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Comments
Less than 40 hours til the Early signing period!!
Start Jumping
my calves aren't strong enough to start that early
- Bronco
uh...yeah...i was just quoting what a lame hoo fan would say
- Johnny Drama probably
wooohoooo part 4! it must be christmas!
Drink?
Saw on Mike Barber's article that James Graham may not sign for Early signing day. Anyone have info?
http://www.richmond.com/sports/college/schools/virginia-tech/if-you-re-c...
GT is recruiting Graham as a QB, which is where he wants to play given a choice. His high school runs an offense similar to GT. VT won't give him a shot at QB for fairly obvious reasons. Pretty much comes down to whether he wants to play QB or wants a better shot at the league.
I wish him the bestif that is the case.
He's pretty electric, I'm hoping we can hold on to him. Would certainly hate to have to play against him every year.
Is this GT thing a new revelation or did he commit to VT after already considering playing QB at GT?
This was happening before he committed here but he has recently visited there unofficially and officially.
What's the point of playing QB when your run the ball 90% of the time?
Who was the last GT QB to go to the NFL as a QB?
Josh Nesbitt
as a safety. if youre going to switch positions anyways why not get a head start on your NFL career and chances?
he also was undrafted and never made an active roster in the NFL.
Wasn't it mentioned in the other Dec recruiting thread that Clark is sort of becoming an odd man out with the Webb comittment and is considering a Nebraska offer?
Yea I think he is gone but Graham not signing this month is more worrying.
"Here, Scott, you can haaaave.....
*rifles through stack of player cards*
this one." - Fuente, probably
Tevante is transferring to Marshall
that frees up a scholarship
that 'ship sailed a few months ago
Marshall is doing pretty good at LB now. Yulee and Tevante. Pretty good
Does this mean we have another Linebacker coming aboard?
Dax?
Not a surprise. While his felony was dropped to a misdemeanor, it is still possession with the intent to distribute. He is probably not a candidate to play anywhere except Marshall. Tough luck, he looked to be a solid player.
I think we would welcome him back but I imagine the linebacker room is looking a bit crowded.
No doubt the coaches would, the student conduct office on the other hand......
The student conduct office is full of hypocrisy as they have all made mistakes in their lives
So? That's like saying everyone in our justice system is also squeaky clean themselves.
Those in the justice system have also been to law school and largely have legal understanding (read: non-emotional) of the decisions they're making. The same cannot be said for an 18-20 year old dictating others futures.
There's a legal framework in place for the student body to make decisions too such that they don't make rash decisions themselves. They aren't being emotional about it.
And legal understanding, as you put it, that the lawyers have doesn't refute my point.
Alright we get it you sleep with a tin foil hat on.
Your tone sucks lately... need a hug?
Your comment had no value to add to our discussion. Do you like being a troll? Does it come naturally to you or did you really have to work hard at it as your major?
Like I said last week, im pretty sure he's a wahoo troll. Go to his comment history. Hes a poser...
No, that's the complete opposite of what I said, obviously everyone in the justice system has made mistakes and therefore are unqualified to judge me or my mistakes/s
I agree. They hammered my little brother quite hard and didn't really give him the chance to defend himself. They also place the burden of proof on the accused which is unfair. They don't pick these kids so they can take it easy on the defendants. They use them as an excuse to come down hard on someone but then have a layer of separation to retain the ability to say "This wasn't our decision. This was decided by your peers."
I'm hearing some chatter on some of the free sites that Dax is telling folks at the Shrine game (Gabe Gonzales) that he is going to Stanford. Don't know about the validity of that prediction or if he is just talking about visiting Stanford, which we know he is. I am curious about his comment that he would have already committed if the depth chart was "leaner". He is an elite LB and competition should not really effect him. We also know that he gets really enamored by his latest visit. I sure hope we land him and he is just enjoying his recruitment but Rivers, Tisdale and Dax is Thunderdome!
Eh this rumor popped up late last week when Gonzalez said something about Dax heading to Stanford but the general consensus has been that he was talking about Dax's upcoming OV.
You mean while he was wearing a VT towel and gloves? I agree that he was probably also talking about his OV.
Man, when I see that picture all I can think is that they just got done having the following conversation:
Dax: Hey man, good game. Wanna go see what Bud Foster can do with some 4 and 5 stars?
KJ: Hey, you did great out there. You read my mind, let's be Hokies together.
Dax: Awesome!
KJ: Cool towel by the way.
So you're saying Dax and KJ were like...
Dax is the leader of this class, just as Hunter was last year. If he's not going to VT, this is one helluva epic, mean-spirited troll job on his part.
I believe his respect for Stanford's academics is what is driving this visit, but I think he's already decided he's going to VT.
Kind of hard to be the "leader of this class" when you're not even committed.
It would be a troll job if he was committed here and wound up going to Stanford at the last minute. Otherwise you're expecting way too much.
I respectfully disagree with the leader part, that has to be QP at this point
After the flurry of recruiting commitments and early NSD tomorrow, I keep checking in and wondering why there isn't more news. I have to remind myself that we can't take a new recruit every day and we only really have a few spots left.
Do we know what times our prospects will be making their decisions?
KJ Henry announces at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon on ESPNU
via GIPHY
To Clarify: It has been silent for a few weeks now, if there is going to be any hints coming out, it will be today. If not then that means this kid is keeping his decision under lock and key and I like that..
Edit: Can't a guy be really excited about a Tuesday and it not seem off. :)
WHAT DOES THIS GIF MEAN???
To clarify: I'm just kidding, not really freaking out on you, no need to clarify. :) I too hope that we can pull off the coup - would take our defense from great to absolutely unreal.
it means he feels pretty
Obviously, how could that possibly be misconstrued?
Oh so pretty.
And witty.
and briiiight
I pity the fool that doesn't give a leg to Mr. T!
That is just... there are no words.
It's like Sam Rogers doing yoga.
True facts: Michaelangelo was trying to capture the essence of Sam Roger's yoga on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling but didn't have enough space or skill to fully capture it's grandeur and essence. So he drew a bunch of naked people and clouds and charged the Church double overtime rates.
My emotions, can only take such a beating every few years. I hope this year I'm not disappointed.
๐
Someone from 247 with legit insider knowledge got everyone's hopes up.
Based on piecing together a bunch of other tid bits of info I'm trying REALLY hard not to get my hopes up
I had a christmas party the other night with my #sauce and he got my hopes up a lot.... then I get a text message this morning..... I am still strongly leaning Clemson just because my nuts can't take that hit anymore but I can not lie my Hopes are through the fucking roof
That's how most feel too. Saying Clemson so the disappointment doesn't hit like before.
New staff, new era. I'm going to go out on a limb and let my hopes take me again. Let's see what happens
Also seeing that a Insider put in his Crystal ball to Clemson this morning has me a bit hesitate as well. That guy is known for only putting his choices in when he knows for sure.....TOO MUCH
Seems like it's our best #sauces vs. their best #sauces. Let's get sauced.
Eh the guy is only correct 74% of the time which is over 6% lower than 247's entire average. Plenty of insiders ahead of the guy that I'd put more weight into their opinion
Ok, I am losing my shit here. My emotions are like a ping pong ball at a Chinese training facility. I dont know what the fuck to expect but either way I know that to even being in this spot is saying a lot if we think 6 months ago.
Welcome to a world without #sauces
But the crazy thing is I do have #sauces and they are all leading me to be happy but then I see it going the other way... this kid is good...
Multiple #sauces indicating? Where there's smoke...Dammit I got my hopes up again.
did someone say sauce?
what recruiting used to be like VS what recruiting is like now! #ALLTHESAUCE
If we land KJ I'm gonna donate another paycheck to the Hokie Club
Make sure KJ sees this. It could make all the difference.
I absolutely refuse to let myself believe we have a more than 1 in 4 chance at landing KJ... I hate to be "that guy" but I am fully prepared to be "friend-zoned" by a blue chipper again.
I wouldnt consider it any other way.. just part of being a Hokie
blue chipper chue blipper
Lol he just freaked out that entire board using just emojis.
I took off work tomorrow and told my boss it was because I needed work done on my 4runner, but really it's because I'm gonna be too torqued to look at insurance policies all day
Hopefully it'll be worth it.
Literally every sign points to Clemson.
Me:
I cant wait until he picks VT...
Haha me too. I wonder what it's like to actually be clemson. Do they get mad at 4 stars?
Yea 4*s aren't as good of a return on investment
So he is going to FSU...
Bad memories, friend
KJ's recruitment and announcement remind me of the other KJ (Kevin Jones) in 2001. Blue chip, all indications and expectations are that he would go to the blue blood (PSU then, Clemson now). Now, all we need is a matching result.
My friend (#sauce but not really) has heard that VT and USCe are both essentially competing to hire KJ's father
We all know the good guys win the hiring battles. #Whitness
I know everyone's laser focused on the KJ hype train right now but Ben Smiley tweeted this this morning.
The VT/UVA hate has been fun to watch whenever he posts something.
247 says Penn State visited the 29th. Shoo, get outta here, guy.
Just saw this on ESPN:
"Virginia Tech in play for first top-10 class
In the dozen years that ESPN has ranked prospects and recruiting classes, the Hokies have never finished with such a highly ranked class. With coach Justin Fuente having led Virginia Tech to 19 wins in two years, the Hokies are ascending on the recruiting trail. After signing a No. 25 class in 2017 that featured two ESPN 300s and five four-star prospects, Fuente and staff have taken the success to another level in 2018. The Hokies enter Wednesday with the No. 16 class, which includes three ESPN 300 players, one ESPN JC 50 cornerback and 11 four-star prospects. Five-star player K.J. Henry's Wednesday decision looms large for the Hokies. Henry's choice, as well as that of ESPN 300 linebacker Dax Hollifield in February, could place the Hokies inside the top-10 classes."
http://www.espn.com/college-football/recruiting/story/_/id/21809158/stor...
on KJ Henry... I can remember streaming Josh Sweat's commitment ceremony during class a few years ago. That was my first true experience of blue chipper friend-zoning as a Hokie following recruiting cycles. This feels similar, except the popular girl wears orange and purple instead of garnet and gold.
I could be wrong, but I think the difference is that Sweat was the favorite to go to VT. Clemson has been the favorite for KJ for a while now.
I believe you're right. Sweat might've been closer to committing, but in my mind I'd overhyped each of them playing in Bud's scheme equally.
Before the pessimist meltdown tomorrow on how Virginia Tech cant recruit top talent..
Ill just be happy when Quincy Patterson signs on the dotted line. I dont care about ratings or what anybody else says, that kid is going to be a stud. The only reason people arent more excited is because the number 3 was next to his name for so long...
But I dont know the last time a quarterback weve recruited has had this kind of endorsements from people who know the position at a professional level:
247 Jeff Christensen Article
Hero Sports Opening Review
Dilfer
but, i hope, much less likely to jump up on a table in the student union and scream obscenities...
I think we all see the potential, but please take caution on how soon QP will develop. Not many QBs come into college and take over, especially passing the football. You can see true freshman make impacts rushing the ball if they're a transcendent athlete, but most true Freshman, and redshirt Freshman, are asked to be game managers.
Garoppolo had growing pains at EIU against non-FBS competition. He finally got it together his JR and SR years and is now finally getting to show how he's developed in SF.
There is every reason to believe that QP is a special player and person. He's said all the right things. He's getting lauded for his mind, which is essential for elite QBs. He's measurables are through the roof. But lets all remember he is still very, very, very raw as a prospect. He needs time to develop. We can not, and should not, put too high of expectations on a kid who hasn't stepped foot in a college QB room.
I dont see him taking the field for a few years, at least not next year as a freshman. Id imagine with the depth we have hed be redshirted. But thats okay, it doesnt sound like hes a polished prospect coming out of the gate day 1. But when his time at VT is done, barring injury, he has the measurables and intangibles to be all-time.
I feel like a lot of people are forgetting that Hooker is the most talented QB on campus right now and in my opinion will put up the best stats any Tech QB has ever done by the time he leaves. I then expect QP to make a run at his accolades. Long story short. Tech is stacked at QB for ahwhile.
Comparing HS tapes, Hooker's is by far better than QP. I think Hooker is the better prospect right now. I really love Jackson, and think he is very talented, but his lack of mobility might really hinder his ceiling in this offense.
I 100% agree with you on this
I really hope Hooker gets an honest shot at the job next year. JJ has exceeded my expectations, but I think we need a QB who is more of a threat in the run game.
Rewatched Hookers tape. He's really good.
Our QB room will be stacked.
I think QP is a real silver lining. I real bright point is if you listen to what recruits are saying about the culture that Coach Fu has, and is trying to build at VT, You can see it, and moreover see that they are buying into it. Which I think is awesome
Brilliant like Winston? I hope national championship brilliant and not stealing crab legs brilliant.
My twitter feed, filled primarily with upstate SC people and Clemson fans, is telling me that their message boards are very upset right now. Can't read too much into it, but they are apparently not happy about the upcoming early NSD.
Went on their 247 board earlier and they're so rich I couldn't even find a thread with discussion concerning KJ
Like they're not even worrying/thinking about him.
Lol must be nice
Thankful again for Joe and his great design work. Went on tigernet and it's not even mobile friendly.
Lol I just went over there and found a thread were they were all complaining about their O-Line recruiting. In particular they are lamenting about how their current OL group consists of 5 three stars, 3 four stars, and 1 five star. The title of the thread was simply "yawn."
Why? Clemson is pulling the #1 and #3 recruits in the country. Not too much to be mad about.
Some of the chatter is that they might be losing ground to UGA with Cade Mays, possibly good news for us about KJ, but that is less clear. It seems though that they are no longer confident in Mays.
Yea and they are super pissed about it. It's crazy how unhappy a lot of Clemson fans are with their current recruiting class. They're acting like any OL under 5*'s aren't good enough for them (which of course there are only 4 in the entire country). Success has hit the fanbase hard.
As a fellow SC Hokie I think you realize how not crazy it is for them to act like this. They have always thought they were an elite program, 10-15-20 years before they actually were.
Jaevon Becton
Que?
Anybody else notice to bump in the ranking in the ACC recruiting. Number two, behind Miami and in front of Clemson. Enjoy it while it last....
I will enjoy it to my death. Thanks BAG
Darrisaw got a bump in the composite it looks like. Up to a .8850
Did you get updated not-so-good news? Or am I reading between lines too much?
Nope. You read it just right. We had a good run fellas/ladies.
I think you're reading into that too much
I just assumed he meant that Clemson is going to get a bump on NSD
yeah but that's stating the obvious. that's going to happen whether or not they sign KJ or not. and were not going to jump them whether or not we sign everyone were in the running for or not. so take it with a grain of salt. bag likes to give keep us on our toes.
This was my line of thinking... That and, I've been reading 247 boards too much recently. All the cryptic scoops over there and I start to feel like I'm reading/speaking modern english HokieShakespeare or something.
You're reading too much into it. Even with KJ we will not finish above Clemson.
I got my hopes up again for nothing, didn't I?
LA has been quiet?
Busy weekend with some personal things going on.
FYI it's pretty quiet out there. Staff has a quiet confidence in regards to KJ, but as everyone has said, smart bet would be clemson.
Outside of that, don't anticipate many surprises tomorrow. Graham to GT is a very real possibility.
I'd like to have Graham, but I'm not too sad about him leaving. My biggest concern is that we'd have to play him every year.
Screw your personal issues tell us about recruits!!!
/SSSSSSSSS
I hope your stuff got/gets worked out buddy!
Hearing Clark won't sign from reports on TSL
taking that as a decommitment
Mutual parting of the ways, it seems.
He tweeted out he wasn't a few days ago.
good guy CB in for Jean-Baptiste from Brian Dohn
KJ isn't talking to anyone until after he commits tomorrow. I think he wants to shock the world. He said he wants to be The Man, at Clemson he wouldn't even be the top DE
I like the way you think... but I can't let myself be that optimistic. Get your hopes up and the disappointment feels like someone is crushing your Sweat-ty parts in their Hand.
Ferrell though I hate when I taylor my day around a commitment nnadi I'm at holmes sweating. I wasn't laborn yesterday becton every signing day I pine for history not to repeat itself toliver again.
I always follow recruiting with a hopeful heart, and dreams of future vicarious glory, but braced with a realism and pessimism to not get too down if we don't win every recruiting battle. While I agree with the sentiment of many posting "don't the spend until the check clears" comments, I usually don't post those sentiments, holding a kind of " I won't pee on your parade if you don't pee on mine" position on negative emotions. I will not down vote those posts, but would prefer not to see them in here. Just my $00.02, which is not worth much these days.
I can appreciate what you are saying... and I'd probably also say that I am hopeful, but I certainly wouldn't consider myself optimistic. The difference for me between the two is optimism comes with greater expectation than hope. I can say I have hope at any time I think the chances of success are greater than 0... I am only optimistic if I think the chances of success are greater than 50/50. So in the case of KJ, where I'd ball park our chances (purely on gut, with no sources) around 25% I consider myself hopeful... but not optimistic.
In the end I'm incredibly happy with this class and encouraged by Fuente and his staff... however, in this case, with KJ I won't allow myself to go to where I went with Hand and Sweat where (unrealistic?) optimism lead to major disappointment. And yes I do realize I have a great life when I can consider the decisions high school football players make about college "major disappointments".
Sort of along the lines of "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".
KJ just announced............
.
.
.
.
He is not taking calls, text from coaches or media till after his announcement.
That is all.
Why'd you do me like that BAG?
We all need to loosen up and laugh a bit...
Yeah, and not mess with each other!
That looks an awful lot like a Horned Frog....are you saying he's a surprise TCU commit???
"Goddammit LeRoy."
I predict a 32.3333% (repeating, of course) chance of landing all the recruits we're after
Less than a third?...shit! Sure wish it was higher!
LEEEEEEEEEEEEROYYYYYYYYYY JJJJJJJJENKINSSSSSS!!!
Goddammit Leroy!
At least I have chicken...
What about tweets from fans?
Remember, BAG, some of us know where you work and are within easy driving distance...
I feel like a kid on the night before Christmas in regards in KJ......I can't sleep because I wondering if I'm going to be surprised and get the gift I've been wanting or if I'll just be disappointed and have to be happy with what I do get.
sounds like you'll be happy either way :)
It will work out. no SWEAT!
Seriously. Josh Sweat broke me years ago. I have no heart left to break.
Historic class if KJ shocks the world, if he doesn't still a great, great class! More concerned with Dax since I am expecting him to be on board by February. No matter what happens (OK not no matter what) the momentum in the program continues to build! Next years class shaping up nicely as well
๐ค๐ค๐ค
Who Bill Lawson?
"Formerly National Recruiting Dirdctor at Recruit"
$$$$
I think this guy has tried to drop some recruiting knowledge before to look like a big guy. Not sure he knows anything.
Who is Bill Lawson?
I thought he ran a recruiting service.
Edit: o god don't read anymore of his twitter feed though.
Yeah, one of those people who calls everyone be a commie and hates John McCain. Awesome.
Re: His twitter feed.
This guy is obviously a joke.
Is this guy related to John Lawson who owns WM Jordan Company construction firm, has built numerous buildings on campus, namesake of Myers-Lawson School of Construction, major booster, and former BOV member??
The big SigEp booster?
Yup that's the one.
I want to believe! I hear the X-Files theme.
Don't mind me, at this moment I know it could be false hope but....
Why couldn't this have been the Lawson that transferred?
damn it, I really wasn't trying to get my hopes up.
hmm... This man's twitter is interesting. Not afraid of divisive comments, that's for sure.
Bill lawson is also the guy who broke th Fuente hire if I remember correctly
I think he was the guy that said it would be Chad Morris (many believed him since he apparently lives in Dallas)
Here is the previous thread. Unfortunately I might actually feel worse about getting KJ now.
Guess we'll all know for sure tomorrow ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ trying not to get my hopes up
He mentioned "the spread" was coming to Blacksburg.
This is what I found. 2 days before it was rumored on ESPN during the lolUVA game.
he did break the news of the new scoreboard back in 2013:
http://www.thekeyplay.com/content/2013/february/17/new-scoreboard
Laugh at this guy all you want, but he is connected and knows Guerry and others in the program FWIW. Not saying it means KJ to VT, but it certainly is a good sign.
Still bracing myself for him to choose Clemson though.
Was just searching through the other thread about when he posted prior to Fuente's hiring and you had this to say:
I wouldn't say I'm laughing at his information but it's cryptic to the point where it allows plausible deniability. I just don't put as much stock into that info.
Don't think about it too much
We'll find out in 19 hours
/s
Now I'm laughing at him. I hope we can all agree not to fall for any bs from this guy next time.
Why is it so easy to lie to yourself. I swore no more after Sweat...
Fuck it. Let's do it. KJ is going to be a Hokie. All aboard
Seriously I was able to temper my expectations for so long. I'm like an addict relapsing.
And doesn't it feel sooooooooo good?
Same
Let's fucking do this!!!!
I hope KJ picks the Hokies, but my concern is that he is merely drumming up interest in his press conference. If there were no doubt, no one would watch. So, is he just creating interest at the expense of VT fans? That would make sense, unfortunately.
We don't need your solid reasoning we only want blind optimism!
...and with blind optimism, put these on too
And if those aren't enough, I'm sure you can find these in Orange and Maroon.
I can understand where you're coming from. I don't think KJ needs to drum up interest in his recruitment or the presser to announce it. ALL interested parties will be watching (some likely already know). Regardless of his choice, he'll get plenty of pub when he's playing.
That said...gah I hope he picks the Homies!
Edit: Hokies.
Phone thinks I want "homies" which works because we all homies.
I wonder if that's what happened to Charley Wiles back in the day. Maybe he was trying to say "You'll get to play with all your Hokies at VT"
4-teen beers and bedtime. Gonna have 5 star dreams.
SHOULD HAVE HAD 5-TEEN BEERS TO GET A 5-STAR RECRUIT PAAWWWWLLLLL
They set Fuentes interview for 4pm...
I have battered Hokie syndrome I'm not allowed within 50 feet of hype
Gotta do it:
So Fuente is talking after him?
I think KJ is announcing at 4:20. To feed the hype machine, it could be a "I'd like to announce our newest coaching hire" followed by a "I will attend the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University".
Likely it's unrelated or we expect everyone to sign before 4:00.
What else could happen at 4:20? !
Well that's not a good sign, since KJ isn't announcing until 4:20 pm. If they knew he was going to sign they would have waiting until after so they could talk about what a big signing it is, right?
If none of the recruiting experts know for sure I'm pretty damn certain that the staff at ESPNU doesn't know. Just saying.
I believe he's referring to Fuente, not ESPNU.
Fuente's interview set to air live on ESPNFU. Sorry just had to.
They set Fuentes interview for 4pm...
I detect an extra 's' there. Or is it a '/s'?
I know how to spell his name
Fuente's
Ah, I thought you were messing with us.
You know, like ESPN does.
Just need the apostrophe.
gonna be a lot of happy Hokies today!!
I had posted that KJ's announcement is at 4:30. I believe it is actually at 4:20
We should send Adonis.
Too soon?
Haha well played
Since we're all sadly reminiscing over Josh sweat, thought it was interesting to point out that he would have actually played in more acc championship games if he had come to the Hokies (barring what happens next season)
Just a slightly surprising tidbit
I also heard that our shitty dorms were an issue as well.
It has cost us some top talent several times before
Well at we addressed that and got new football only dorms
We did?
We did not
First you can't have athlete only dorms second I assume this is sarcasm. Also Andy Bitter asked Whit about this issue and he said it's not a high priority.
That is a cop out.
It's more like at VT he would have been required to live on campus as a freshmen, and have a roommate.
At FSU freshmen are allowed to live off campus, so he leased a 3 BR apartment for just himself.
With the rent paid in Hardee's coupons, no doubt
Sweat is skipping the bowl game and entering the draft. He won't play another college game.
Didn't think about that but makes sense for a guy like him and with his coach leaving. Another funny tidbit that beamers age was used against us in recruiting by schools like FSU who was supposed to be so stable and yet Jimbo just jumped ship only 2 years after beamer retired
Yeah, but I'm not sure anybody saw that one coming. Not sorry to see him go, though.
A bunch of the expected letters coming in so far:
Dejuan Ellis, Nadir Thompson, John Harris, Chamarri Conner, Oscar Shadley, Walker Culver.
Jermaine Waller, Nasir Peoples, Luka Tenuta, Darryle Simmons, Armani Chatman
Joe Kane, Keshon Artis
Just so you know, there's an entire thread for this.
Hadn't seen that. It was started after I started listing here.
NBD18.
We have gotten 4 CBs in the last two days for Jean-Baptiste. We now have 4/6 total, and the other 2 are for BC and are from February. Not sure if he's planning on signing early or not but I would LOVE to land this kid.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-recruiting/blog/os-sp-brax...
So sounds like Clark is off the table completely.
Guess it was a result of the Webb commitment.
Put your money on Clemson for KJ.
Fine by me Baptiste is a baller!
Any #sauces around KJ? Baptiste is definitely a baller but trying to plan the work day and can't be ramping up my hopes is there is #sauces.
Yes. 247 insider said it's not gonna happen. Will fill people in later
Did darrisaws ranking drop in the composite?
So, Clemson is likely to end up with the #1, #3, #8, and #9 players in the nation, according to 247... I wish all these guys the best, but I wish some of them wanted to make a difference and stand out.
Our highest ever is Kendall Fuller at #17 correct?
KJ was number one back in his day.
Kevin Jones was #1 in the class of 2001
That's right.
Yeah and Georgia will probably end up with the #2, #6, #10, #16, #18, #22, #31, and #38 best recruits. Pretty insane stuff but winning sells along with being a blue blood. Hopefully we can continue to work our way into more 5-star recruit conversations so we can land at least 1 a year.
Another CB for Henry goes to Clemson and prior to that we get another for Jean-Baptiste. The build up hype for the "sleeper" KJ to VT pick definitely had me going, but I can finally say that I see the writing on the wall /shrug.
Yeah, I didn't get myself too worked up on this one. All the rumors and rumblings appear to be a little pre-announcement hype to stir up attention for it. He's been a lock to Clemson and I don't see this one going differently.
Yea it was fun to get excited about KJ while it lasted. We should really be getting hyped over JJB though. He'd be the #4 player in our class right now. A 4* DE is always huge!
It's going to happen though. People will always focus on what the coaches didn't get versus what they did. I expect more of the same. People complaining that the current coaches aren't an upgrade over last coaches, they can't recruit or close etc.
Just imagine how different many would feel if Tre Turner committed today instead of several months ago.
WE (Tech) signed a FOUR star OL TODAY, that should have us shouting from the rooftops!
That is definitely huge. Just speaking for myself here, but it's hard for me to get overly hyped about the star ranking of an individual OL. Just from reading French's analyses and reviews, OL recruiting is such a crapshoot. There's a fine line between having the potential of being great and a project that never fully develops. More so than an individual star ranking, I like the numbers and overall offer lists and higher rankings that this class is bringing in on OL. That group functions more as a unit than any other, IMO.
I'd say normally yes, but his ranking is based on a semester of football at FUMA prep. Playing against other prep kids and freshmen college teams.
yeah well we all saw how that worked out for another 2-star HS player who was bumped to 4-star after prepping and signed with VT
So the odds are in our favor it won't work out the same way again.
Seriously though, I think it does show that some talented players are late bloomers or are just totally off the radar until a season @ prep. I'd say a 4-star JUCO is more likely to be an impact player than a 4-star high school prospect, simply for what you said above - a season playing tougher competition.
Nijman is pretty good!
Should we expect Jean-Baptiste to sign today?
Wiltfong with the Baptiste CB.
Not terribly long ago, we missed out on Josh Sweat. People were having a meltdown. While the meltdown was occurring, French was writing to us about the potential upside of 3* DE Trevon Hill.
I'll have to be honest... Getting Sweat would have been great, but Hill has been really good for VT. Not only that, he seems to have a bigger 'motor' than Sweat. I like who we ended up with!
Who knows what will happen with KJ today. I wish him the best wherever he goes. But if he doesn't end up at VT, and JJB does, I'll still be ecstatic about this class and the potential upside of the guys we signed!
If people start adding KJ to the list of people we 'missed' its not because we were let down 'again'...its because they ignored all the signs before pointing to Clemson.
Sweat from all accounts in VB was pretty sold on VT for a while...
Penn St getting 2! 5 stars AND the #1 in VA (Slade) just grinds my gears.
Getting JJB to sign today will be crucial. 247 recently upped him to a 94. With everyone getting guys to sign today, he's certainly going to be in high demand for the February cycle and will have some big dogs start coming after him hard.
Yea after today a lot of the big programs will have a much better idea of where they stand and I full well expect some new players to hit the scene for him. Unfortunately from his perspective that probably means it would be better to wait.
I see we're starting to quickly transition into the "we didn't need 5-Star and the 4-Star might be better anyway" part of the cycle
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
It could be possible that some of us are genuinely excited about the Hokies that did sign.
It's possible to be excited about the guys that will be coming to Blacksburg and disappointed that we didn't land other guys at the same time.
Its the only way people are able to feel better about not getting a player they wanted. "I didn't need that Mercedes anyway, my Honda will do the job and last longer."
I'm excited because we're way better than Honda.
Acura, maybe?
....Beamer?
*ducks*
Haha yeah its step 6 and 7 of the grief cycle. I hope KJ can shock the world but I am excited that at least in this stage of VT Recruiting, if we come in 2nd on a big time recruit, we have a good shot to land a mid-4 star "2nd choice" instead of a low 3 star like in the past.
Exactly. I don't think this is like other years. Nnadi, Hand, Sweat...those guys had at least come out at one point or another saying VT was a favorite. By some accounts Sweat flipped to FSU the night before NSD. We've been in it, but never led for KJ.
We're also talking about the prospect of landing JBB, who is a 94, mid 4*. Not a marginal mid/low 3* we try to talk up.
This class isn't amazing, but it is very strong. There isn't anywhere near the 'filler' that we've had in past classes recently.
Other than maybe '16, what recent class was "filler" - not in 20/20 retrospect, but contemporaneously?
I think Luther Maddy and Dadi Nichols were "filler"
Interesting how everyone is talking about JJB recently and not Dax
Most likely because Dax has already said he's taking his Stanford OV before committing. Whereas JJB was here for his OV last week and we're getting a lot of momentum on him.
Probably because he indicated he will be signing in February instead of now. JBB theoretically will still sign today so everyone shifted focus.
In a free artcle on 247 Brian Dohn wrote (1st CB for JJB to VT) he says, "Instead of rushing a decision and signing this week, he said late Tuesday afternoon he will sign in February."
He still could surprise, but believe he is waiting.
I have zero expectation regarding KJ. I anticipate him putting on the Clemson hat.
I'm just hoping to be pleasantly surprised.
I think all the NC2VT guys not waiting 'til after when KJ signs says a lot, along with the announcement that Fuente will be addressing the fans at 4:00. Just reading the signs
Maybe, but it mostly said they're committing, regardless of what he does.
I'd love to have him, but I'm pretty happy with this recruiting class.
Me too!! how 'bout this Wide Receiver Class. Turner (6'3), Simmons (6'3) and Mitchell (6'4). Let's be honest, all our WR this past year were slot WR. We had no real vertical threat. To add, our running game was weak. Fuente went 9-3 with a very limited tool box. That was impressive, and a lot of the credit goes to the Offensive Scheme. Now we are adding these monster's. I am very excited about VT's future, and to see what Fuente can do with all the tools he needs.
I am not worried about Bud. KJ himself has said that Foster has put on the field an awesome DL year after year without 5* talent.
Edit: KJ would make this team better. However, the real excitement comes from what KJ's commitment to VT would mean for recruiting.
Balance that with a side of Savoy, Hazelton, and hopefully a healthy Farley. I'm loving the options there!
ftfy
Not to take away from the importance of the LPD. We were putting up a lot of points until teams started finding out that we had no big yard threat. When a defense knows that most things 15 yards plus can be covered with man to man, it makes getting any yards real tough. Let's give CornFu some credit, they kept that offense competitive. The OLine stepped up, and they used misdirection to get H-Backs and RB wide open in the center of the field. They didn't have that one on one WR threat this past year to help keep Defenses honest.
Any word on J Becton? I was hearing him and others chatter that we may have a shot with him
Ok, my hype has settled. We've still got a good class
Don't know if we are still going after Grant but Tennessee just got a commitment from 3* RB Jeremy Banks who they just recently offered
If we don't get Grant, I don't think he will pick UT.
My concern is that if he doesn't sign in December, some other programs may reach out to him. He's a really important recruit for us.
Why is a 3* RB such an important recruit for us?
I imagine the current lack of RB talent on the roster would have something to do with it.
BAG, LA, Bill Lawson, anybody with sauces, marinades, or dry rubs we have 2.5 hours till the decision. Should I dig out my old cup from baseball, or go by some celebration balloons and bourbon?
My friend, my friend, you've just been kicked in the nuts. I have no sauces, but all the chatter is not good chatter. Hope I'm proven otherwise.
Still hasn't informed anyone AFAIK but don't get your hopes up.
Also, when is Cam Goode's HS event? Any further word on Graham?
I was curious about this too and checked his twitter and his school's website/facebook/twitter and couldn't find any mention of it. From his twitter he seems to be 110% in with the Goode Guys though so I don't think there is a concern of losing him.
Goode wants to sign in feb with HS teammates. No concern really though.
Graham still undecided. Could wait til feb too. Don't feel great about him, especially since he's taken his OV here and can make an easy drive to ATL anytime he wants.
Hopefully Graham shakes off this shortsightedness in flirting with GT and goes with us. I know his high school QB instincts might be telling him playing QB in college is better, but when you're a QB at GT, you have legitimately no prospects of a future at the position in the NFL. Bigger programs are more interested in him elsewhere because of where he projects in college and the next level. I hope our recruiting staff can convince him of this.
Guys KJ KEPT THE STICKER ON THE BILL OF THE VT hat. That will help him easily identify it from where he will be sitting!!!! It's happening
When discussing KJ briefly the announcers did say the favorite is Clemson, but VT made a strong push. Which was nice that we were mentioned but not USCe, Bama, Georgia.
I hope that's not so he can return the hat.
KJ to Clemson :/ So much for that.
Idk why I ever think it will go differently ๐
Lol if you didn't know this would be the result you don't Hokie enough
Dammmmmmmmmmmmmmitt. I want to win one of these battles one day. Whoever that kid ends up being, he's gonna make an entire town blow up. He'll be talked about for a long time to come. Meanwhile, these other guys can go just be another dude at the blue bloods.
OK now that's resolved, so everyone resume obsessing over Hollifield!
Huh, almost forgot about that guy.
UGA has the largest staff and the 1 recruiting class. Why can't we expand our staff?
Here are a few reasons...
What are our chances with Tyree Henry?
We are getting shut out on the all-name team this cycle. Can we still flip LB Bumper Pool?
Don't know how to embed on my phone but I saw a tweet yesterday from 2019 4* CB Cam'Ron Kelly along the lines of him taking notice of the Hokies. He's HS teammates of Artis. He would be a huge pickup.
Unfortunately, he also tweeted every major school he is talking to. Trolling hard
Ha! Didn't catch that. Well...at least we're on his radar??
Not trolling, just having some fun with the fan bases. He had Oklahoma, Ohio State, Penn State, Clemson, VT, UVA, and a few others all up there. Oscar Smith guy so I assume he and Artis are at least on speaking terms.
Graham officially flips from VT to GT.
Oh, well. Disappointing, but wasn't unexpected.
Wow. I always thought this was a toss up and he would let this play out till February. Word is he didn't let our staff even know prior which is pretty shitty.
Will make it easier to go hard on him in the "Hatin' On" threads.
Looking at his offer list...Alabama, VT, Michigan, Georgia, Miami.....and you go to Georgia Tech. Just why? ๐คฏ
QB
I would hardly call that position of theirs a quarterback.
Lol seriously the thought of losing a 4* offensive skill position player to GT seems crazy but if that's what the kid really wants to do then more power to him I guess.
Man, Miami is crushing butt. Spooky now that they have a great coach leading them now...
EDIT: Sheeeet, they are currently the 5th ranked recruiting class. And we have dropped 3 spots to 18th. Still solid. And the next highest Koastal team is UNC at 36th, although we have the same average rank since they have a small class.
Chances we land Baptiste and Becton? Those 2 with Goode and Dax for the defense and Grant for the offense will make me happy. I hate we lost Graham but oh well.
But I am also happy with our class as it stands right now. Definitely looking good for the future!
Perspective:
Anyone notice who is ranked 19th (edit: in the College Football Playoffs Ranking), 3 spots ahead of us? Memphis. Anyone remembering them ever getting a better recruiting class than us (I really didn't look and I am just assuming)? When Fuente says that he got the recruits he needed, I believe him. CBF is going to field the LPD, and the offensive players we have in this class are impressive. I hope Grant comments because that will really fill that void. However, Stewart's film really impresses me in how he is able to block, and Fuente has sat better runners for not being able to do that. I for one am excited, and posturing myself in anticipation for some really competitive, Hard, Smart, Tough Football over the next few years. Seeing Memphis ranked that high, knowing the coach that built them from the dirt is now our Head Coach.
Let's Go Hokies!!!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Umm what? Memphis's class is in the 80's bud.
I'm Talking College Football Rankings, Not Recruiting.
He's referring to AP/CFP polls. Pointing out Fuente did a good job of identifying talent and developing players for their scheme I'm assuming.
I get what you are saying, and actually agree, but I can think of more than 20 teams I would bet on to beat Memphis, and I don't tend to gamble, Where would you pick them to finish in the ACC? Again, not to dispute your point about recruiting to a system and building a program, but they would not be rated top 20 if they played a P-5 schedule.
They would probably finish pretty high in the ACC this year. The Conference was very weak this season outside of Clemson.
High enough to rated 19th in the pole? Personally I think of them as more like Syracuse, or UNC last year, without the athletes in defense. Would likely be bowl eligible, but not likely ranked, IMO.
You think they're better than Miami, VT, or NC State? Frankly I'm not sure I'd have them ahead of Wake or BC either. Or even FSU late in the season.
They're probably a FG better than Duke, GT, or Pitt on a neutral field, but they'd could easily lose to 1 or 2 of those 3 if they don't have easy games bracketing them (that's the part that G5 apologists miss...you have far fewer breathers during conference play). And Syracuse with Dungy would not be a gimme by any stretch.
If we played their schedule we would also lose fewer games.
GT lost there DC who is going to NCST to be their 10th coach.
Sounds like a step down.
For the coach or for NCSU?
Ted Roof is steady as a DC. I like the guy.
Coach, go from DC to non coordinator position, not good.
He is going to be Co-DC and assistant head coach.
Lots of rumors he might have been let go after the season.
https://n.rivals.com/news/clemson-re-emerging-in-rivals250-lb-dax-hollif...
Latest on Dax. Im starting to get a bad feeling
Noooooooooooooooooo no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no
Welp...he gone!
WOW ABsolutely none of that sounds favorable for the hokies...here's our chance to have that yearly top rated one we thought for sure we had that got away?!Welp I'll Hand it to him, his recruitment sure made me Sweat at the thought of courting his commitment!
I think my edit was better
hokie nation be all like:
via GIPHY
Not sure what worries me more- Clemson getting interested or them saying "Stanford is the leader" when supposedly this guy's been a VT lock the entire time but "is just enjoying his recruitment".
I'm just rocking in the corner hoping he's entertaining advances from Clemson in the same way that one Mook Reynolds entertained them...
Part of the routine is to go from "VT has momentum and will finish this class on a tear!" to "our pets' heads are falling off!" by February. At least the bulk of the class is locked in at this point.
I've seen this movie before.
The Roanoke Times put out their top players in VA list. http://www.roanoke.com/sports/colleges/virginia-s-top-big-ten-lands-top-...
Losing the top guys to B1G schools is probably better than watching them at Clemson/FSU. Despite focusing on NC VT still landed 3 of the top 10 in-state and 6 of the top 25. That's not bad at all.
Dax is raking in Stanford CB's today including one from Wiltfong.
He has had waves of Hokie CB's, UNCheat CB's now Stanford CB's and Clemson will be next. This dude is obviously enjoying the process big time and his latest suitor is always his favorite. No telling where he winds up but my money is on Clemson. I will take Keshon, Rivers, Proctor, Ashby etc any day. We will be fine just a shame to expend so much time on a recruit that could have been spent elsewhere.
I still think VT.
Hope you are right! Interested in LA or BAG's current thoughts....l
Honestly I think at the end of the day he is a Hokie but I am also getting tired of his carnival ride of comments lately.
I'm getting close just ignoring him till he signs anywhere. Difference between him and Hunter last year was that Hunter had his fun but didn't keep talking about each one night stand (college) he had through the process.
Kid is gonna be good but just can't keep reading his quotes
Definitely this. Obviously VT would never turn down a talent like Dax, but I'm excited to see what Rivers and Proctor can do. Lets not forget about the amount of talent we pulled last year - Rivers, Proctor, Garbutt, Porcher, Debose, etc etc etc are all chomping at the bit. I think we'll be a very solid defense for years to come.
Ah yes Hokie recruiting.....
The paper is obviously the LOI