We may not know all the effects Frank Beamer's February shuffling of his coaching staff for many years to come. However, the changes have already had a big impact on Virginia Tech's recruiting.
The Hokies already have 13 commitments for their 2012 recruiting class, much more than they've had in June in recent memory. The best of the bunch might be their latest commitment.
Four-star linebacker Deon Clarke from Chesterfield committed to the Hokies Wednesday. It was the latest feather in cap of his primary recruiter, Shane Beamer, who his father brought to Blacksburg to bolster Tech's recruiting efforts.
It was a risky move that could have divided the coaching staff. The arrival of the younger Beamer and Cornell Brown meant veteran coaches Billy Hite and Jim Cavanaugh had to be reassigned to administrative positions that keep them from coaching or recruiting. Honestly, it's a move that could still go either way. We may not find out how the moves affected Hite, Cav and the rest of the staff until well after all have left Blacksburg (if ever).
For now, the moves are producing their desired effects. Shane Beamer, a shrewd recruiter who despite his young age was well-seasoned in the SEC, has already landed commitments from two three-star players and now the four-star Clarke.
Frank Beamer took a chance by eschewing his coveted staff continuity in an attempt to bring better players into Blacksburg. Clarke's commitment is the latest proof that the risk is paying off. Now, we just have to wait and see if it will translate to on-field success that gets Tech over the hump and into college football's next level.