Early Signing Period starts tomorrow and runs through the 21st. Last year, it seems Fuente expected all committed recruits to sign. It seems that expectation is in place again, with some exceptions.
If the staff had something planned, They can always delete this thread.
In the class we have the following commitments:
Jaden Payoute ATH .9253
JR Walker ATH .8977 - Signing at 6:00 at high school.
Tayvion Robinson ATH .8943
Jahad Carter ATH (Rumored to not be signing in early period) .8646
Norell Pollard DT .8622
Mario Kendricks DT .8559
Dashawn Crawford DT .8467 JUCO
Josuah Fuga DT .8275
Bryan Hudson OG .9127 - Signing at 1:15 pm at high school
Jesse Hanson OG .8709 - Signing at 4:00 pm at high school
William Pritchard OG .8580
Amare Barno OLB .8500 JUCO
Keshawn King RB .8925
Tahj Gary RB .8635
Nyquee Hawkins S .8891
Dean Ferguson S .8559
Nick Gallo TE .8647
Jacoby Pinckney WR .8872
Elijah Bowick WR .8709
There are still some offers on the table. For those counting, that's 19 commits. For those staring crosseyed at a video of NLI's being sent out, there were either 21 or 22 envelopes in hand. In theory, we're expecting more.
Brion Murray is scheduled to announce his commitment 12/19 at 1:00 pm.
Comments
Checked yesterday and we sent 21 LOI's. Carter did not receive one. Would imagine the other three went to Murray, Asante, and someone that we're taking a shot in the dark on, such as Nester.
Also, don't be surprised if you hear some NCSU chatter around Walker. They're trying to make a late push and The NC State commits were trying to pitch him at the shrine bowl (including hs teammate Savion Jackson). We still feel confident but something to keep an eye on. Now panic!
Thanks for giving us an opportunity to panic, we love that
too perfect given your avatar
Crazier things have happened...but this tweet has me feeling a little bit better
It appears the tweet has since been deleted.
via GIPHY
Phew, He posted it again!
This looks good for us! Almost as good as his Arms. Has he already gone through Hilgertification?
His tweet about our offer is pinned on his page. Hasn't changed since he's been getting other offers.
Westfield HS Football for life!
2007 Virginia State Champs!
15-0
I'm old...
Edit: HOMER ALERT! Maybe a topic reserved for another thread and I may be biased but I think we are the best HS football program in VA history lol (atleast in terms of winning and championships against the best competition in the state, not in terms of producing D1 players) especially considering it opened in 2000 I believe. Granted guys like Eddie Royal and Evan Royster (alltime leader rushing at Penn st) came out of there not to mention the Glennons. At the time we were the only team in VA HS football history to go 15-0, especially in the best division (6A). Routinely play the best 757 teams in the playoffs. I know we've won a few more since then, but since my old Coach Verbanic left for Flint Hill and moving to NYC I haven't really kept tabs.
I will say that that 2004 Landstown team was insane, I went to go watch them play as I was only on freshmen football and they had Percy Harvin and another top ranked WR that went to FSU, and thinking that that offense was insane.
Go Bulldogs
2007*
Sorry, couldn't help but correct as I recalled Oakton (w/ Jack Tyler) losing a tight one to Phillip Sim's Oscar Smith team in the state semi's in '08.
Thanks man you're right, we played Oscar smith in the semis that year. They played us tough, we won a close one.
You lost me when you didn't mention Tyler Barfield
Definitely the best this century, but there's a lot of history to overcome. Annandale was #1 in the country '68, '71, and '74 IIRC.
Annandale went undefeated and was ranked number one nationally in 1978. I was there watching a sophomore QB named Mark Cox who later played QB at Tech while I was an undergrad. Not sure about the earlier years, but Coach Hardage won a handful of state championships during his long tenure.
Went a checked, Hardage won states in 67, 71, and 78. I know AP ranked us number 1 nationally in 67 and 71. I used to look at the posters in the weight room while doing dips, I couldn't remember the numbers though.
I went to Centreville :(, is the only time we beat you guys in 2013? I guess maybe 2000 as well lol. Or Maybe 2011/2012 as well? I think we made the championship game one of those years but lost to Oscar Smith (Ken Ekanem vs JC Coleman)?
I used to cover HS football in Northern Virginia (from 1997-2002), but I haven't paid much attention lately. I had no idea Westfield had won 3 straight Div. 6 titles. Very impressive!
Probably not the top HS program in VA history, but certainly in the argument. As another poster mentioned, Annandale was epic in the 60s and 70s (and even winning titles into the 90s). Also, I think Hampton won a TON of titles in the 90s at Div. 5.
Okay, I just Googled it, and I might give the all-time nod to Hampton (I think I counted 12 championships), but Westfield has a SOLID argument (along with Phoebus and Annandale)!
State Football Titles by Year
So they have a ranking for the all-time best teams, point system giving out points for each championship won. http://www.vhsl-reference.com/statechamps_champpoints.cfm
1. Hampton (17 total state championships)
2. Salem
3. Phoebus
4. Annandale
5. Woodrow Wilson
6. Westfield
Just looked at that and that Woodrow Wilson team is 37-161 since 99' ouch
in case anyone is curious about where the ATH's are going to wind up
Payoute - WR
Robinson - WR
Walker - CB
Carter - DB
Walker at CB is interesting. That's not a bad thing, but certainly interesting.
that's kind of me hoping he'll be a CB... I feel more certain that he'll be somewhere in the DB group. Maybe Nickel?
Payoute, Robinson, Bowick, Pinckney after Turner, Simmons, Mitchell, Ellis are two stacked WR classes in a row. Ofcourse only Grimsley and Kumah are producing anything from the 16 and 17 classes but I'd still like to see one of the athletes get some run at CB.
Guy I know just started this VT football podcast and latest episode goes into detail on the class. Some good info, though I think he is wrong that King will be better than Devyn Ford.
https://tinyurl.com/y83akun3
Really psyched about Asante and Fuga though.
I don't know if King will be better but if his production stays even close to high school down here he will be damn good.
What player rating corresponds to 4*, 3*, etc?
Each rating source has their own numbers and their own rating scheme.
247 Explanation for their rankings
As for the composite: Since 247 runs the composite, they attempt to keep the meaning the same for their own star ratings. They adjust the numbers a bit for the composite:
***** = 98.35 and up (roughly 30-some a year corresponds to about the same number of first round draft picks. Roughly, a 5* prospect is a guesstimation of a first round draft pick)
**** = 89.01 - 98.34 (typically >300; this will tend to include ~140% of the number of total draft picks or so- the projection, while several years away is that these are the most likely kids to go pro)
*** = 79.70 - 89 (there's >2000 total players rated at 3* and above in the composite. 130 schools taking 15-20 players a year means about 2000 of those are potential FBS starters; which is the baseline for a 3* ranking on 247. Rivals is pretty lazy and has only about 700-800 3*)
A player rated as a 2* prospect means that he's expected to play FCS. But since most players at that level won't get ranked by enough ranking sources, they tend to show up as unranked more often than not.
More reading on the rankings
What what? I've never seen whole number ratings, everything looks like a four decimal value (ie, Jaden Payoute ATH is a .9253). Should I just read that as a 92.53, putting him at a 4-star?
Correct
First one on board.
My fiance went to law school with his brother. Super nice family.
Fantastic video clip, I was going to give you a leg but the count was at 25 so ...
Decided to leave this at +25. Thanks for the info
Little late, but had to use it...
These offensive linemen get things done early.
Pretty cool videos the staff are doing for recruits.
First time in a while our media staff has done something and my initial reaction is "damn that's sweet"
great so you're saying more 2nd half woes in the future? this does not bode well for fuente and co /s
The #25 and the lunch pail from Bud. Nice.
My legs are tired from all this morning jumping, I didnt have time to warm up
Read the back of the shirt: you can sit down when you graduate.
Thank you sweet baby Jesus. Thou hath blesseth us with a sick ass running back, and for this gift we are thankful, amen.
Mario Kendricks
Videos are awesome. Great great work by Diethorn, Lezzie, and the gang. Those guys really pull their weight.
Did he publically verbally commit before today and I missed it, or is this one somewhat fresh?
"New commit" hasn't made a public announcement before this.
Thanks for confirming that I'm not entirely crazy
No, you're not crazy, but your mind is rotting.
It's from all the bourbon I've had to drink this season
We were the crystal ball leader but I hadn't seen a commitment or announcement until this.
Fresh
Edit: I guess I should have refreshed.
I hadn't heard of this guy, but I see he's a 3-star corner, so that's pretty exciting. I also see that he's coming from a community college, not from high school. Does that mean that he's already used a year of eligibility?
Yes, he has 3 years left
4 years to play 3, I presume, or did he play 2 years in community college? (not that we're in a position to redshirt a quality corner right now)
According to a 247 article he had a redshirt year and played 1 year at Coffeyville Community College.
He's been in juco for 2 years but redshirted his first year and started his second. So he can't redshirt but has 3 years of playing time.
Norrell Pollard
His leg doesn't look broke... /s
Amaré Barno
LMFAO this needs to go plaid
Don V did my favorite one
Vito the God of VT memes.
140 and counting. Killing it my man.
Lol Steven just embedded a tweet and it's the highest legged comment of all time that's how you do it
it's about 55% there
I mean right now at 149, it wouldn't even be Top 3 of that thread alone
Work smart not hard
#factanonverba #hardsmarttough
Whoever told you to post that after you texted it to them this morning was a genius.
*pats self on back*
Uh oh it looks like we have two Gallos
Ernest and Julio?
I toast you.
No, one Gallo is fine but now we have gallows!
I am noticing a theme on the highlight videos of these signees
Size and speed for days.
If anything, this is going to change the 'look' of playing against VT. These kids look like beasts, and its never a bad thing to look more physically imposing than your opponent.
These videos are an awesome way to announce the signings. Props to this support staff.
They're pretty cool, but I think Fu and Bud could mix it up a little... they're probably tired of saying "you ready to go?" and "let's get after their tail, baby"
Anyone keeping a list of who's left/what number we're at?
13 so far on Hokie Sports17 so far, no Carter, Bowick, or Hawkins as of 9:18 it looks like
oh that's a really handy list, thanks.
Amazing videos - great production by those guys
I knew Pinkcney was good, but had no idea how many quality offers he had. Half the SEC, Oklahoma, Clemson and a bunch of others offered this young man. Awesome recruiting win for the good guys.
Clemson didn't offer according to 247, but yea, certainly a great offer list, including Bama
I have a coworker who has met him a few times, since his son goes to school with him, and he speaks very highly of him, just seems like a great all-around kid. he also said clemson didn't have room, and if I remember correctly, he said the same thing about USCe. but both wanted him, just couldn't make the numbers work. great pick-up for us...my coworker, who follows high school ball here in upstate SC, thinks he'll do great things for us.
DaShawn Crawford
You gotta love a guy whose twitter handle is "underated"
He's hungry for success...I'll see myself out
Jaay Walker
This one is big some people were wondering if he would flip.
I thought he was signing at 6, in the gym, and we could come celebrate? Don't get me wrong I'm pumped he has signed
HEY NC STATE
There ya go Ham Greasy, lil switch up for ya...lol #LetsGo
The video doesn't show his face, or the coaches welcoming him... I guess he was absent the day they shot the promos? Or did he not make an official visit?
TKPers, I think this class has something special and I highly recommend this article from my hometown 757 paper:
https://pilotonline.com/sports/college/virginia-tech/football/article_bd...
"To be honest, other than the guys that decided to leave, we didn't really have to pull anybody back into the class," Hudson said. "Nobody was really losing belief in Virginia Tech. ... We all get it, and we all agree that the only people we want at Virginia Tech are the people that want to be there."
Interesting quote here to see how PSU negative recruits against us.
I'm a fan of what Hudson said about Fuente. It's always good when (on any team/job really) guys have an idea of what the process is and how things are going to move forward. Obviously, they won't get 100% of the picture, but to give an actual plan of attack for success is good to hear.
""People who run programs can say they want to get somewhere, but you ask them what their plan is and they don't tell you or their plan is just 'get better players' or something generic," Hanson said. "Coach Fuente had a step-by-step, year-by-year plan for what he wanted to do, so I trusted it.""
Would love to get a glimpse at this plan, but I know that I never will be allowed to.
Probably best it isn't shared with the public, because people like me would put it in a gantt chart, lay out all of the necessary milestones, and provide projections of plan success. As soon as one milestone is delayed, we all know the pitchforks would come out in full force.
Besides, we all get to see it, one step at a time. And we will understand it in retrospect.
been saying it since he was hired. Fuente is a long game coach which is exactly what VT needs
Franklin to recruits:
Shown me a game where Penn State registered as an earthquake.
I've noticed that the 'people that want to be there' line of thinking has been a point of contention in some recruiting discussions that bled over from the recruiting threads. Interesting to see an actual recruit's take on it.
I like the part about winning Hanson over .. he's a hoss and as a Clemson legacy I thought we might run into some trouble as signing day approached. Glad he picked VT and stuck with the decision!
I'd just like to thank everyone for updating the thread. Legs all around.
Close, but no cigar...
That gif is always an instant leg, there's no internal discussion
According to Hokiesports, this is how we're looking:
Signed:
Jesse Hanson OG .8709
Bryan Hudson OG .9127
Josuah Fuga DT .8275
William Pritchard OG .8580
Nick Gallo TE .8647
Tayvion Robinson
Keshawn King RB .8925
Jaden Payoute
Mario Kendricks DT .8559
Dean Ferguson S .8559
Brion Murray*
Norell Pollard DT .8622
Amare Barno OLB .8500 JUCO
Tahj Gary RB .8635
Jacoby Pinckney WR .8872
Dashawn Crawford DT .8467 JUCO
JR Walker
Elijah Bowick WR .8709
Nyquee Hawkins S .8891
Waiting on:
Jahad Carter ATH [Will not sign today]
Carter won't sign today.
Thanks for the reminder HF
Bowick is in
Updating...
19 signed, 1 waiting = 20 ..... there were 21 NLI's where'd that last one end up?
Can't wait to see what Hilgart does with these kids:
via GIPHY
#Gains
Her: He's probably thinking about other women.
You: Can't wait for the before and after pics of these kids in their underpants.
Yes officer, this post right here.
Nyquee Hawkins and that will do it for all expected recruits. So unless there is a surprise NSD is already over for the Hokies.
That makes 19 and they sent 21 letters out, right?
Fingers crossed!
It was 19 LOI's and 2 Hardees coupons. Nontransferrable.
No NSD losses, very good
can't lose on signing day when the big dogs stole them before NSD
yes we absolutely could have
So, some observations. As others have said, amazing job by the media support staff. Also, there were some variations in the videos so I wonder if the kids picked the ones they wanted to have. I noticed the guys had the Military Bowl patch on the front of the jerseys but their names on the back. Might be different jerseys but did they get actual jerseys with their names or is that some really good video editing?
BAG and others mentioned, very intentionally, that there is good news underway a few days ago in the recruiting thread. I wonder if they feel the same way still?
I mean, the good news is everyone that we expected to sign did (although I'm sure that is not what BAG meant at all)
Well, Murray had let the coaches know sometime after his visit. So, that could have been some of the signing day news. But, there's always hope for more, right?
I'm really hoping that all the hype wasn't for an unrated JUCO... Dont get me wrong, I'm glad to have Murray but it wasn't much of a secret that he was ours... I'm hoping for at least Asante.
Exactly!
Getting everybody we expected into the boat has to be a great feeling!
Don't know what BAG was referring to.
I knew we had three additions to the class from this past weekends visits. I never said they were huge. I honestly only put up gifs as a way to get attention to what's coming. I think we get Carter and Asante and I think we pull in a QB and maybe one more OLine in February.
I enjoy the ability to put a positive light on the program and rarely talk specifics to avoid shit storms but comments like this get annoying.
(3 commits in one weekend isn't good news)
(the kid added depth to a spot of need, may not be high on the board but a body helps right now)
At the end of the day, VT got better and if I what I do only causes a pissing and moaning contest then I can stop. No skin off my back.
(BTW VtKey, this isnt directed at you, I just picked a post to reply too under this "is that it" attitude)
I'm pretty happy with this recruiting class, and getting everyone who committed signed is never guaranteed.
If you get all the commits signed then as a coach you're going to be very happy.
Please ignore the complainers. You have legit insider info and we greatly appreciate it. There is not one single insider for ANY team that is always right. Especially since the current trend is for guys to tell multiple staffs the same thing to create drama before they sign/commit.
BAG, I appreciate the optimism amidst some of the best recruiting classes VT has ever brought in.
Do you think that QB recruit is contingent on 1 of our 4 QB's transferring after the bowl game?
not at all. I think it's a smart move to always keep an idea for a QB. Could one transfer out absolutely but we should always look for high contributing talent, especially if there is a mutual interest. Just to clarify, there is no way I know where this goes or who the kid is but #sauces have hinted at coaches looking at a QB
BTW unless something freaky happens I have no fear that Carter is 100% Hokie.
I know it's not this class, but speaking of quarterbacks, I'm glad we got in on Tyler Warren so early for 2020. I think his stock is only going to keep rising after watching his junior year film.
Keep doing what you're doing. I know I'm happy with this class. After what we went through this season, it's exciting to see kids that *want* to come and help. They want to make their mark, and that excites me
This is correct. It's great news.
I'll respond since one of your quotes was directed at me.
Yes it is great news, but the way you made it hyped seemed that it was flipping Ford or Nestor. Maybe it's just me who thought of it that way, but that's why I asked.
You can continue to provide info or not, that's your choice, but I stated what I (and others) thought you were implying. I guess it's just miscommunication through the internet.
If you haven't figured out that he posts similar GIFs for just about any pending commit regardless of "stars" then it's on you for not paying attention.
A lot of these recent commits are guys who are very important when it comes to rebuilding the defense even if the recruiting services don't hype them all that much. And in general every signee is a victory to be celebrated.
Thanks, Peanut Gallery.
I really hope that lump of coal Santa shoved up your ass doesn't hurt when you sit. Sheesh, dude, I'm sure you're really exciting in person.
I think he mistook the 'diamond in the rough' recruiting strategy for 'diamond in the ass'
Wow. I clarified my statement and you talk about shoving a piece of coal up my ass?
Santa shoving a piece of coal up my ass FTFY
Also Santa isn't real so I don't think it was meant to be taken literally
Pretty sure that's his words, not Santas.
I love the double-standards here btw. I said "Thanks, Peanut Gallery", which isn't a personal insult - just stating a fact that I was talking to BAG and not at anyone else, so there wasn't a reason for the side-commentor to jump-in. . Whereas he talks about shoving a coal up my ass and there are positive votes for it. Great job, team.
They definitely weren't Santa's words. He isn't real and definitely can't insert coal into people.
Oh I'm not fighting, I'm too busy being "edgy"
new recruit alert!!!! bag posted a gif!
This is TKP, where there's always a reason for a side-commenter to jump in (though that reason is usually snark). Welcome, you must be new here. ;^)
If you're not sure if my comment warrants a "/s", it probably does.
I see what you did there.
Ha. Thanks but i'm a veteran of a few years now. It's just frustrating the amount of Kumbahyah this site can have and then group think / swarm of downvotes in a nutshell. I guess that's not something unique to this site though as it's just the internet in general.
side-commentor?
Wait...what? Santa isn't real?
What? He isn't real? Who has been eating the cookies that were left out? Where did those presents come from?
You bad mouthed peanuts, you should know better!
Peanuts are great, they can be made into peanut butter, peanut oil...peanuts by themselves...peanut butter...peanuts on a sandwich...peanut butter, I could go on but checkmate.
George Washington Carver's TKP account. I hear you're doing great things these days, George.
You can dish it out but you can't take it. I don't think you telling other people to look at themselves first holds any water, when you've seen fit to #peanutgallery us at large on several occasions.
Lol I'm pretty sure I've never used peanut gallery before. You might want to try and check facts before lying.
And pretty sure I dish what I can take. I enjoy seeing the hypocrisy here though.
I used #peanutgallery as a catch-all term to mean that you have a habit of making disparaging remarks directed at large portions of your fellow Hokies from time to time, not to imply that you've said that specific phrase before.
As for me, I feel about you the same way FudBoster feels about outoftowner5, and therefore don't care how hypocritical I make myself look in your eyes. But to continue further down this road would be unproductive for us and for the community. So I'm just not gonna continue to go there. Go Hokies
It's very noble that you chose to make a disparaging remark about me and then say "Oh I don't care how hypocritical i look, this is unproductive blah blah". If you truly felt that way then you wouldn't have made a side comment in the first place. Maybe try and practice what you preach instead of trying to come off as the bigger man when you shouldn't have gotten into the discussion in the first place.
Go Hokies.
This is fun.
This is fun, right guys?
Seriously went back to make sure that I didn't hype anything in case I was wrong. I can confidently say I did not hype shit. If I have clearly stated in the past I will not give information out due to my #sauces blending closely with behind wall material.
Just told people to wait, all done in gifs. If you wanted to take it next level then that's on you.
You're good man, keep up the info it's much appreciated from the silent majority. You can't please everyone. I think you could give out $100 bills around here and some people would complain that they got one with the edge folded over.
I teach middle school kids during the day. Last day before break, kids are just straight up assholes. I am a little edgy today. Not really worried about it.
I don't care what your job entails or how "edgy" you are. I clarified my statement and you went to straight-up insults. Doesn't justify it at all. Maybe look at yourself first before jumping down my throat.
You know what, Nevermind.
Have a wonderful holiday season and I hope you get everything on your wish list!
And Go Hokies!!
I know this isn't one of ours, but... I hope no one's cutting onions around you when you watch this.
that's awesome...i'll be rooting for that kid to do well at Syracuse.
We dont play cuse for like a decade right? Go this guy!
2021, so let's not put him on too high a pedestal.
He did a solid thing here, but on game day, it's game on.
All business, vtkey. Can't hate the hustle.
You convinced me. Fuck this kid.
As long as we understand each other.
The guy did a good deed, but we will crush him when we meet him on the gridiron.
Oh man, that's awesome!
I know that's just a one minute clip, but that seems like a really good dude. Good luck to him (unless we play Cuse, then he can have an off day)
From Charleston, SC with a Clemson offer. Good luck to these fine young men.
Well, I know one program that has worked really well for.
Man, Fireman is straight racking up legs today...
It's the kids first day of Christmas break (why the hell does it start so early). So up at normal time with kids 6:15 but no school to get them ready for or to drive to I had a lot of extra time on my hands this morning.
Geesh - that is early for winter break to start.
I wish the real world still gave us a winter break...
Not exactly a recruit, but former Auburn RB Asa Martin is transferring to Miami.
I just assume when we play Miami, they will always have three really good RBs.
So who are the two outstanding NLI's ? 19 signees, 21 NLI's sent out... Carter didn't get a NLI for this signing period. Asante has to be one. Who is the mystery #21?
If you honestly don't think Nester didn't get one then the Coaches aren't showing him we are serious. Of course, he isn't signing till Feb.
But I'm not sure how NLI work, are we only allowed to send them to verbal commits.
So if I'm reading you right, we have 1 more recruit today who has verbally committed to the coaches, but has not announced.
We can send NLI's to whoever in the world we want to send them to. My grandma could get one if VT wanted her to come play football.
What if we make a bunch of NLI's that look like Alabama but are really ares and send them to all of Bama's 'croots?
Dear Recruit,
Please sign to come play football for the University of Alabama....
at Blacksburg
Sincerely,
Sick Naban
...So ...On a scale of 1 to 5 stars how good is your grandma at football? Asking for a Fuend
If LA's dad's name is Ricky Tidwell offer her immediately.
Nester. Got it.
Read on yahoo yesterday that Justin Fields is expected to transfer from UGA after season and that OSU was front runner. Wonder if we will at least make a call.
Link: https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/sports/report-5-star-freshman-qb-justin-fi...
Whoa. Florida pulled all three of them Lakeland boys. #2OG, #11WDE, #1TE/H. Mullen be crootin' y'all.
You mean the guy who could only recruit mid-3 star level talent at Mississippi State because he's a bad salesman and mediocre recruiter can suddenly pull in blue-chips for days now that he's at Florida? I can't believe it!
https://247sports.com/Season/2018-Football/CollegeTeamTalentComposite/
Could only recruit mid-3* talent somehow ends up with a 5*, 21 4* and a top25 roster at Miss St?? Hmmm
Thank you. The pre-canned responses to why we shouldn't expect VT to recruit any better are regularly not even accurate.
Deleting this because I was repeating myself and it was all sounding too combative anyways
Pretty wild how little research people do over here often times when they are trying to make an argument
Except I did my research. Mississippi State has an average ranking of 86.58, ie a mid-3*. Mullen has never been seen as an ace recruiter, they've long had to make do with middling talent and un-recruited gems (ie. Dax and Fitzgerald) and he's already recruiting better at Florida than he ever did at MSU. So yes, I did my research.
Honestly, I'm going to eat crow here and issue you an apology. Looking back at his classes now, they did worse than my memory served. I remembered his great 2015 class and when he pulled Simmons in '16 and mistakenly projected those results to the rest of his classes.
So I will apologize to you now and will take all the shame that comes with acting like the fool that I am.
No worries at all, just a little back & forth
Don't be so pedantic. Mullen was seen as a mediocre recruiter with a hard ceiling and their fans lamented his limitations. Mississppi State had the second worst composite score in the division, and oh hey, their average recruit score is an 86.4, ie. mid-3*.
The point is that Mullen was widely regarded as a mediocre recruiter who couldn't break the top 20, and now at a bigger school he's bringing in better talent, end of story.
cantor be crootin for what its worth
Eugene Asante got an offer from Miami today. Hopefully he's still coming to the good guys.
One other RIDICULOUS stat:
Alabama has 24 signees today.
.
NINETEEN of them are in the ESPN 300.
.
Their ONLY 3-star recruit?
.
Is the #1 rated kicker.
This thread is spiraling out of control.
Should we start a new one for Star Envy?
Though your point is both interesting and disturbing.
Didn't take long to stop focusing on our kids.
Holy shit you guys.
The thread is called
I was just posting some context. These aren't kids we were in the running for. I'm not bitching about our recruiting. I like our class a lot. The Lakeland and Alabama posts are pretty impressive National items. Seems germane to me.
Guess I should have turned off the internet after all our guys sealed the deal. /ssssighningday
I was just suggesting that you start another thread, as I was rather enjoying the celebration. Maybe the thread was mislabeled. What they meant to say was NLI 2018 CELEBRATION FOR VIRGINIA TECH. I guess the subtext didn't shine through.
I love the star envy and thought it was cleverly presented. I would just prefer it in a different thread from the signee celebration, and indicated that. Nothing personal, just a suggestion.
betcha he starts sucking once he gets to campus
I'm happy about our class but sad that we don't get any surprise signings...seems like all the big dogs are getting some nice surprises
So if Barkley being first round pick was a big factor to why big time 5* RB players are now flocking to Penn State why don't big time 5* safety players flocking to VT because of Edmunds?
Love Terrell but he's not exactly the same level of player from an exposure/hype standpoint as Saquon.
The Tremaine to Branson Smith comparison is just as accurate a pitch as any Saquan to other RBs. But the fact remains this isnt about us vs Penn st, it's about us getting bigger ourselves.
I'm pretty sure its just that players love 4th quarter coaching mistakes. When the game is on the line, the players screwing up is never a factor at some places because the coaches beat them to the punch. It's kind of an easy way out if you really analyze it.
Okay, then how about this?
Plus VT isn't exactly PSU
Because we're not Penn State. Maybe we'll be at that level one day. But we ain't there yet. It's the reality of things.
So here's the true deal with PSU. Their offense featured Saquon because he was an absurd talent at RB.
But you know who did that? Joe Moorhead, the current head coach at Mississippi State.
Now that Trace is gone, PSU will have to rebuild their offensive philosophy and - as a guy who is buried six feet deep in PSU territory - I expect that the new generation of RBs will not see as much success as Saquon did, regardless of their talent. Stevens looks like he might be great, no promises if his OL, RB, and OC don't work out.
Only time will tell, but I think Franklin has a steep hill to climb in replacing Moorhead and at least one of those guys will transfer before 2020.
Can we Institute a policy where every time someone complains about recruiting, they have to donate $10 to the Athletic Department
Like a swear jar for complaining?
Our athletic department in two weeks
via GIPHY
Amounts doubled for celebration and recruiting threads.
How much should I care about this? These guys from the class (aside from JUCOs and DTs) aren't going to see the field for a couple years.
Now would probably be a good time to take another look at the 2016, 201 7 classes and see who actually got on the field and made an impact, vs the guys that didn't vs the guys that ended up going elsewhere.
RB Keshawn King and some of the WR guys should be major contributors, some sooner than later. The OL recruiting in this class was also great. Great steal in JR Walker, should provide us with talent somewhere in the defensive backfield/whip. The JUCO guys are expected to probably be instant impact guys at CB and DT. It's not the best class but it will be important moving forward. We could see several multi-year starters on OL from this class, in particular.
"Not the best class" is a fair assessment but we filled gaps where they needed filled OL and DL really aren't pretty places to fill and very few teams get a stellar class when that's a focus. Like you mentioned a solid pick up in King, Payoute looks promising, and Walker.
I for one am super excited about this class. We may not have gotten that bookend croot but we sure filled the middle in with quality.
When we were missing on guys and didn't have any immediate impact DT's signed I have to admit I was pretty down on this class, never thought it was trash or anything but I had let my expectations get too high. That said, I had a lengthy breakdown in Pt.1 of the Dec recruiting thread where I flipped my perspective and talked about the good things in this class. I think we filled some holes, and now have answered a few needs with the JUCO guys. Once again, I'm stoked about the potential of this OL class.
Yeah, I've flipped my perspective on this class big time. I'm very much content with it. It's not going to make us ACC favorites next year, but it should lay good groundwork to (hopefully) strive towards that in future years.
I like this class. We need to build the foundation of the team on the lines and we are continuing to build - it doesn't have the flash of skill positions especially QB, but it is essential to building the program as a consistent contender. If he stays healthy King will be a star.
A lot of speed, they will play quicker than expected.
what you did there... I see it.
Did you not watch this season? You must have missed this post? Obviously these guys will all contribute in different capacities, starting at different times, but these kids could always play sooner than you think.
Anyways, be excited. I can't think of the last time we've landed five 4-star players. Fuente and his staff are setting the foundation for their team. Our OL recruiting has a very specific plan. We're building incredible depth at WR. We added a 4-star RB - I know he's not Devyn Ford, but I think this is the highest ranked back we've recruited since McKenzie?
The last year has been a complete struggle for this staff and roster, starting with the Devyn Ford miss, moving on to the NFL draft departures, moving on to issues with Adonis and Mook, followed by ODU and the loss of Trevon Hill, and continued by a string of injuries, tough losses, and all-too-close-for-comfort wins . This probably the best day for our program since beating FSU. We got better today.
Didn't Devyn Ford take Ohio State off of his list because they didn't tell him about Steele Chambers (awesome name, btw) comitting?
I wonder how he feels about this...
I wish DF no ill will and hope he stays healthy. However, I hope he never sees the field at PSU. That's the only way recruiting in VA will change.
I'm sure 757 and other VA coaches are going to pay attention to his career. If Devin doesn't get traction b/c they over-recruited him, it will absolutely change the current perception of some the VA coaches.
No it won't. The only way to change is for us to get bigger. It didn't work after Laborn and it won't work after Ford.
Here we go again. Tom Herman missing out on yet ANOTHER big time recruit.
They arent getting to a national championship. 2019 is the year. hell be gone by 2020. they need to hire an ace recruiter. cant close. apparently they didnt want the kid anyway. other rb they signed is better.
He signed the #3 class last year another top 10 class this year.
I get it's a joke, but there is a massive difference between our coaches whiffing on top flight recruits and Tom Herman having one flip last minute.
Our 3rd highest rated recruit this year would be Texas' 13th.
Bama had a player flip too and no sane person can say saban is bad at recruiting. We had all expected signees done by what 10 am? If you are top 10 then you dont get that. You get last minute drops. You get the drama .
Quite frankly, tough shit for him. He made his bed, not he can watch as he becomes a very small fish in a large pond. He would have been a Day 1 starter here, and he passed that up. Too bad, so sad that he's staring 3rd on the depth chart in the face.
That said, it is interesting how, over time, players that have played the bait and switch game with us end up having disappointing careers after the fact. I know there might be a couple that went on to make it, but just seems like most flame out early.
I really think back to Stephen Anthony, who only had 1 good year at Clemson. I can never remember if Dadi or Maddy was the pick up after he signed with Clemson, but either we won that deal.
He seems fine with it. I would *assume* PSU kept him informed of their intentions, which was the reported issue with OSU. Good players want to play with other good players and it's a reasonable pitch (as some have posited here) to believe you're saving wear and tear on your future NFL body when you aren't an every-down back. That said, PT/work load weren't the only reasons he chose State College.
From the article referred to above. All they are doing is playing the Saquon card, and rightfully so. It will be interesting to see how you feature 3-4 backs at once.
*insert Shane Beamer joke here.
poking the bear...
How long are we going to be mad at Ford? I mean at some point we have to move on and appreciate the backs that we got in this class, no? I mean we just got a borderline 4 star, top 30 RB commit, and we're sitting at the 29th best class in the nation. We can bicker and complain all we want about RB stables and being the bride left at the altar; however, I'm pretty excited about King's potential. We went toe to toe with the likes of UF for a RB, and won out.
TL;DR: I'm excited about the 2019 class, stop complaining about kids/players we didn't get. Just my 2 cents.
Josh Sweat was 2014. There are still comments here.
So, I'm going to say, at least until 2022.
How I felt after reading your response JB...lol:
via GIPHY
I'll just exit stage left, and let the masses fret for the next 4 years, my bad....lol.
I agree. At the end of the day, I think we did everything we could to land Ford. The fact is, he wants to play for a "big dog," and we aren't perceived as such. I think we are a very good program but not viewed as great or elite. Recruiting won't dramatically shift until we change that perception. Being able to sell the program is definitely a part of that, but until we overachieve and start winning games we shouldn't and getting back in the NY6 bowl conversation consistently, we won't be viewed as a big time destination. This means winning big games, winning conference championships and NY6 bowls. Steady progressive and sustained success over many years. This won't be a quick fix.
It's a tough subject to talk about but having read this or something similar over and over I think it can be talked about by adults (so let's see how TKP does at it).
So in both paywall and non pay wall articles have mentioned Franklins race as a factor in his recruiting. Both parents and recruits have mentioned this. How does Fuente, Corn and Bud, all middle aged or over in Bud's case white guys honestly compete with that kind of connection to these families?
Fuente is Hispanic, is he not?
Not really, his great great something was from Spain and then because a US wrestler.
https://es.pn/2bnGYxk
Had completely forgotten the name of their family sauce, which is referenced in that article. Thanks for the reminder.
Have any of you #sauce connoisseurs tried any of these, btw?
http://www.spanishjacks.com/
Ford was going to commit to OSU until they snuck another RB commit. The "first championship black HC" angle is overblown. He just wanted a bigger school.
OuToFtOwNer? ThOuGhTs?
Is this the 4th or 5th time you've gone back to dig up one of my multi-month old comments? Oddly obsessive.
Ha no man not in a couple of weeks since I realized why you are here. Never " dig up" your shit, just gave you shit for being a troll.
I just remembered someone passionately selling the race thing and searched it. Guess whose name popped? I had just read your previous post which is why I played with the typing. I was genuinely curious.
"Passionately selling the race thing" isn't anything close to what the point of that post was. In fact, it was the exact opposite - we should be able to sell ourselves better, so stuff like that doesn't sway a kid as significantly as it may or may not have.
There were other posters acting like that was some trump card Franklin could play that would land him any recruit he wanted over us, and we had no way to combat that, which is total BS.
I hope you are a lawyer. You knew what I meant. I'm gonna go watch the b-ball game.
This is about much more than Ford. There is an article in the Athletic where Franklin have a speech at some picnic and they had quotes from three or four families of high recruits talking about Franklins race being a factor a major one in him being their favorite.
Sure but you say how does Fuente combat that as if there aren't any other white HCs that beat Franklin on the trail.
At schools on the same level as Tech so budget, history etc. it's a leg up he has and has used.
I'm not really sure what you're saying. PSU isn't on our level if that what you're implying
What white HC at Tech's level is beating out PSU regularly?
Ummm no?
Honestly, I can't fault him for playing that card. It matters in this day an age (don't want this talk to turn political, so I abide by the guidelines, so I'll stop there). As a black man, it is empowering to see success of fellow black men in elite positions, and you want to get behind that as a young African american. Should it matter? Probably not, but who am I to tell these kids what reasons they should go to a specific school. I can't fault Franklin for using this card to his advantage, and I don't foresee it stopping anytime soon. Just another tool in his recruiting tool belt that we don't have unfortunately. The only way to counter it is to sell other attributes that matter comparatively or more.
I agree with most of what you said except "in this day and age". Its always mattered in a field where true meritocracy is hard to obtain. Fwiw the SEC had their first ever black HC in 2004. It's not ancient history
To be fair, he didn't say it didn't count in other days and ages.
It shouldn't matter.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
I don't think I can say more without this turning political, but what I will say is: yes, I fault Franklin for using it, because, no, it doesn't matter nor should it.
I agree, but kids have a skewed perspective on what variables are used to judge someone. MLK was speaking from the platform of a fair and balanced minded adult, a pioneer level of wisdom.
It should matter, and Franklin is fully at fault, but honestly I've seen worse things used to sway recruits, ie Louisville.
Don't disagree, either about kids having skewed perspectives or that worse things have been used. On the former, you're right, they are kids and there have been studies that show parts of the human brain don't finish fully maturing in the average person until around the age of 25.
As for Franklin, I agree that he's at fault I just disagree that his race should matter any. I mean, he averaged 8 wins a year at Vandy and almost averaged 4 wins in the SEC each year. For Vanderbilt, that's fairly impressive. I'm not angry he used it, just... I dunno. Disappointed? *shrug*
I want to say more but everything I start to type feels like it eventually looks like it might be construed as political, so I delete it and start over. Instead, I'll just leave things as this:
Eh. Ultimately, what he did isn't the end of the world and you're right, it could have been a lot worse.
To be honest, I didn't realize he was black until I heard he was using this sales pitch with Ford. Like I just saw him as a coach of a school that I don't like. I wish it didn't matter and it shouldn't, but this might play a big part in Ford's decision, to have the chance of making National history instead of just school history.
Now that all is done for the day, we have two good RBs that want to be here and want to play for Coach Fu. Let's worry about them and support them.
This is a really infuriating argument because it reduces Devyn Ford, Franklin, and others to a single attribute, their blackness. How can our white coaches compete? Sell a different vision unique to the VT experience and sell that unique vision better than they have thus far. Obviously, it is necessary to state, black people are more than just black.
Franklin sold Devyn Ford a vision of a goal of historical significance in college football, "being the first black coach to win a national championship", and a key part of it is winning a national championship. The unique historical nature of the vision evidently resonated with Devyn Ford; resonated more than whatever it is that we are selling...this is home, family, hard, smart, tough. Does any of that sound like a unique vision? I have followed VT for years and read about half the recruiting threads on TKP (TKP harder, I know) and I have no clear idea what VT football is selling as a vision.
Another part of the very same vision required selling Devyn Ford on the possibility of winning a national championship. Evidently Ford wanted to win a national championship, otherwise you are just playing for a black coach. Considering the two teams competing for Devyn Ford, which squad looks more likely to win a national championship in the next 5 years?
How about the line his coach said about the "big dogs." Sounded like being at a traditional powerhouse university was a significant factor.
Or perhaps he just liked the other school a bit more for a thousand other reasons.
Those other factors do not matter though, because half of the time the topic of the never ending Devyn Ford postmortem arises, someone ends up making the reductive, simplistic argument centering on race as the only reason we lost this recruiting battle. If Franklin's single racial argument is as successful with collecting all the black recruits (it obviously is not) as is implied by the lament "white guys honestly compete with that kind of connection to these families?", PSU will have their national championship in the next 6 years. And unless something changes in those 6 years, we will still be losing these key recruiting battles as Franklin will have moved on to selling another unique vision and VT will still be anemically, chronically, and tepidly underselling our university and its football program.
I appreciated you thoughtful response on this topic. I think Devyn's decision has been tough for me and many Hokies because we don't know exactly all the reasons he wanted to go to PSU (we aren't in the kids head) and because RB is such a need and he had been our #1 target for over 2 years.
I agree continuing to give a simplistic response about Franklin's race to a complex decision is short-sighted and think both him and Cain were sold on Barkley's success and the potential to win championships.
It's unfortunate bc I actually think that although PSU recruites significantly about VT, they both have about a similar chance to win a national championship over the next 5 years. PSU has to yearly get past OSU, Michigan, and MSU (which they have not done well) while VT just has to get through a mediocre Coastal and somehow take down Clemson.
How does one change that perception?
I think there are a lot of moving parts involved. As many have mentioned, I think you have to have a staff that can sell a particular vision for our program. We really strike a chord with the family, home vibe, but that isn't for everyone. Ultimately not every recruit will like what VT has to offer, but it's our job to figure out what a particular recruit is looking for and pitch that angle. I think we are a more let's find people who want to be here, and if you don't, move on.
I think VT should, at a minimum, recruit and perform to a level to consistently if not annually win the Coastal division. There really isn't any excuse for not being able to do that routinely, especially with Miami such a hot mess. Winning at least 9-10 a year and winning the division gives you a shot against Clemson. We won't beat them every time, but with our X's and O's heavy staff, combined with solid if not spectacular recruiting, we should be able to occasionally win the ACC against a team at Clemson's level. Winning more gets us into NY6 bowls, and we have to make the most of those opportunities and win them.
Big bowl wins give more to sell on the trail, and steadily, better recruits. Sooner or later, we can more seriously compete with Clemson and win. It turns into a snowball effect. We need to break through and achieve our maximum potential with what we have now, leading to incremental, sustained success. Limping to .500 and promising great things are around the corner isn't going to do it. This staff is going to have to get it done on the field if we want to improve the perception of VT.
I would even argue that making NY6 bowls with regular frequency isn't enough. Unless a team is in the SEC or fundraises really well/has extensive tradition, you almost need to make the playoffs to start recruiting at an elite level and make that next step to being an elite program. Especially if the program isn't in a recruiting hotbed. Even if you don't make it past the semifinals, an appearance goes a long way. Goes to what you said about breaking through and achieving our maximum potential with what we have now.
Agreed. King looks like a stud, and Gary looks like he could be the perfect change of pace/pairing for King. This is a good class. Not the best, but more than solid. Hopefully something to build off of.
Until Fuente starts winning big games/getting the program close to playoff talk, we're not going to consistently land the best of the best. So let's hope they can get there
I think maybe we are reading a bit too much between the lines here...
So, if I google "Nester 247", I get an offensive guard Doug Nester who signed with OSU. Is this the guy we are leaving a spot open for?
He hasn't signed with anyone. He is anOSU verbal commit but just visited PSU and WVU and VT are trying hard.
I'm sure wvu is trying but he doesn't have much interest there. UGA is the fourth member of that group.
Serious Question: Any chance Asante signs with us over the next 2 days? Or is he waiting until Feb.?
NOPE, he will wait till Feb. Wants to see what else he gets
Asante was named 1st team All-Met today
Getting Crawford and Murray in early is yuuuge
Was hoping King and one of the two other DL either Kendrick or Pollard was coming in January also.
Guess UNC needs all the help they can for them rainy games...
"Duck is run over by Hooker" /Lassar
Man, the front page of /r/cfb really depresses me lol. The gap is just so large.
I'm not sure if this was addressed elsewhere, but I just noticed that both of the un-ranked/no star JUCO players that we signed (Crawford was ranked at some point before he committed) get ranked/stars after we signed them. Is this a result of where they signed? More exposure for scouts? Late grading and since they were signed they are required to have a rank? It was curious seeing them both get rankings after we signed them so I was wondering what triggers that and if the school that signs them has any effect on the rank.
Edit: For context; Barno is now a 3 Star .8500 composite and Murray is now a 3 Star .8300 (only 247 rated him for now).
Did anybody follow UVAs recruiting class? Is it very good? Did they get any steals? What's your impression, etc. I looked at their commits and saw some foreign cats and a guy from Utah. I got confused and closed the page. Just curious what they have cooking since we have to beat them every year.
UVA's class
Not great, but not bad it appears.
So in essence... they're a 2.0; not showing off, but not falling behind either.
How the hell did they pull in a 4 🌟 recruit? And are only a few spots behind us in class rank? I still think we will out coach and out play them on the field but their ability to land recruits is confusing
#hardthingstogether
Yeah, they got a very highly regarded DT out of Ohio. How they managed that I have no idea. Singlehandedly raised the overall ranking of their class.
Dude plays 10 instruments and Bronco described him as a "renaissance man."
So there is your answer...
Yeah I'd rather my offensive lineman have a mullet and drink keystones exclusively. But yeah if UVA likes a clarinet officianado on the O line then more power to em.
As a former offensive linemen myself, traditionally OL are the smartest players on the team next to the QB..i'm sure French can attest to this as well..OL linemen have been called renaissance men because you kinda have to be a jack-of-all trades kinda guy..
Yeah, when it comes to OL, I like those guys with offers from big physical OL factories like Pitt and BC and a Vandy, Duke, NW and Ivy offer.
Oh yeah. I honestly don't know how lineman do it. There are so many things they are thinking about before the snap.
Whenever I'm watching football with someone and they start yelling at a lineman For a false start, I mention how much they are doing and thinking about pre snap. Also how much chatter there is on the lines as well.
Well, we know he lacks judgment. Nobody's perfect.
It was a nice class by LOLUVA standards. They did get some guys who will fit in well on Bronco's defense. But if you look at the offer list for most of the class, it isn't very good. That should tell you all you need to know.
Any clue as to who is enrolling for the spring semester?
http://www.thekeyplay.com/comment/773655#comment-773655
Andy posted a list.
We'll call this: Where Did They Sign.
I prefer this over "Who are we recruiting against". The latter implies we have a chance. The pessimist inside of me thinks we just like nice things.
Supposedly, we sent 171 offers. This list is based off the signings of people we supposedly offer. If I miscounted, I blame being interrupted.
Unsigned - 26
Penn State - 8
NC State - 7
Ohio State - 7
Notre Dame - 6
Clemson - 6
USCe - 6
Auburn - 5
Tenn - 5
Florida - 4
Alabama - 4
Oregon - 4
Michigan - 4
Maryland - 3
Texas - 3
Wisconsin - 3
Oklahoma - 3
FSU - 3
TCU - 3
North Carolina - 2
Pitt - 2
Texas A&M - 2
Arkansas - 2
Purdue - 2
ECU - 2
Miami - 2
Georgia - 2
Kentucky - 2
USCw - 2
Duke - 2
Northwestern - 2
USF - 2
Texas Tech - 1
Nevada - 1
Georgia Tech - 1
Michigan State - 1
WVU - 1
Indiana - 1
Stanford - 1
UCF - 1
Minnesota - 1
UVA - 1
Cal - 1
Conn - 1
Nebraska - 1
Miss St - 1
Coastal Carolina - 1
My takeaways:
Penn State says:
We're competing a lot more than I'd like with NCSU.
Notre Dame Signed (3) 4 star tackles we offered. Damn.
Unsigned is putting together one heck of a class.
We're not losing out to as many ACC teams as I expected.
Who picked Coastal Carolina over us?
Someone who really likes outlet malls and seafood buffets.
Perhaps he is really into cheap tourism related trinkets? If so Tech didn't stand a chance.
(Side note: saw 5 Russian kickboxers fight 5 frat dudes in the middle of the night outside a vacation house bc one of the frat dudes pissed in their mailbox. It was fucking awesome)
Wait...what?
Please elaborate on this story.
Ok here's what happened. Me and my friend and two girls were walking from our rental house to the girls rental house at like 1am (small rental houses for high school beach week kids). Across the street the Russian dudes were living and working in the US for a few months. They were cool guys.
Ok, this is going sound crazy but this is how it played out: frat dudes walking past Russians house, 1 frat dude stops, opens their mail box, gently lays his freedom stick inside and starts pissing (they are drunk). Here's the plot twist, it's very dark but the Russians are all outside sitting on their porch which is up a flight of stairs. Frat dudes had no idea. So while dude is pissing all we here is "CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK" that's the sound of a Russian coming down the steps. He comes down in full sprint, jumps in the air and plants both feet in this dudes neck and head area.
At this point the girls with us start screaming and begging us to run. Meanwhile me and my friend open the Nattys we are carrying and watch the violence in awe.
All Russians come down the steps and a 5 on 5 fist fight breaks out. Unbelievably, frat boys hold their own. A couple of them nock Russians down with devastating blows. Couple frat guys get blown up as well.
Here's the best part. They fight for like 3 or 4 minutes all out blood sport style and after things settle down, the ones still standing picking up their friends. Russians walk back upstairs, frat dudes get up and walk away, they all nod at each other Acknowledging they were done. Text book how a fight should play out.
Me and my friend go inside with the girls to hangout. End scene. I'll never forget it. And I'll probably never see anything that spontaneously crazy again.
👌
I found Fernley's spirit brother
That's an awesome story! Surprised the frat guys held their own. My bro had a few Russian friends when he lived in DC. They were an absolute blast to hang out with but you would want them on your side if it came down to a fight.
Yeah we loved the Russians. Hung out with them some during the week and I even sparred with one in the yard for fun since I've done martial arts my whole life. They were phenomenal strikers and understood the physics well.
That's why it blew my mind so hard when the fight broke out and the frat friends didn't hesitate to throw themselves into the breach like they did. Not only that, but they were able to land blows and no one hit anyone while they were down. It was almost like there were invisible referees. I'm still in awe of how the whole thing went down.
I also learned a valuable lesson that night at 16. Never piss in a Russian's mailbox if you aren't willing to back it up with raw violence. (Aka if you do something be willing to accept the consequences of your actions)
My MB true story:
Went to a pancake house with wife and two kids. Noticed all the waitresses had Russian names and very buxom. And were covered with glitter. At the end of the meal, Russian dude comes in from the back, literally counting a wad of cash, barking at waitresses in Russian. As we leave, we realize the other side of the building is a strip club and it becomes apparent Russian girls get a double shift, strip all night, serve pancakes in morning, sleep afternoons. Quite an enterprise Sergei was running.
It's possible we offered but it wasn't committable
Clemson already nabbed Walker Parks from us in 2020, and they lead for Antoine Sampah. The stronger Clemson gets the more Clelin Ferrell's, KJ Henry's, K'Von Wallace's, Logan Cash's, and Jordan William's we will get beat for.
Not stoked about the losses to NC State in recent cycles, but they can't play the big dog insta-lead card that Clemson has earned.
Lol, and all the people who said Clemson winning the natty helped us, because recruits will want to play for VT and beat Clemson. No, they will just want to play for Clemson.
I was saying this every time they made the playoffs... they just keep widening the gap in the ACC.
with their schedule right now, Clemson can basically guarantee a spot in the playoff. really easy recruiting pitch right there.
Yes, but the alternative is letting the gap grow between the SEC and the ACC.
At least if Clemson is there, the ACC is represented, and gets a cut of the playoff cash.
People don't see the Clemson in the playoffs and think, the ACC is strong. They think Clemson is strong, FSU is down and the ACC is mediocre. They think the SEC has BAMA, UGA, LSU, Auburn, rotating in and out with UF not so far behind. Yes, without Clemson we are basically the PAC 12 but people don't think strong Clemson = strong ACC
Nobody thinks that way. The view is that Clemson is really good and the rest of the ACC sucks, which is pretty much true. I am also specifically referring to rooting for Clemson to win the playoff. When they got over the hump and won that NCG, they solidified their recruiting success for the reasonable future because they proved they can do it, as opposed to falling short even with a generational QB talent.
That playoff money also isn't moving the needle as much as us landing half of those players I mentioned would. Guys like Clelin Ferrell can have a huge impact on a program. I sat beside one of his friends at the VT-Clemson game from his high school an he said Clelin loved VT and grew up a huge fan, but he couldn't turn down Clemson with how they were producing DL.