4-star DE/DL Michael Barnett Commits to Virginia Tech

According to 247Sports Ryan Bartow, South Carolina native and defensive lineman Michael Barnett committed to Virginia Tech. Barnett is rated as a 4-star prospect by, Rivals.com, ESPN, and 247Sports. He's Virginia Tech's second verbal commitment of the 2015 cycle. According to 247Sports, Barnett had offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina and Tennessee among other schools.

Barnett tweeted his intention to commit today early Saturday morning.

Announcing Commitment on Monday.— Michael Barnett (@JermaineJr77) November 23, 2013

Barnett visited Blacksburg many times over the past year, most recently November 16th when Virginia Tech hosted Maryland. This is what Barnett said 8 months ago about his offer.

"I was ecstatic about it," the 6-feet-4, 245-pound Barnett said. Barnett plans to visit the Hokies during his upcoming spring break. His recruitment at Virginia Tech is being handled by assistant Charley Wiles. "He's visited the school like three times," Barnett said.

Credit to Charley Wiles and the rest of the Hokies staff for landing a big time commitment this early in the process.

Film analysis is courtesey of Michael's Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2156590/highlights/101761529.

Barnett is an intriguing prospect. He is a physically imposing defensive end, pushing 250 pounds on a 6-4 frame. In high school, he plays exclusively at left defensive end. On film, his size is the first thing that grabs you. He looks physically mature with a big frame, even though photos of him without pads appear that he could comfortably add 20 pounds without losing any quickness.

Once the ball is snapped, several things about Barnett stood out on film. First of all, he is so much physically stronger than the players he is lined up against it is startling. Even when he takes on a block with poor technique, he maintains leverage and makes plays. He has a comfortable stance for a strong-side defensive end that allows him to explode off the ball without getting too far up field and losing gap responsibility. He also looks very comfortable in space, especially crashing on the dive on read option while keeping proper position to get out and support on the quarterback. With division teams like Duke, UVA, and, Georgia Tech all utilizing read option, an effective defensive end must be comfortable rushing the passer and reading the option in space.

Most impressively, he has a terrific motor. He tracks plays down from behind where you see a bunch of players quit. This is critical for a Bud Foster defense, as the defensive end must stand up to double teams at the point of attack yet be quick enough to crash hard and take away the cutback lane.

Barnett's size and motor also make him a possible candidate to play defensive tackle for Virginia Tech. He comfortably could play at 270 pounds or perhaps more. The effort and strength would allow him to be a playmaker at the position, something that Charlie Wiles has coveted over the last five seasons. If he moved to defensive tackle, he would need how to slant and then secure a gap fit. He certainly appears to be more comfortable defeating the blocker straight ahead.

I got the impression from watching Barnett on film is that he hasn't received much detailed coaching on leverage techniques at the defensive line. At the high school level, he defeats blockers with brute strength and effort, but you don't see him using violent rip or swim moves to gain leverage. He also has a tendency to turn and face pulling offensive linemen rather than forcing with his inside shoulder. If Barnett were to turn his pads like that against Boston College on a counter trey or against Clemson on a buck sweep, he would get rocked. Given his effort and power, I think Barnett will be a fast learner. He has a similar frame (maybe slightly bigger) as current Hokie Ken Ekanem, and certainly has similar upside to be a standout "stud" defensive end.

Welcome to HokieNation Michael!