The Tech Lunch Pail is excited to announce the launch of the new TLP Insider subscription. Sign up for an account and get the best news, inside scoops, and analysis on the Hokies! Learn more

Virginia Tech's Top Remaining Offensive Line Targets in the 2019 Class

Jakai Moore Junior Day
Things change quickly in recruiting and such was the case with Riley Simonds as Simonds committed to Florida this past week after VT was considered the favorite and leader for several months. For months, many expected Simonds would round out VT's offensive line change. However, with Simonds ending up at Florida, here are 3 offensive linemen to watch for the Hokies.

4* OG Jakai Moore

There likely isn't an uncommitted offensive lineman that the Hokies have rated higher on their board than four-star OG Jakai Moore out of Northern Virginia. Recently, the Hokies made his top 7 alongside plenty of other prominent programs. https://twitter.com/jdamonsa/status/1008758930774855682?s=19 Penn State is considered the favorite by the 247 Sports Crystal Ball with most signs pointing towards Moore ending up out of state in general. South Carolina also appears to be a major player with a couple 247 Sports Crystal Ball predictions in the Gamecocks' favor. In addition, South Carolina has had success recruiting VA offensive linemen signing three-star Northern Virginia OL Jesus Gibbs last year. Despite that, the Hokies haven't given up yet and have continued to lurk in his recruitment after making his top 7 on Monday. If VT can get Moore, it would be another impressive in-state pickup that would set them up for one of their best in-state recruiting performances in years with Cam'Ron Kelly and Jaden Payoute among those already committed. VT has a very uphill battle for Moore, but there's no doubt that VT will keep pursuing him hard given the talent he brings to the table.

3* OG William Pritchard

William Pritchard has seen his recruitment take off within the past month gaining power 5 offers from Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Syracuse, Illinois, and Virginia. Pritchard has previously told us that he plans to make his decision July 1st and since then, Pritchard has taken visits to VT, Tennessee, and UVA plus an official visit to Illinois. On paper, the Hokies appear to be a frontrunner as the in-state power along with being a part of his first wave of power 5 offers. When Pritchard received his offer, he did tell us that he was "honored" to receive an offer from the Hokies, a good sign about how much this offer meant. VT also has momentum in Richmond this cycle with commitments from Richmond recruits Jaden Payoute and Jahad Carter this cycle. While VT may be the slight frontrunner, Tennessee is also a serious contender for the three-star offensive lineman. Illinois also can't be ruled out as a threat given how the Fighting Illini are the only team that has hosted him on an official visit though that may be due to the greater distance to Illinois. UVA is also trying to gain some traction after becoming his most recent offer while Syracuse needs to get him on campus to have any chance at getting him. Given how the Hokies seem to be more interested in adding an interior guy, Pritchard is likely a higher priority than a tackle like Donavan Beaver. However, Bryan Hudson's versatility could give the Hokies some options in regards to adding a third offensive lineman though Pritchard is a top target regardless of what VT is looking for.

3* OT Donavan Beaver

Donavan Beaver has been very quiet about his recruitment yet the three-star offensive tackle has quietly built a strong offer list that includes Virginia Tech, Florida, Louisville, NC State, and West Virginia. Beaver comes from a Fredericksburg area where VT has had a good amount of in-state success including with Vinny Mihota and TyJuan Garbutt, both four-star defensive linemen in high school. In general, the Fredericksburg area has been one of the more friendly areas for the Hokies on the recruiting trail with Beaver having a chance to become the next one. Beaver has great size and frame for an offensive tackle while most of his power 5 offers appear to be pursuing him heavily, a great sign about his talent even if he's only a mid three-star recruit. Given how quiet Beaver is about his recruitment, it's hard to get a good feel about where he is leaning. However, Virginia Tech is a top contender alongside some of his other big offers including Florida and West Virginia.

Update: Beaver commits to West Virginia

https://twitter.com/donavanbeaver/status/1010890392982687744?s=19 Donavan Beaver announced today that he has committed to West Virginia. With Beaver off the board, the Hokies' offensive line focus will be even greater on Jakai Moore and William Pritchard with Pritchard set to make his decision next weekend.

Photo Credit: Jakai Moore

Stay up with The Tech Lunch Pail for the latest on Virginia Tech. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Subscribe to our email updates.

You must login in order to comment on this post.
Loading Indicator