:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31494891/20130820_pjc_bc1_004.0.jpg)
The VT coaching staff remains hard at work on 2015's recruiting class as was illustrated this past weekend, hosting a collection of highly sought after recruits. Let's take a look at some of the blue chippers the Hokies hope to welcome into the program next February on National Signing Day.
OSCAR SMITH'S TALENTED TRIO
Chesapeake, VA's highly touted defensive end and consensus five-star standout Josh Sweat made the trek to Blacksburg along with his teammates Deshawn McClease and Keyvone Bruton (2016). McClease, a four-star running back who is high on Tech's list, is thought of to be a VT lean at this stage of the recruiting process as he has already visited the Tech campus a couple of times. Bruton who stars at safety, will be a part of the 2016 recruiting class joined his teammates to get an early look at the Virginia Tech program.
The Hokies are positioned well to potentially make a big splash within the Oscar Smith program, that would be a huge for its struggling 757 recruiting.
MORE KEY PROSPECTS
Brian Chaffin, a composite four-star (247Sports) offensive lineman/center out of Charlotte Christian made the short trip north from Charlotte, NC with his family. The 2015 Under Armour All-American holds over 10+ offers with Duke, Boston College, UNC, NC State, and Mississippi State among the notables programs vying for his signature.
VT and Duke appear to be the front runners, with the home standing Blue Devils holding a slight lead according to the recruiting pundits at 247Sports. A bit baffled by this? Don't be, Chaffin is a very intelligent young man who also holds offers from Harvard, Northwestern and Cal.
Ricky DeBerry (St. Christopher's School) from Richmond, VA made the visit and from his twitter feed had a great time in Blacksburg.
The 6'2", 245lb four-star outside linebacker/defensive end boasts nearly 60 offers from the "who's who" of college football. Recently, Deberry narrowed that list down to 20 with the Hokies making the first round of cuts. Coach Shane Beamer who recruits the Richmond area will have his work cut out for him.
A number of other prospects made the trip, but I wanted to key in on these prospects as the Hokies are in excellent shape in gaining their pledges. Not only are they all highly touted (four and five-stars) but they are key areas of need.
Offensive line is always in demand, especially one as talented and with the mental acuity of Brain Chaffin. The depth at defensive end is fairly thin, a stud like Josh Sweat and Ricky Deberry would be welcome additions and that have potential to contribute early.
Most importantly, these players are from Virginia (with the exception of Chaffin) and we all know Coach Beamer wants to take care of the state first and foremost. These excellent players hail from key hotbeds in Virginia, from the 757 to the 804, now is the time to rebuild the fence around the Commonwealth.