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Virginia Tech is Heavily Pursuing Three-Star RB Michel Dukes

VT Cadet 1
When Michel Dukes ran for 34 touchdowns and over 2,100 rushing yards as a junior, he was bound to receive plenty of attention from schools across the ACC and SEC. Unsurprisingly, Dukes has with schools like Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Oregon, and a few other power 5 schools extending him offers. Recently, we caught up with Dukes to talk to him about where he stands in his recruitment in the summer before his senior season. Dukes doesn't have any schools standing out in his recruitment currently, but he did tell us that Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Arkansas, and East Carolina are among the schools recruiting him the hardest. Dukes does intend to take some visits soon though he added that he isn't exactly sure about the schools or dates for these visits. Looking ahead, official visits will likely gives us a clearer picture as to who the serious contenders are for Dukes. Right now, it seems likely that the Hokies, Gamecocks, and Razorbacks will receive officials with room for other power 5 schools to make a move in his recruitment or for a sleeper team like ECU to earn an official visit. Part of the reason why his recruitment may be going at a slower pace than others is his busy schedule due to his two-sport prowess on the gridiron and the basketball court. Dukes was a star basketball player as well in South Carolina last year, and the three-star RB has received some collegiate basketball interest. In addition to that, Dukes also told The Post and Courier in March that he has "always had a love for the game of basketball." With it not being clear that Dukes is 100% set on playing football at the collegiate level, his basketball interest will be something to keep an eye on. The Hokies offered Dukes last October and have since been a major player in his recruitment. However, it will be critical for the Hokies to get him on campus for at least an official visit if not more. Right now, South Carolina would appear to be the favorite with 247 Sports' Crystal Ball being in the Gamecocks' favor. South Carolina has the in-state advantage with Dukes while the Charleston, SC standout also visited the Gamecocks within the past few months. Arkansas is a more recent riser in his recruitment and could be a sleeper team to keep an eye on while East Carolina shouldn't be ruled out, but may need some help to get him. Virginia Tech is showing plenty of interest in three-star South Carolina RB MIchel Dukes, but the Hokies will need to get him on campus soon to continue to be a serious contender for him in a recruitment that seems pretty wide open heading towards the fall.

Michel Dukes in the Recruiting Rankings

Dukes is ranked as the 42nd best RB by 247 Sports and 63rd best RB by the 247 Sports Composite. In the state of South Carolina, Dukes is ranked as the 12th best recruit by 247 Sports and the 247 Sports Composite, and 18th best by Rivals.

Michel Dukes' Offer List (According to Rivals and 247 Sports)

  • ACC: Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest
  • SEC: Arkansas, South Carolina
  • Big 10: Indiana
  • Pac-12: Oregon
  • AAC: East Carolina, Temple
  • Conference USA: Old Dominion
  • Sun Belt: Appalachian State, Georgia State

Photo Credit: Harley Taylor

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