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Virginia Tech Football Recruiting Notes January 24th Edition

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The Virginia Tech Hokies hosted a pair of talented defensive linemen on official visits last weekend (Jamarcus Chatman, VT commit Cam Goode). However, that's far from the only big recruiting news as the Hokies prepare for a big official visitor this weekend. Plus, we have a few 2019 recruiting updates in today's recruiting notes.

Jaevon Becton Set to Take His VT Official

As we've previously said, three-star 757 DL Jaevon Becton will be visiting Virginia Tech this weekend. The Ocean Lakes star has become a top target for the Hokies in the 2018 class after his decision to decommit from Georgia. The Hokies have made adding defensive linemen a priority for the final stretch of 2018 recruiting headlined by their pursuits of Becton, four-star DE/OLB Javontae-Jean Baptiste, and three-star DL Jamarcus Chatman. Becton has the versatility to play either DE or DT with his initial collegiate position possibly dependent on who else ends up at VT if he does choose the Hokies. Virginia Tech and Tennessee have been the two primary schools linked with Becton's recruitment while Pittsburgh also appears to be a school to watch according to his 247 Sports page. However, the Hokies have a big advantage here with the only official visit currently scheduled for Becton. Right now, the Hokies are considered the favorites by many including ourselves, but Tennessee and Pittsburgh shouldn't be ruled out just yet either. This weekend's official visit will be critical for the Hokies as their chance to make a big impression that may be impossible for others to overcome. Right now, Virginia Tech is the favorite for Becton with this weekend's official visit likely to be critical.

CJ Johnson Releases His Top 3

2019 three-star WR CJ Johnson recently released his top 3. https://twitter.com/Kinggg_jayyy5/status/954881872751886336 Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and East Carolina made the cut for Johnson. Johnson is ranked as the 123rd best WR by the 247 Sports Composite and 104th best WR by 247 Sports. Johnson isn't a name we've had on our radar at wide receiver, but it's clear that the Hokies at least have some interest in the Greenville, NC native. However, the Hokies aren't the favorites at this point with East Carolina having a 247 Sports Crystal Ball prediction in their favor. The Pirates also have a unique advantage given that Johnson is from Greenville while UNC also has an in-state advantage over the Hokies. The fact that the Pirates made the cut over other ACC offers from Duke and NC State is a sign that ECU should be taken as a serious threat. For now, the Hokies are right in the hunt for CJ Johnson.

Riley Simonds Update

Riley Simonds was one of the multitude of visitors who were in Blacksburg for Virginia Tech's Junior Day. Simonds told us that he had a "good" Junior Day visit and that he enjoyed his opportunities to interact with the coaching staff. Virginia Tech continues to recruit Simonds the hardest while Simonds also told us that the coaches' whom he has the best relationships with overall in his recruitment are Vance Vice and Justin Fuente. When we asked why his relationships with Fuente and Vice are so strong, he told us that "They're just so straight forward. I love those coaches and our bond grows every time I visit." That relationship between Simonds, and Fuente and Vice is a big reason why we continue to stand by our prediction of Simonds to Virginia Tech. The Buford, GA offensive guard does have a visit scheduled to Alabama this upcoming weekend, but that's the only other visit he currently has scheduled. Simonds also told us that he does not plan to take any official visits this spring at this point. Simonds is an offensive line priority for the Hokies with Virginia Tech being in great position for him at this point. However, his Alabama visit will be one to watch as the Crimson Tide's interest and pursuit will become more clear after that visit. For now though, the Hokies are in great shape for the Buford offensive lineman.

Khalid Martin Update

Khalid Martin was another one of the multitude of visitors who were in Blacksburg for the Hokies' Junior Day. Martin told us that his visit was "wonderful" and that the visit "had a positive impact on both my recruitment and VT's standing in my recruitment." Martin said that the "consistency" of the Hokies' interest in him stood out once again, telling us specifically that "every time I’ve been to VT, I’ve gotten the same genuine love." Martin is one of Virginia Tech's top defensive back targets in the 2019 as a borderline four-star safety that VT has prioritized for months. However, the Hokies have plenty of competition from NC State who Martin said is currently recruiting him the hardest. Despite that, Martin told us that he doesn't have any schools standing out in his recruitment at the moment. Right now, Martin's recruitment is setting up to be a battle between Virginia Tech and NC State with both schools prioritizing him as a top target at safety. For now, it's hard to see another school becoming a serious contender with his recruitment currently being a two-school battle.

Photo Credit: Harley Taylor

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