Hokies Host 2016 RB C.J. Freeman, Look to the Future of the RB Rotation

Between incoming freshmen like Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie and 2015 recruit DeShawn McClease, it might seem like the Hokies are set at running back for the immediate future.

But after a few lean years at the position following David Wilson's graduation two years ago, Tech's staff is not letting up when it comes to adding to the running back rotation for the future.

The staff hosted 2016 RB C.J. Freeman of Greensboro, N.C.'s Northern Guilford High School on campus on July 29 in the hopes of adding another talented back down the line.

"It was my family's first time up there, and they really liked it," Freeman said. "It's just such a family atmosphere there."

Freeman, rated a 4-star all purpose back by the 247Sports Composite ranking, has already started to become well acquainted with Blacksburg.

"I've been twice before, once for their Junior Day (on February 8) and once again for a spring practice (on March 27)," he said.

Good day watching VT practice with the bro @m_reyn6 and talking to the Headman himself! pic.twitter.com/AqDfQO6OqK— CJ Freeman (@WhoThat_CJ) March 28, 2014

Even though he's seen campus in the offseason, he's looking forward to coming down when the season is in full swing.

"I really want to come up for a game, Miami probably," Freeman said. "I definitely want to see what Lane is like when it's full."

Until then, he's staying up to date with his primary recruiter, defensive line coach Charley Wiles.

"We talk on a good basis, probably once a month or so," he said. "He's always giving me good feedback."

Wiles might seem like an odd choice to recruit an offensive player, but his familiarity with the area is what brought him to Freeman. He was the coach to land a commitment from Northern Guilford CB Mook Reynolds for the class of 2015.

Now, Reynolds is trying to lend Wiles a hand in convincing Freeman to join him at Tech.

"We talk every day, he's my best friend and I was with him for my visits (to Blacksburg)," Freeman said. "He always telling me to commit and come play with him."

Reynolds has made some Hokie fans uneasy recently with his dalliances with other, larger programs, but Freeman doesn't think there's any reason for them to worry.

"He's like a recruiting coordinator for the Hokies," he said.

While Reynolds might be in Freeman's ear about Tech, the rising junior is still looking at other schools. The Hokies are the only program to extend him an offer thus far, yet he's received interest from a variety of other ACC schools.

"I'm definitely looking at Duke," Freeman said. "I went there for a visit earlier and I liked it a lot."

Florida State, Clemson and North Carolina have all also contacted him, but Freeman is still just surprised to be getting so much attention so early.

"I'm really new to the process," he said. "It's kind of a shock that schools have heard about me already."

But as a versatile back with a wide set of skills, it's probably not that shocking that big programs are starting to get interested in him.

"I can run and catch well and move toward wide receiver, even play a little quarterback in the wild cat," he said. "I think I'm at a good size right now too, I can break tackles and hit the hole strong."

While his skills might be impressive, he's hoping to use this season to really show what he can do on the field.

"I think my junior year is the most important one for me," he said. "I'm just hoping to get more offers."