Virginia Tech football: A National Signing Day preview

It’s the final weekend before National Signing Day and that means there are many high school players on official visits this weekend. Of course, the early signing period in December has taken the shine away from National Signing Day as the majority of players are signing early.

The Virginia Tech Hokies wrapped up most of their class in December, too. The Hokies signed 20 of their 21 players, with only athlete Jahad Carter remaining unsigned. If all things go as planned, Carter is expected to sign with Virginia Tech next week.

Just this week, the Hokies picked up a commitment from junior-college defensive tackle Jaden Cunningham out of Lithonia, Ga., by way of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. Cunningham is a three-star prospect who stands 6’1’ and weighs 310 pounds. He possesses the size to make an impact this fall and we know the depth chart at defensive tackle is wide open.

The Hokies are hosting a huge guest this weekend. Four-star offensive lineman—and Ohio State commit—Doug Nester, out of Spring Valley High School in Huntington, W.V., will be in Blacksburg. Nester committed to Ohio State well over a year ago and has waffled a bit with his commitment since the Urban Meyer scandal last fall. While Meyer is now gone, Nester is still weighing his options and the Hokies are firmly in the mix. Nester has a good rapport with offensive line coach Vance Vice. If Tech can get Nester over Ohio State and Penn State it would be some much-needed positive momentum around program.

Another player who will sign next week is four-star linebacker Eugene Asante. A 6’1”, 212-pound linebacker from Westfield High in Chantilly, Va., Asante has seen his recruitment blow up after a huge season. The Hokies offered in December and immediately jumped out front but since that time he’s received a host of offers including from Florida State, North Carolina, Nebraska, UCLA, Tennessee and Maryland.

The Hokies have lost battles like this far too often in recent years. If they can get Nester and Asante it would not only round out another solid recruiting class, but also start to shift some of the perception around the program. Head coach Justin Fuente needs to close strong with the remaining spots left in this class.

Another player potentially on commitment watch this weekend is three-star quarterback Knox Kadum. Kadum played at a high level in the talent-rich state of Georgia but the film shows he has some physical limitations. He’s won big games and him receiving a late offer is a direct result of Hendon Hooker entering the transfer portal. Kadum could be intriguing prospect because he shouldn’t need to see the field anytime soon. He was a James Madison commit until this week and that likely won’t inspire a lot of confidence amongst Hokie faithful.

There won’t be a lot of action before Wednesday but if anything does happen, it could be big. Stay tuned and we’ll have you covered.