Off his first visit to Virginia Tech, athlete James Graham opted for the Hokies.
"I have committed to Virginia Tech," said Graham. "It feels like home with great people and a get environment there. I meet the other commits and it already feels like we are a family.
"I liked it there a lot and it's going to be another opportunity for me."
The 6-1, 180 pound Fitzgerald HS (Georgia) product noted on his Instagram he received his mother's blessing before making his verbal commitment to Tech. The Hokies recruited Graham as an athlete with potential to play running back or receiver. Tech evaluated Graham in person at a Georgia satellite camp.
Graham released a top ten of Virginia Tech, Michigan, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Georgia, and Miami in May.
Both Rivals and ESPN rate Graham as a 4-star athlete, while 247Sports pegs him as a 3-star prospect.
"First thing that jumps out is just his athleticism," said Fitzgerald head coach Tucker Pruitt in an interview with Rivals. "He's got great acceleration, very fast kid, very good with the ball in his hands.
"Getting some offers at running back, getting some offers at slot receiver, and some people have offered him as a DB as well. He's just an athlete, and he's a hard worker, very good in the locker room, gets along with his teammates well. Very unselfish player that's been a leader for us and done a great job so far."
Comments
Just looked at his offers, and holy shit
Right? For those interested:
Alabama, App State, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Georgia, GT, Georgia Southern, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Miss St, NC State, OK State, Ole Miss, Tulane, UCF, Virginia Tech, WVU, Western Kentucky
Shane swings and misses with the boxing glove on stick.
What position does he most likely project to? Kid has some wheels and moves!
Running back I think.
Maybe. But if we get the rb's in the system we are looking for, his best use may be in the slot. Would love to see him catching the ball in stride in the open field.
He looks quick and shifty. I just hope with spots at a premium the staff has a plan for him. Seems like a possibility at RB but that would make him the 3rd of the class. Apparently he can also play DB but that would make him the 7th?
No matter what, in Fuente I trust, welcome to the Fam, Graham!
IDK what position he'll play but he looks shifty, which is good for returning punts. My guess is if he has good hands, he's a receiver. If not, but he can bulk up, then running back. If neither of those things he probably has the speed for DB.
He's such a dynamic athlete with his size, quicks and instinct that he will no doubt be a factor for us wherever he sticks. Beating Alabama (and Michigan) is huuuuge. If Saban and Harbaugh want him, then I want him.
Deablo was more impressive than I expected him to be at DB as a freshman, and IMO Graham is one of those guys that's such an athlete he'd probably be good anywhere, so I wouldn't worry about having too many of any one position when you're bringing in guys like that. This is a big pick up. He was one of the very top remaining targets on our board and I am a little surprised he committed this quickly. Our coaches on both sides of the ball will be fighting over him haha.
IT'S LIT, GRAHAM!!! 🔥 🔥 🔥 💯
That move at 0:44. Ouch. I think that DB broke both his ankles.
Does he go by "Jimmy"?
I love that he "gets" VT and he committed!
That said, I'm concerned recency bias may be at work. I'm hoping he's absolutely sure and we get his NLI, but if he walks this back I won't be too surprised.
That sig, though...
Dax, KJ...your turns!
Welcome JG. You're going to thrive here.
I am not an expert at evaluating HS talent from film but to me this kid looks faster than kids that look fast... I guess what I'm saying is it looked like the competition he was playing against had some decent to good athletes with decent to good speed and he was just faster... I like that, a lot.
I love this kid in the backfield. Is gonna be another lethal weapon for Fuente
I love that a kid from LSU committed to Va Tech, apparently Fuente/Foster are doing something right!
Oh, no! That means he likes shoulder stripes.
He's got an offer from Alabama and didn't get a Bama bump?
That's only if he's committed there.
Welcome to the Hokies James!! 🦃
Now thats the kind of offer list I like to see and get excited for regardless of their star ratings. We need to continue getting recruits like that if we want to get to where we all want to be
FAM!
Seems like an under the radar pick up. Great player and offer list.
That lateral play at 3:30 is amazingly funny
Hey my fellow Hokies,
Checked out James's junior tape and man he is explosive. Did a little research on him. I'm understanding he is just getting back into action after a knee surgery. I checked those games out and he was just sitting in the pocket and passing. I don't believe he will be coming to Blacksburg to do that.
Now, where I see Mr. Graham contributing???
I personally like him as a RB. Reason being is his acceleration , his balance and that YAC!
Definitely knows how to break an ankle or two. He may end up playing another position when/if he gets to Tech. Who Knows?
All in all Welcome Aboard James!