6-3 / The Hokies picked up defensive end Darian Varner, formerly of Temple, who has multiple years of eligibility remaining. With a Burst of Energy, Brent Pry Throws All-Out Blitz at Virginia's Recruiting Trails. Length offers the quarterback a little bit easier target. While no one will confuse Virginia Tech's incoming class with. The second and third-best prospects . By Bryan D. Manning December 12, 2022. 8 Virginia Tech Wrestling Travels To Raleigh For ACC Tournament By: Jack Brizendine | March 2, 2023 Virginia Tech football: A look at the Hokies 2023 recruiting class, 2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Virginia Tech safety Chamarri Conner with an impressive day, Virginia Tech football: 2 former Hokies named 2 of the NFLs top 101 players. I think hes proven. We want to take care of the state and the kids because thats how were going to get back to where it was back in the day, senior director of player personnel Mike Villagrana said. 6-1 / 190, DL / It sounds like the Hokies want to see him begin at receiver, but I like him as a cornerback. 6-4 / Odds & lines subject to change. This is whats behind it. READ MORE, 2024 in-state target Chanz Wiggins was in Blacksburg on Monday night, and he's become very familiar with Virginia Tech. Signed. A running back: Malachi Thomas is back, but hes coming off an injury-plagued season, and Tech struggled to run the ball physically with anybody else. I think they appreciate that were trying to do this with guys from our footprint, and specifically with guys from the state of Virginia. I can see both playing in 2023. 6-0 / 6-3 / Krystian Williams Collegiate School (Richmond, VA) At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, the Life Christian Academy product has good size for a defensive back and is one of the more intriguing prospects in the class, just based on the diversity of his ranking. This guys going to make Grant better. The Hokies 2023 class ranks No. Takye Heath is a player to watch. While theres always positional flexibility to consider with many of these athlete types coming in, particularly with the Hokies need for offensive playmakers, its not far-fetched to see a DB class that includes Cotman, Cameren Fleming, Braylon Johnson, Thomas Williams and Dante Lovett. These guys were recruiting, thats an important trait that were always looking for.. Presented by. Those are the rankings to focus on as they combine the different recruiting services. Related: Virginia Tech DB Chamarri Conner receives a pre-Combine draft score. Editor. 205, DL / Ticket Marketplace, Travel Center & Info, English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park Fan Guide, ACC Network, Video Library presented by , Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio Affiliates, Sport Psychology/Counseling and Athletic Mental Performance, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Boston College. 250, LB / READ MORE, Within 10 minutes, 4-star linebacker Gabriel Williams had received a text message from nearly every member of Virginia Techs coaching staff. All high school NLIs received are listed below. 205, CB / 6-3 / Virginia Tech added Baylor transfer QB Kyron Drones. In his junior highlight tape, he flashes some burst and athleticism. Virginia Tech and Brent Pry picked up their 18th commitment in the class of 2023 on Sunday night with the pledge of three-star defensive end Ishmael Findlayter (Ontario, Canada). Its there. What we learned about Virginia Tech's Class of 2023 as the early signing period began Wednesday, with 25 prep players and four transfers. READ MORE, Thomas Dale 2025 athlete Shamari Earls recently picked up an offer from Virginia Tech, and he will visit next month. 1 player in the state in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports' in-house rankings. -, IOL / Both Greene (1,127 yards, 19 TDs) and Fitzgerald (1,348 yards, 18 TDs) had monster senior seasons and could have the size to factor in right away. This is why were making this decision. Greene (Knoxville), Fitzgerald (Nashville) and Phillips (Nashville) all came on board this month. He misses too many tackles due to risky angles and struggles coming to balance in the open field. Virginia Tech football is putting a stamp on its 2023 signing class with as good of a finish as you could have asked for from head coach Brent Pry in his first real recruiting cycle. 5-11 / Dec 20, 2022 31 BLACKSBURG, Va. So this is what recruiting momentum feels like? 300, S / @CoachPryVT @TylerBowen @CoachShawnQuinn @HokiesFB pic.twitter.com/tCR903bBkM, Zeke Wimbush (@zekewimbush7) December 19, 2022. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. to rebuild the Hokies roster by way of the transfer portal and the 2023 recruiting class. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All-New 24/7 Sports News Network: Stream Now! Pry thinks Tech secured commitments early from some undervalued players in the state who had strong senior seasons, which helped the Hokies fend off late challengers once their recruitment heated up, We came in here talking a big game about recruiting this state, he said. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. They include: A defensive end: With Varner likely to play tackle, Tech has a need on the edge, especially with last years top pass rusher, TyJuan Garbutt, graduating. He was a hybrid linebacker-defensive back in both 2019 and 2020, registering a bulk of his . In the composite rankings, Adams is. On3 Football Recruiting. But for now, Techs riding some good waves heading into the early signing period that begins Wednesday. While he may not stick at corner, he could make an impact at safety or linebacker, depending on how much size he adds. Michigan, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma had shown interest in him. In order to create the most comprehensive Team Recruiting Ranking without any notion of bias, 247Sports Team Recruiting Ranking is solely based on the 247Sports Composite Rating. 6-1 / Ishmael Findlayter, Linebacker: Tavorian Copeland, Aycen Stevens. Hes a leader. He misses too many tackles due to risky angles and struggles coming to balance in the open field. S. TyLyric Coleman Dan River (Ringgold, VA) 6-3 / 175. Tight end Nick Gallo, linebacker Alan Tisdale and safety Nasir Peoples had previously announced theyd come back. The opinions of the author(s) on this site are independent and no way reflect the opinions of the Virginia Tech administrators, coaches, staff, or athletes. 247Sports employs a staff of more than 50 full time recruiting reporters and evaluators that rank and compile data on the nation's elite . 6-2 / Stay tuned for updates as Chamarri Conner takes on the 2023 NFL Combine. The Hokies like the new additions on the offensive line, wide receiver and the defensive backfield. Nationally, the Hokies' class has peaked at No. 4 player in the state. After veterans Hanson, Moore and Clements, the most experienced linemen on the roster are Schick (58 snaps) and a pair of freshmen, Braelin Moore (81) and Xavier Chaplin (27). Enjoy! Virginia Tech is hopeful to get defensive tackle Norell Pollard back too, though nothings been finalized on that front. Hailing from north of Charlotte . The Hokies signed 25 players last week and could sign a few more before national signing day in February. -, CB / Start blasting Metallica's "Enter Sandman." The Virginia Tech Hokies just added one of the top running backs in the country to their 2022 recruiting class as four-star running back Ramon Brown . The No. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Drones was Techs top transfer quarterback target. The Virginia Tech Hokies wrapped up the early signing period last week feeling pretty good about the 2023 recruiting class. There is a lot to like and build on with Virginia Techs 2023 recruiting class. 191, RB / 10 ranked all-time Virginia Tech Hokie in career tackles. 197, QB / The recruiting classes for the champions of both . The good thing about that position is they have the same qualities, Mines said. The NFL Combine runs from Tuesday, February 28 through Monday, March 6. Period. A ranking of the 2023 Best College Football Players in West Virginia. The rest of the commits are in alphabetical order by last name. READ MORE, Alex Taylor has made multiple trips to Virginia Tech, and recently included the Hokies in his top seven schools. By Tim Weaver | February 27, 2023 1:37 pm ET. But at the same time, we have to be better in that area.. The receiver group rounded out late with the additions out of Tennessee of both Ayden Greene, a one-time Cincinnati commit, and Chance Fitzgerald. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The last one who fit the bill was defensive tackle Tim Settle from the 2015 class. He has good size for a receiver at 6-foot-3, 184 pounds. 236, RB / 1 wide receiver for the Hokies and a four-star transfer. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Jason Abbey is a defensive end from Richmond that has coaches excited. Tralon Mitchell is another who could up at running back, wide receiver, or on defense. His list of collegiate accolades include 2020 Phil Steele All-ACC Third Team, 2020 All-ACC Honorable Mention, ACC Defensive Back of the Week (Sept. 7, 2021), 2021 ESPN All-ACC Midseason Team, 2021 Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, 2021 All-ACC Honorable Mention (S), and his selection to the 2022-2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. Early signing day is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (Top photo: Courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics). 5-10 / What we sold them on is, we dont necessarily recruit just corners and safeties. That quarterback rooms going to look a little different right out of the gate come January 18th, Pry said. In fact, 12 of the high school signees from Virginia were ranked 20th or lower in the state, with Penn State (six of the top 10) and North Carolina (five of the top 20) at the forefront of the poachers. Felton is a big-play guy who, along with Jennings, gives the Hokies two quality veterans to line up outside in 2023. All six could reasonably be considered starting candidates next season. 788 37 8. Hes got all the attributes we were wanting. Hes confident. 206, WR / 318, DL / READ MORE Another outstanding prospect from Highland Springs, Heath is electric and could figure into the mix in 2023 as a slot receiver. Jennings averaged over 1,000 yards and caught 14 touchdown passes the past two seasons at ODU, despite missing three games at the end of last year with an injury. Conner has late Day 3 value as a potential backup., has participated in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl, Virginia Tech DB Chamarri Conner receives a pre-Combine draft score. You can win those jump balls, 80-20, is what I call it. On Saturday, Conner will complete the drill portion of the NFL Combine with the Bench Press before departing Indianapolis. Theres a little bit of a gap between the old guys and this group, he said. 215, QB / Unofficially, all the recent movement puts the Hokies at 92 scholarship players, a figure that will need to be trimmed significantly to get to the 85 maximum scholarship number, especially if Tech has designs on adding more transfers next month. Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball Walks Away with a 3-1 Week 2 Record, Quarterback: William Pop Watson III, Dylan Wittke, Wide receiver: Chance Fitzgerald, Ayden Greene, Marcell Baylor, Takye Heath, Krystian Williams, Offensive line: Layth Ghannam, Lance Williams, Gabriel Arena, Hannes Hammer, Edge [DE/OLB]: Jason Abbey. The Hokies were competing at the Lone Star State Invitational this weekend. 6-2 / Here are a few more thoughts on the class as things come to a conclusion: The latest addition Monday night was tight end Zeke Wimbush, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound three-star prospect from Stone Bridge High in Ashburn who decommitted from Charlotte on Sunday, just days after receiving a Hokies offer. 305, / Welcome to Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Signing Day Central for the Class of 2023. Because what offenses do is they try to attack you when you have weaknesses in coverage. 6-4 / (On3 ranks him 33rd, bringing down his average.). March 3, 2023 9:10 am CT. Peyton Lewis, a running back prospect from the 2024 recruiting class, picked up an offer from the Alabama coaching staff on Thursday. Prys focus upon his hiring was to rebuild relationships within the Commonwealth. More Stories About We just know more about these guys. TSL) is an independent publication that is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Virginia Tech or the Virginia Tech Athletic Department. However, Aycen Stevens is a name to know. All original material and images are copyrighted by TechSideline.com and may not be reused or reprinted without permission. READ MORE, Virginia Tech has had a lot of highly-touted visitors on campus over the last week. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. ", Chamarri Conner Interview on Coverage, Favorite Position, Why he plays Football, Chammari Conner says he met with the Dallas Cowboys, Tuesday, February 28 - Registration, Pre-Exam, Orientation, Team Interviews, Wednesday, March 1 - General Medical Exam, Pre-ordered Studies, Team Interviews, Thursday, March 2 - Orthopedic Examination, Media Interviews, NFLPA Meeting, Team Interviews, Friday, March 3 - Measurements, On-field workout, Saturday, March 4 - Bench Press, Broadcast Interviews, Depart Indianapolis. ET on YouTube. Jonathan Pennix and Krystian Williams are athletes who could start out on either side of the ball. I think he is confident. The 2019 class was punctuated by offensive lineman Doug Nesters signing day flip from Ohio State in February, though that joy was erased years later by his transfer to West Virginia. A ranking of the 2023 Best College Football Players in West Virginia. Our Signing Day 2023 coverage is presented by: We uploaded one-minute long videos for each recruit to a playlist on YouTube. 180, QB / Braylon Johnson is the son of Highland Springs head coach and former Virginia Tech cornerback Loren Johnson. Hammer plays at North Cross in Roanoke. The high schoolers are Watson and Wittke at quarterback, running back Jeremiah Coney, Greene and Baylor at receiver, offensive lineman Layth Ghannam, Hannes Hammer and Williams, defensive end Ishmael Findlayter and Cotman and Phillips at defensive back. Behind the scenes of Virginia Tech's recruiting celebration: We want this to be special. 1. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. They can do a lot of different things with their bodies, so having those qualities is a plus for me. The four highest-rated recruits for Tech are from outside of the state, with Mr. Football in West Virginia, offensive lineman Layth Ghannam, leading the way. . We recruit defensive backs. 6-2 / Copeland is a 6-foot-4, 195-pound from Appomattox. Receiver and ACC champion sprinter Cole Beck will run track again this spring, then see how things how shake out before a determination is made about his football career. Drones immediately enters the battle for the starting spot, with Wittke, an early commitment from a powerhouse Georgia program in Buford, and Watson, a scintillating late addition out of Massachusetts who flipped from Nebraska earlier this month, getting into the developmental pipeline. By: Joe Lanza. Their parents, especially, have an appreciation for where Virginia Techs been, and they understand what this program can be.. That thing will probably double over the next several days with it officially opening on Monday (December 5). Highlights: No. The secondary class is a fun group. 6-6 / Visit our message boards:TSL Recruiting Board (TSL Pass)TSL Football Board. 2023 Virginia Tech Football Commitment List Total Commitments 26 Virginia Tech has offered Salisbury (N.C.) 2024 cornerback Deuce Walker. (Christian Moss is the only scholarship receiver on the roster whos 6-3.). Varner has been dealing with a foot injury, but if healthy, he will be Virginia Techs best pass rusher immediately. The Hokies did plenty of work in Tennessee in this class, an area that Tech hasnt tapped into all that much in recent years, getting four signees from the Volunteer State. He finishes in the record-book as the No. I really like this group. (Photo of Brent Pry: Reinhold Matay / USA Today). 6-4 / In addition to Drones, the Hokies signed two high school quarterbacks, bringing Dylan Wittke and Pop Watson into the fold. (Gio Heater) On Monday, Virginia Tech's complete 2023 football schedule was releasedon the ACC Network. Several schools out there went hard after a few Hokies commitments. Cotman was the latest defensive player the Hokies snagged. Felton is from Portsmouth. Thats why we call them cheetahs., What you want to do is you want to be able to get your secondary to the point where youve got guys with corner skills at every position. Drones was a hot commodity and gives the Hokies and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen the type of passer who can run his offense; that should be RPO-heavy. 623 55 9. The final transfer was speedy 6-foot-4 wide receiver Quan Felton from Norfolk State. FB Recruiting Six players I am most excited to see during spring ball for Virginia Tech VIP Evan G. Watkins FB Recruiting Top target Keylen Adams returns to Virginia Tech VIP Evan G.. From analyzing Techs 2023 class, you see a heavy emphasis on Virginia and the Hokies making some noise in regional states, such as Tennessee, Maryland, West Virginia and South Carolina. That doesnt mean were not going to sign some guys from outside we did, and we will but an emphasis on homegrown talent. Lets get to work #NewHome pic.twitter.com/zvIhIcrD1B, Chance Fitzgerald (@itschancefitz) December 16, 2022. The first order of business at the combine was the measurement portion, on Friday morning, where the Virginia Tech defensive back verified his frame. QB. Were looking for possibly a running back to come in and compete with Malachi and Chance (Black) and those guys and make that room better, Pry said. The plans are for him to go on scholarship in January of 2024, though how the numbers shake out could push up those plans. READ MORE, Virginia Tech signed JUCO defensive end James Jennette on Wednesday, per his announcement on social media. The Hokies should prioritize the defensive line in 2024. 300, LB / "We're having some exit interviews with certain guys, portal conversations," Coach Pry said during a press conference in late November. It was a great year for two former Hokies. Early signing day is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. -, QB / 2022 Virginia Tech Football Commitment List Total Commitments 24 He will be a starter wherever he lands. You have ball skills, theyre usually pretty quick twitch, the short-area quickness. All four have legit size and Ghannam could play early in his career. 230, LB / Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. While Cotman holds a No. 1 ranked player in Ontario, per 247. Conner has played in 61 games, starting every game over the last four seasons. -, S / Lewis plays running back at Salem High School in Salem, Virginia. Eligible to return for a super-senior season (awaiting decision). It shows that theyll block and find ways to contribute to the team.. 5-10 / Its not easy, Pry said of the juggling act of adding three quarterbacks in a class. 240. The Hokies have veteran Nick Gallo coming back for his final season in 2023, but Wimbush is a boost to the next wave of tight ends/H-backs, someone who looks like he could be more on the playmaking side of the position, capable of doing a variety of things from different parts of the formation. I think thats definitely going to help us on the perimeter, being longer, being faster and being more consistent.. Findlayter is the No. The speed and pattern matching, great, but the ball skills are above average. 32 among NCAA FBS programs (per Rivals ). All three will enroll in January, adding some juice to spring ball at the position. Spring practice updates Recruiting news NFL Draft .