Four-Star 2014 Running Back Shai McKenzie Lists VT As New Favorite

Virginia Tech has been getting some very positive vibes in recruiting lately with the commitments of offensive lineman Brady Taylor, wide receiver Cam Phillips, and defensive back Greg Stroman. It appears like these vibes are here to stay as a recruiting update on one of Virginia Tech's biggest remaining targets for the 2014 class took some by surprise.

Mike White, a beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, had a pleasant update today for Virginia Tech fans regarding the recruitment of four-star running back Shai McKenzie.

Making rounds to area football, chatting with players and coaches. Few notes: Washington RB Shai McKenzie says Va. Tech now his favorite

— Mike White (@mwhiteburgh) August 7, 2013

For a long time it seemed like Florida State and Pittsburgh were in the driver's seat for McKenzie's services. However, it appears that Virginia Tech has made some strong inroads with the Pennsylvania running back. With the dismissal of Michael Holmes from the football team and with the expected loss of running back recruit Drew Harris, McKenzie would be a huge pickup for the Hokies.

I don't expect a commitment soon from Shai McKenzie, however. McKenzie is a high-priority target for plenty of schools so this could be a long, drawn out recruitment process. Virginia Tech has every reason to be feeling confident right now, though. It's no secret that some current Virginia Tech commits are lobbying hard for McKenzie to come to Virginia Tech, and that very well may be the source of this sudden upward trend for the Hokies. Time will tell if Virginia Tech can close this commitment out.

McKenzie also has offers from: Florida State, Pittsburgh, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Arizona, Duke, Georgia, Michigan State, Penn State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee among others.