornerback Antonio Cotman Jr. (5) and quarterback Pop Watson (6). 197, OT / Youve got to be able to have people to do that. Thats always the million-dollar question with recruiting, where signing day stars have a short shelf life and can look quaint once these players have had a few years to develop or, in the transfer portal age, pack up and go somewhere else to finish their career. The recruiting classes for the champions of both . Early signing day is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. Really high football IQ, great wheels and can spin it. You can see that the area under the curve gets smaller both as the rating for a commit decreases and as the number of total commits for a school increases. 6-4 / Note that this isn't necessarily a complete list of recruits who are in Blacksburg; it's only a list of those who we can confirm visited via social media. The Virginia Tech Hokies picked up their 10th commitment in the 2023 recruiting class Tuesday when Tavorian Copeland made his decision. Enjoy! On Friday, Sierra Canyon (Calif.) four-star small forward AJ . He offers consistency, Mines said. READ MORE Ari Watford Preparing For Visit To Virginia Tech By: Jason Stamm | January 20, 2023 Ari Watford will be one of the top prospects in the state in the 2025 class. S. TyLyric Coleman Dan River (Ringgold, VA) 6-3 / 175. The 2019 class was punctuated by offensive lineman Doug Nesters signing day flip from Ohio State in February, though that joy was erased years later by his transfer to West Virginia. The good thing about that position is they have the same qualities, Mines said. Their parents, especially, have an appreciation for where Virginia Techs been, and they understand what this program can be.. After veterans Hanson, Moore and Clements, the most experienced linemen on the roster are Schick (58 snaps) and a pair of freshmen, Braelin Moore (81) and Xavier Chaplin (27). TechSideline.com (a.k.a. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, the Life Christian Academy product has good size for a defensive back and is one of the more intriguing prospects in the class, just based on the diversity of his ranking. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. While the Hokies have continued to add players from the NCAA transfer portal . 150. 6-0 / Hes a triple-threat guy, Pry said. Cornerback: Dante Lovett, Cameren Fleming, Antonio Cotman Jr. Safety: Mose Phillips, Braylon Johnson, Caleb Woodson, Athlete: Thomas Williams, Jonathan Pennix, Tralon Mitchell. Later on Friday afternoon at 3 P.M., Conner will participate in the Defensive Back drills. Ticket Marketplace, Travel Center & Info, English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park Fan Guide, ACC Network, Video Library presented by , Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio Affiliates, Sport Psychology/Counseling and Athletic Mental Performance, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). -, CB / We recruit defensive backs. The four highest-rated recruits for Tech are from outside of the state, with Mr. Football in West Virginia, offensive lineman Layth Ghannam, leading the way. "We do have time to schedule meetings, involve parents or families or coaches, if we need to, on young men considering forgoing their senior year to go to the NFL, guys considering going to the transfer portal, or guys you potentially want to help them get somewhere where they've got a better chance to play and be successful. Felton is a big-play guy who, along with Jennings, gives the Hokies two quality veterans to line up outside in 2023. Braylon Johnson is the son of Highland Springs head coach and former Virginia Tech cornerback Loren Johnson. Commit He misses too many tackles due to risky angles and struggles coming to balance in the open field. You can win those jump balls, 80-20, is what I call it. Its there. Jason Abbey is a defensive end from Richmond that has coaches excited. The rest of the commits are in alphabetical order by last name. While he may not stick at corner, he could make an impact at safety or linebacker, depending on how much size he adds. (Photo of Brent Pry: Reinhold Matay / USA Today). This site utilizes responsive web design, which renders the site properly on all platforms (PC, tablet, mobile). Email Address. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Conners size and versatility could buy him time on a roster, but he might need to keep fighting for his spot. Try a week on us. 220, OT / * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 6-4 / The Hokies picked up defensive end Darian Varner, formerly of Temple, who has multiple years of eligibility remaining. In the spring, the Hokies made a point of hitting every school in the state. Drones was a hot commodity and gives the Hokies and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen the type of passer who can run his offense; that should be RPO-heavy. The speed and pattern matchingarentgreat, but the ball skills are above average. So the investments real. And Florida State made a late push for linebacker Caleb Woodson. Heath looks like a future star. The opinions of the author(s) on this site are independent and no way reflect the opinions of the Virginia Tech administrators, coaches, staff, or athletes. 5-11 / Dante Lovett and Cameren Fleming were two of my favorites in this class. It wouldnt be easy after Justin Fuente ignored the state for years. Another defensive back: Though Tech did plenty of work restocking the defensive backfield, Pry wants a bridge between the vets and youngsters. 6-6 / Id like to get a bona fide pass rusher off the edge, a proven guy that can win more one-on-one battles, Pry said. Spring practice updates Recruiting news NFL Draft . Tech has also gotten confirmation from defensive tackle Mario Kendricks and defensive end Pheldarius Payne, a Nebraska transfer who missed last year with an Achilles injury, that theyll return. More than anything, we wanted to get guys who had good production, Mines said. The results were positive, particularly around Richmond, receivers coach Fontel Mines territory, where Tech landed seven prospects eight if you include ODU transfer Ali Jennings III. Prys focus upon his hiring was to rebuild relationships within the Commonwealth. All high school NLIs received are listed below. BLACKSBURG, Va. So this is what recruiting momentum feels like? Findlayter is the No. 200, IOL / CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. OT / Bodie Kahoun recently picked up an offer from Virginia Tech, and the Roanoke native will be in Blacksburg tonight. 195, CB / Cameron Clark Makes First Virginia Tech Visit. 6-5 / He has compiled 314 total tackles (207 solo), 21.0 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 23 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles and one block. Pry, whose years at Penn State gave him an advantage in rebuilding those relationships. ('2023-02-23 11:46:09 -0600') }} football Edit. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. He will start somewhere in Virginia Techs secondary for multiple seasons. I thought it was tough when we got Jason (Brown) and Grant last year at the same time. Weve got to be better at that position. The Hokies didnt venture west into Tennessee often in the latter Beamer years and signed just five players from the state during Justin Fuentes six seasons, most notably linebacker Jaden Keller in 2021. Here are a few more thoughts on the class as things come to a conclusion: The latest addition Monday night was tight end Zeke Wimbush, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound three-star prospect from Stone Bridge High in Ashburn who decommitted from Charlotte on Sunday, just days after receiving a Hokies offer. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Hokies signed pairs of players from two state powerhouse high schools: Highland Springs (safety Braylon Johnson and receiver Takye Heath) and Appomattox (receiver Jonathan Pennix and linebacker Tavorian Copeland). By Tim Weaver | February 27, 2023 1:37 pm ET. 233, Edge / 230, CB / Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Virginia Tech football: Hokies land 4-star JUCO pass-rusher James Jennette Jennette is a promising edge rusher. Be sure to follow our coverage of National Signing Day on Twitter:Tech Sideline,Chris Coleman,Will Stewartand David Cunningham. READ MORE, Within 10 minutes, 4-star linebacker Gabriel Williams had received a text message from nearly every member of Virginia Techs coaching staff. - 12/6, Pheldarius Payne - Defensive End (per Andy Bitter), Mario Kendricks - Defensive Tackle (per Andy Bitter), Jalen Holston Running Back (No NCAA eligibility remaining), Jaylen Griffin - Defensive End (No NCAA eligibility remaining), Silas Dzansi - Offensive Line (No NCAA eligibility remaining), Ali Jennings - Wide Receiver - Old Dominion, Griffin Armstrong - Long Snapper - Louisiana Tech* Walk-on, Quan Felton - Wide Receiver - Norfolk State, Jaylin Lane - Wide Receiver - Middle Tennessee State, Derrick Canteen - Cornerback - Georgia Southern, Bhayshul Tuten - Running Back - North Carolina A&T. 300, LB / READ MORE, Kentucky tight end Willie Rodriguez has added six scholarship offers since February 1, including an offer from Virginia Tech. The Hokies had circled him as a possibility before he went in the portal, so once he officially put his name out there, offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen had done his homework and was the first coach Drones welcomed on an in-home visit. Welcome to Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Signing Day Central for the Class of 2022. Jennings averaged over 1,000 yards and caught 14 touchdown passes the past two seasons at ODU, despite missing three games at the end of last year with an injury. Our Signing Day 2023 coverage is presented by: We uploaded one-minute long videos for each recruit to a playlist on YouTube. 5-10 / 0.8714. TechSideline.Com An offensive lineman: The Hokies have 16 in the room right now, but only one is a senior (Jesse Hanson) and only three more have junior designations (Kaden Moore, Parker Clements and Bob Schick). This site utilizes responsive web design, which renders the site properly on all platforms (PC, tablet, mobile). Signed. We want to reach out and make sure you hear it from us first. By Bryan D. Manning December 12, 2022. In order to create the most comprehensive Team Recruiting Ranking without any notion of bias, 247Sports Team Recruiting Ranking is solely based on the 247Sports Composite Rating. Krystian Williams Collegiate School (Richmond, VA) -, QB / The highly versatile defensive back has played nearly every position in the Hokies' backfield dating back to 2018. I would expect him to redshirt and develop a bit before he plays. Lets get to work #NewHome pic.twitter.com/zvIhIcrD1B, Chance Fitzgerald (@itschancefitz) December 16, 2022. But for now, Techs riding some good waves heading into the early signing period that begins Wednesday. - / He has that mentality to play this position at a high level.. Just a lot goes into it, so its easy to get excited when they jump on there and theyre signed, sealed and delivered.. The Hokies locked up his commitment late Tuesday night, springing it as a surprise on signing day. Hes a twitchy guy, and particularly when he gets closer to the football, he was a problem for people.. Teams; CBS Sports; CBS SPORTS HQ; SportsLine; MaxPreps; Shop; . The secondary class is a fun group. Arena is Virginia Tech's fourth commitment for 2023, joining offensive linemen Lance Williams (Alcoa, Tennessee) and Hannes Hammer (Roanoke, Virginia via Germany and defensive end Jason. Thats not to say the Hokies landed top local talent, as ranked by the recruiting sites, in Virginia. These guys were recruiting, thats an important trait that were always looking for.. The Hokies have been recruiting Walker for quite some time, but the offer has finally come through. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Life Christian Academy (Colonial Heights, VA), Clarkson Football North (Mississauga, ON), RB / The Hokies ended up adding four transfers in the early period who should reshape competitions at their respective positions quarterback Kyron Drones out of Baylor, defensive lineman Darian Varner out of Temple and receivers Jennings and Felton from ODU and Norfolk State, respectively. Ali Jennings, from Highland Springs High School, spent two years at West Virginia and the previous two years at Old Dominion. 190, LB / Boston College. 305, DL / Obviously, we think our guys can continue to develop, the young guys in our program. READ MORE, Thomas Dale 2025 athlete Shamari Earls recently picked up an offer from Virginia Tech, and he will visit next month. Gabriel Williams Remains Highly-Coveted By Virginia Tech, The Virginia Tech 2023 Class In The Half-Star System, Alex Taylor Includes Virginia Tech In Top 7, Amir Jackson Picks Up Virginia Tech Offer, Virginia Tech Adds JUCO DE James Jennette, Virginia Tech Football Junior Days, Part 2, Virginia Tech Football Junior Days, Part 1, Chanz Wiggins Takes In Virginia Tech Again, Bodie Kahoun Picks Up Virginia Tech Offer, Ari Watford Preparing For Visit To Virginia Tech. Again, its about being transparent and open and honest and having conversations ahead of time. Theres a little bit of a gap between the old guys and this group, he said. Cotman was the latest defensive player the Hokies snagged. The numbers always work out (funny how that happens), but its clear that this is a pretty substantial overhaul to last years roster. The Virginia Tech Hokies wrapped up the early signing period last week feeling pretty good about the 2023 recruiting class. 57 player in the class at the edge position, 247 has him at No. quarterback Kyron Drones and receiver Ali Jennings III. 5-10 / 6-2 / While its unclear how many of the soon-to-be signees will get on the field early, its clear from the Hokies recent push that theyre focusing on reshaping the offense, particularly the receiver room.