Virginia Tech, NC State Standing Out For 2019 Four-Star OLB/DE Traveon Freshwater

Editor

January 04, 2018, 03:00 AM

Eastern North Carolina isn't known for being a recruiting gold mine for football teams. However, two of the best North Carolina recruits in the 2019 recruits are from the Eastern part of the state in four-star ATH/CB JR Walker and four-star OLB/DE Traveon Freshwater out of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Recently, Traveon Freshwater updated us on his recruitment including the pair of schools standing out for him. Freshwater told us that Virginia Tech and NC State are currently standing out in his recruitment. He told us that these two schools are standing out because of his good relationships with those coaching staffs and because he felt he was at "home" when he visited both of those schools. When we asked why VT specifically stood out, Freshwater told us that it was because he "loves their football program and coaching staff." Traveon Freshwater said six schools are in contact with him the most: Virginia Tech, NC State, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, and North Carolina. Freshwater is planning to visit the Hokies and NC State this spring with the hopes of visiting VT for their big Junior Day on January 14th. Freshwater is regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals and the 247 Sports Composite as Rivals has him ranked 136th nationally and the 247 Sports Composite has him ranked 139th. The four-star OLB/DE is also regarded as one of the top 7 North Carolina recruits by Rivals and the 247 Sports Composite. Freshwater is a versatile player who has the athletic skills and size to play either linebacker or defensive end in college with VT not recruiting him to play a specific position. Freshwater has a solid offer list that includes the following schools:

ACC: Virginia Tech, NC State, Wake Forest, Duke, North Carolina
Big 10: Michigan State
SEC: South Carolina
AAC: East Carolna
Conference USA: Old Dominion

Right now, the Hokies are one of the clear frontrunners for Freshwater, but have a slight disadvantage. Freshwater told us that NC State CBs coach George Barlow is the coach whom Freshwater has the best relationship with. This relationship is definitely beneficial for the Wolfpack, but the Hokies have a great opportunity coming up with their upcoming Junior Day to improve their relationship and standing with him. One thing to watch is whether Freshwater and teammate/four-star ATH/CB JR Walker end up at the same school. While Freshwater and Walker aren't a package deal, Freshwater did say that he would have a "preference" to play with Walker in college with this appearing to be at least a minor factor in his recruitment. The good news is that the Hokies should have both Walker and Freshwater on campus January 14th, and had a good visit with Walker for the Clemson game. Freshwater is a priority for the Hokies as a versatile athlete who could end up at linebacker or defensive end, similar to Nathan Proctor in the 2017 class. Right now, VT is a top contender for Traveon Freshwater with a great opportunity to make a move in a couple of weekends.