Keshon Artis Commits to the Hokies

Well, despite the issues on the field, Virginia Tech recruiting marches on, and today, the Hokies picked up a commitment from an in-state linebacker. Keshon Artis, a linebacker from Ocean Lakes High School in the 757, committed to the Hokies over UCF and NC State in particular. He also had scholarships offered by Duke, Maryland, Mizzou, Navy, Tennessee, West Virginia, and UVA, among others. He is rated as a four star recruit on ESPN and on Scout/247, but Rivals has him rated as a mid-tier (at best) three star. He’s one of the top rated recruits in Virginia by 247 and ESPN, but Rivals has him rated lower. I believe that’s likely due to his height, which is only at 6’-0”. But Artis will be the third commitment from the Commonwealth, and the second linebacker recruit after Alan Tisdale. Artis joins a plethora of defensive talent that is incoming, a necessity to rebuild/build up the quite sparse or young talent of the depth chart on that side of the ball. Artis is the 23^rd commit, which potentially means (depending on how commitments and actual scholarship situations work out) that there are only two spots left in the class. His primary recruiter was 757 area recruiter Zohn Burden.

Let’s see what the Hokies are getting in Keshon.

Keshon Artis (Chesapeake, VA. 6’-0”, 220lbs. Linebacker)

Artis is a downhill running hole stuffer of a linebacker, ideally suited as an attacking Mike in a defensive scheme. I like the hitting and tackling ability and his anticipation, as that’s definitely needed against a lot of Virginia Tech opponents (Georgia Tech in particular). I’d be more interested in seeing his deeper coverage film, as I don’t care what you are in terms of a run-stuffer if you can’t cover the middle of the field efficiently in the passing game. Almost everything you see on the highlights is him attacking downhill or hitting someone. Again, don’t get me wrong, I like the anticipation and I like the aggressiveness…to an extent. I get worried that a Mike lacking ideal height and with little to no experience in naked coverage having a place in the modern collegiate football game. Hopefully that is something he chose stylistically not to show, but not having a SINGLE HIGHLIGHT in that area has me a bit worried by exclusion.

Either way, welcome aboard, Keshon. Welcome to the Hokies.