Two 2014 offensive linemen visited Blacksburg this past weekend.
Billy Ray Mitchell (Paramus, New Jersey, 6-4, 280) is a 3-star on Rivals and unranked on 247. Along with Virginia Tech, he holds offers from the following ACC schools: Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and NC State.
He moves very well laterally, which makes him a fit for Grimes' system. He makes numerous hustle plays where he gets to the second level to deliver a block. He has active feet in pass protection.
There's a good interview with him at NJ.com.
"Schools tell me they like my aggressiveness, how I finish blocks," he said. "Probably the biggest thing is my athleticism and my passion for the game. When I play football, I can't play any other way than with my passion and emotion. I don't let my emotions control my game but I definitely thrive off my emotions when I play."
Due to his versatility and overall athletic ability, schools are recruiting Mitchell at multiple positions along the offensive line.
"Some schools are recruiting me as a tackle, some are recruiting me inside. I'd say most see me playing inside at guard or center," he said. "I just want to play somewhere and be as good as I can possibly be wherever I go."
Mitchell probably fits best as a guard in Grimes' scheme.
Had a great visit at Virginia Tech university— Billy Ray Mitchell (@Billythekid_75) May 25, 2013
Will be commiting sometime next month— Billy Ray Mitchell (@Billythekid_75) May 27, 2013
Eric Gallo (Holland, PA, 6-3 275) also made the trip to Blacksburg. Gallo isn't ranked by Rivals or 247, and Virginia Tech is his biggest offer to date. There are many pancake blocks on his highlight film.
This is what NJ.com said about Gallo when he visited for Rutgers-Pitt last season.
OG Eric Gallo (6-3, 280), Council Rock South (Pa.): Gallo is currently offer-less. However, Rutgers is giving Gallo a look. Gallo has visited Rutgers this season for a game as well as taken two trips to Maryland. Gallo's older brother plays at Maryland. Pitt, Georgia Tech, Virginia and N.C. State are also showing serious interest.
Comments
I say we make Billy Ray's scholarship offer contingent on him being able to say our actual name.
Eh, he just shortened the official name a bit, is all. Virginia (Poly)Tech(nic) (Institute and State) University. See, it still works. Sorta. Point is, if the guy can play for Grimes and he qualifies, that's good enough for me.
Danny Coale didn't know the right name or know what the pylons were. Yet I believe he is still open.
Tyrod Talyor - "I'm going to the University of Virginia Tech"
I'm really enjoying the recruitment of more New Jersey players. It's good to see a largely untapped market being combed out.
3 stars? So what? As long as they don't mind to lay down nasty pancakes and rip off helmets, I would be a happy camper. James Gayle will be glad he won't have to go against them in practice.
Ole Miss hasn't offered yet.
That explains his name.