virginia tech football recruiting 2023

6-2 / We want to take care of the state and the kids because thats how were going to get back to where it was back in the day, senior director of player personnel Mike Villagrana said. 6-3 / Greene (Knoxville), Fitzgerald (Nashville) and Phillips (Nashville) all came on board this month. For more details about the site, including a list of TechSideline.com staff, see our About page. Here are three areas that should give Hokie fans hope. 6-2 / The 6-foot 202-pound play-maker has played safety, nickel and cornerback in his Virginia Tech career. Virginia Tech missed out on some key in-state linebacker prospects. Virginia Tech. VTScoop - Virginia Tech Hokies Football and Recruiting Stay up to date with all the Virginia Tech Hokies sports news, recruiting, transfers, and more at 247Sports.com 247Sports. 6-0 / Here are some key takeaways from signing day: Virginia Techs class has a distinctly Virginia flavor to it, with 16 of the 29 total signees having played their high school ball in the commonwealth. Findlayter is the No. -, QB / He'll visit Blacksburg for Junior Day next weekend. Early signing day is Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Executive Assistant to the Head Coach. 220, OT / This is whats behind it. Coney was a late flip who looks the part. You can win those jump balls, 80-20, is what I call it. I think they appreciate that were trying to do this with guys from our footprint, and specifically with guys from the state of Virginia. The Hokies like the new additions on the offensive line, wide receiver and the defensive backfield. But at the same time, we have to be better in that area.. Its Post Season Accolade Time for the Virginia Tech Hokie Womens Basketball Team. 305, DL / What we learned about Virginia Tech's Class of 2023 as the early signing period began Wednesday, with 25 prep players and four transfers. He committed on Sunday, three days after he decommitted from Boston College and a day after an official visit in Blacksburg. Thanks for the effort, fellas! And you go down the road and theres a coach youve known for 20 years and you can say, Tell me about that guy. And he says, Coach, thats a heck of a ball player. The Virginia Tech Hokies wrapped up the early signing period last week feeling pretty good about the 2023 recruiting class. Another new head coach, Brent Pry, also had a successful recruiting cycle for Virginia Tech with the fifth-best recruiting class in the ACC. 6-4 / North Carolina was all over cornerback Cam Fleming in the final two weeks. We really like the way he rushes the quarterback, Pry said. Its been a while since Tech had an All-ACC caliber player who was a consensus top-five in-state prospect. 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. READ MORE, Virginia Tech has had a lot of highly-touted visitors on campus over the last week. Email Address. "The portal is going to be active, as we all know. Note: This article will be updated regularly so check back to get the latest updates on roster changes as Virginia Tech prepares for the 2023 season. 6-6 / 197, OT / 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). 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). (Courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics). In addition to Drones, the Hokies signed two high school quarterbacks, bringing Dylan Wittke and Pop Watson into the fold. 5-10 / I think in this cycle, they understand we meant it. Below is a graphical representation of how our formula works. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Lets get to work #NewHome pic.twitter.com/zvIhIcrD1B, Chance Fitzgerald (@itschancefitz) December 16, 2022. 5-9 / It helps when you can go to an area and theres a young man youre interested in that youre getting to know, Pry said. 282, RB / The Hokies wanted to add talent to the wide receiver position, and they certainly did. 6-6 / - 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. The highest-ranked in-state signee Tech had was cornerback Antonio Cotman Jr., the 16th-ranked player in the 247Sports Composite. And I believe we can win an ACC championship with this formula. I think he is confident. 300, S / 310, LB / I love to see receivers play defense, especially in high school, show some physicality, show that theyll play on special teams. The Hokies picked up defensive end Darian Varner, formerly of Temple, who has multiple years of eligibility remaining. 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. My background is man coverage, man-press coverage, aggressive., cornerbacks coach Derek Jones said. We needed somebody to come in here and compete with Grant (Wells). In between on Tuesday will be a column on the 2023 Virginia Tech football schedule that is going to be released tonight (Monday). Were looking for possibly a running back to come in and compete with Malachi and Chance (Black) and those guys and make that room better, Pry said. (Photo of Brent Pry: Reinhold Matay / USA Today). -, WR / Eligible to return for a super-senior season (awaiting decision). After a showy signing day ceremony, the hay is in the barn now, with Pry finalizing his first full class with the Hokies, a group that ranks 35th in the 247Sports Composite and sixth in the ACC, not far from Virginia Techs historical norm. We want to reach out and make sure you hear it from us first. 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. Duke is next. 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. 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. 10 ranked all-time Virginia Tech Hokie in career tackles. Football Dec 2 TBA. 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. on February 2, 2022, 7:20 AM | 36 comments. Those are the rankings to focus on as they combine the different recruiting services. While he may not stick at corner, he could make an impact at safety or linebacker, depending on how much size he adds. ET on YouTube. That means the Hokies need to have another wave of attrition at some point, be it when the new semester starts in January or later once spring ball concludes and a second transfer window opens up, just to get to the 85 max number. Hell likely play tackle with the Hokies. Cornerback: Dante Lovett, Cameren Fleming, Antonio Cotman Jr. Safety: Mose Phillips, Braylon Johnson, Caleb Woodson, Athlete: Thomas Williams, Jonathan Pennix, Tralon Mitchell. Both look like future starters at cornerback for the Hokies. Hammer plays at North Cross in Roanoke. TechSideline.com (a.k.a. Its the second consecutive season Tech has been ranked in that neighborhood after middling to forgettable classes in 2021 (44th) and 2020 (76th). While On3 rates him as the No. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Michigan, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma had shown interest in him. Ishmael Findlayter, Linebacker: Tavorian Copeland, Aycen Stevens. And you want guys that want to compete. If allowed to develop for two years, Watson could be a terrific college quarterback. He was a hybrid linebacker-defensive back in both 2019 and 2020, registering a bulk of his time at the coined 'Whip' position. 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. The Hokies added four offensive linemen. 6-7 / Since the conclusion of the 2022 season, Conner has participated in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowland has prepared himself for the NFL Combine. Presented by, 2024 tight end Cameron Clark took his first visit to Virginia Tech in late January after picking up a December offer. Lord Botetourt Contingent Makes The Trip Hes a triple-threat guy, Pry said. There are 25 high school signees, plus four transfer additions. 6-6 / Though both are 6-foot-2, joining the 6-5 Felton, getting bigger wasnt necessarily a primary objective of the Hokies coaches. It shows that theyll block and find ways to contribute to the team.. Obviously, we think our guys can continue to develop, the young guys in our program. READ MORE, Kyron Drones is a quarterback transfer from Baylor who got meaningful snaps in one game for the Bears. Its infectious, Pry said. 207, TE / And I think he has a chip on his shoulder. It sounds like the Hokies want to see him begin at receiver, but I like him as a cornerback. He didnt garner much Power 5 attention coming out of Maury High in Norfolk in 2019, ranked as the 29th player in the state, but Pry said he was the heart and soul of a 15-0 state championship team down there. Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball Walks Away with a 3-1 Week 2 Record, Quarterback: William Pop Watson III, Dylan Wittke, Wide receiver: Chance Fitzgerald, Ayden Greene, Marcell Baylor, Takye Heath, Krystian Williams, Offensive line: Layth Ghannam, Lance Williams, Gabriel Arena, Hannes Hammer, Edge [DE/OLB]: Jason Abbey. Hes the first tight end/H-back in the class after Tech took three last year DaeQuan Wright, Harrison Saint Germain and Gosnell. While no one will confuse Virginia Techs incoming class with Alabama or Ohio State, there were many encouraging signs in head coach Brent Prys first full recruiting class. Virginia Tech and Brent Pry picked up their 18th commitment in the class of 2023 on Sunday night with the pledge of three-star defensive end Ishmael Findlayter (Ontario, Canada). 6-5 / Caleb Woodson is another who had interest from others. The Portsmouth product is a former basketball player who didnt start playing football until his junior year, earning a camp offer from Norfolk State, where he caught 67 passes for 1,062 yards and nine touchdowns the past two years, with seven scores last season. 230, CB / Welcome to Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Signing Day Central for the Class of 2022. Period. Wimbush did a bit of everything last year for Stone Bridge, sometimes playing quarterback and sometimes lining up out wide. -, IOL / The 6-foot 202-pound play-maker has played safety, nickel and cornerback in his Virginia Tech career. I really like this group. We just know more about these guys. Joe Spears 01/23/23. 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. Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Virginia Tech football: Hokies land 4-star JUCO pass-rusher James Jennette Jennette is a promising edge rusher. Virginia Tech is hopeful to get defensive tackle Norell Pollard back too, though nothings been finalized on that front. Conner has played in 61 games, starting every game over the last four seasons. READ MORE, 2024 in-state target Chanz Wiggins was in Blacksburg on Monday night, and he's become very familiar with Virginia Tech. 455 player nationally and No. Meanwhile, guys like Heath, Pennix and Marcell Baylor showed plenty of versatility in high school, excelling on both sides of the ball. Drones has three years of eligibility remaining. DaWain Lofton can play the slot, while others like Tucker Holloway and Xayvion Bradshaw push for time in the lineup. Some of them had other head coaches sitting on their couch in their living room, Hokies coach Brent Pry said. Ghannam, Arena and Lance Williams all had late interest from the outside but stuck with the Hokies and Rudolph. His size, athleticism and football IQ had him extremely undervalued. Bodie Kahoun recently picked up an offer from Virginia Tech, and the Roanoke native will be in Blacksburg tonight. The 247Sports' NCAA Transfer Portal Database can be found here, Cornerback DJ Harvey announced he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal 11/28, Defensive end Mattheus Carroll announced he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/2, Defensive end Lakeem Rudolph announced he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/4, Defensive tackle Desmond Mamudi announced he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/4, Cornerback Armani Chatman has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Wide Receiver Kaleb Smith has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Walk-on long snapper Enzo Anthony has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Linebacker Keshon Artis has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Walk-on wide receiver Tink Boyd has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Walk-on wide receiver Will Kakavitsashas entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Quarterback Jason Brown has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Walk-onlinebacker Tyler Matheny has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/5, Defensive End Eli Adams has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal - 12/6, Safety Nasir Peoplesannounced he will return for the 2023 season. 210, DL / While no one will confuse Virginia Tech's incoming class with. Welcome to Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Signing Day Central for the Class of 2023. Dante Lovett and Cameren Fleming were two of my favorites in this class. 6-4 / Try a week on us. He misses too many tackles due to risky angles and struggles coming to balance in the open field. 16 ranking the state in the 247Sports Composite, making him the top-ranked player from Virginia in the Hokies class, hes much more well-regarded by Rivals, which lists him as a four-star recruit and the No. There is a lot to like and build on with Virginia Techs 2023 recruiting class. Pennix is another local standout from Appomattox. Cotman was the latest defensive player the Hokies snagged. The Virginia Tech Hokies wrapped up the early signing period last week feeling pretty good about the 2023 recruiting class. Associate AD, Chief of Staff. quarterback Kyron Drones and receiver Ali Jennings III. Commit 1. Ali Jennings, from Highland Springs High School, spent two years at West Virginia and the previous two years at Old Dominion. Nationally, the Hokies' class has peaked at No. Its there. The highly versatile defensive back has played nearly every position in the Hokies' backfield dating back to 2018. READ MORE, In-state cornerback Joshua Clarke has visited Virginia Tech six times, and he's close to narrowing his list. The secondary class is a fun group. 295, TE / Shannon Lewis. Chance Fitzgerald and Ayden Greene were late additions as the Hokies had to beat out some good programs to land both. This site utilizes responsive web design, which renders the site properly on all platforms (PC, tablet, mobile). CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. OT / Much of this incoming class is about development. The 2018 class is probably the last one with a strong finish that paid dividends on the field, with the Hokies landing future NFL tight end James Mitchell before the early signing period that December and coveted linebacker Dax Hollifield in February to punctuate a class ranked 22nd nationally, back before the wheels fell off during Justin Fuentes tenure. It was a great year for two former Hokies. There were no last-second decommitments or signing day swings and misses, a welcome change from recent years, and the Hokies even had a few surprises up their sleeves for the public, with a pair of transfers, defensive end Darian Varner and receiver DaQuan Felton, and high school safety Mose Phillips announcing their intentions to sign with Tech on Wednesday. 0.8714. Tech landed Kyron Drones on the transfer market, a former four-star QB who spent the past two seasons with Baylor. Woodson is a fun player with good size and speed, who many believe ends up at linebacker. READ MORE, With the 2023 Virginia Tech recruiting class now complete, it's time to assign our star ratings using the half-star system. We've got a lot of those conversations, I think I've got 33 or 34 meetings scheduled over the next couple of days.". Jason Abbey is a defensive end from Richmond that has coaches excited. Virginia Tech has offered Salisbury (N.C.) 2024 cornerback Deuce Walker. Hailing from north of Charlotte . I would expect him to redshirt and develop a bit before he plays. In addition to some final high school targets, the Hokies are still pursuing several transfers Temple defensive lineman Darian Varner and Norfolk State receiver DaQuan Felton are a couple to watch in the short term, with former five-star Tony Grimes out of UNC an automatic take if Tech were somehow able to beat out some heavyweights and convince him to come here. Try a week on us. I dont want somebody thats afraid of competition. 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). David Cunningham will have a story at the end of the day on Wednesday to recap Techs December signees, and Chris Coleman will have a columnas well. Baylor is from Radford, and his combination of size and speed is exciting. More than anything, I think hes going to push these guys on and off the field. Again, its about being transparent and open and honest and having conversations ahead of time. Since the end of the season, seven of the eight commitments the Hokies have gotten either from the transfer portal or the high school ranks have been on offense, which makes sense, given Techs struggles on that side of the ball last season. Recruits can send in their National Letter of Intent (NLI) starting at 7 a.m. We'll begin providing updates at that time, and we'll be here all day. 220, OLB / 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. The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Varner was a first-team All-AAC performer at Temple in 2022 and can slide inside on passing downs. Be sure to follow our coverage of National Signing Day on Twitter:Tech Sideline,Chris Coleman,Will Stewartand David Cunningham. They worked late to flip a couple of players who committed elsewhere and came close. (Jerome Miron / USA Today), Twenty-nine players signed with the Hokies on Wednesday. A true legacy who can play. I truly think hes undervalued and becomes a good player for the Hokies early in his career. ", Chamarri Conner Interview on Coverage, Favorite Position, Why he plays Football, Chammari Conner says he met with the Dallas Cowboys, Tuesday, February 28 - Registration, Pre-Exam, Orientation, Team Interviews, Wednesday, March 1 - General Medical Exam, Pre-ordered Studies, Team Interviews, Thursday, March 2 - Orthopedic Examination, Media Interviews, NFLPA Meeting, Team Interviews, Friday, March 3 - Measurements, On-field workout, Saturday, March 4 - Bench Press, Broadcast Interviews, Depart Indianapolis. (D-lineman Rashaud Pernell signed but did not enroll, ending up at Liberty.). New Nebraska coach Matt Rhule made a show of making his first offer on the job to cornerback Dante Lovett. But the staff has connections that way too, with defensive coordinator Chris Marve having played and coached at Vanderbilt, sam linebackers coach Shawn Quinn playing collegiately at Carson-Newman and with a number of past coaching jobs in Tennessee and Pry himself with stints at Memphis and Vanderbilt. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Johnson had other options before committing to Virginia Tech but chose the Hokies. 6-5 / This site utilizes responsive web design, which renders the site properly on all platforms (PC, tablet, mobile). Im home!!! "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. And those guys are going to know each other from tournaments and playing one another and growing up in Pee Wee ball and different things. 0.8786. ** The Early 2023 Signing Day is concluded.

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