Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
Check out the latest Virginia Tech footabll recruiting notes with updates on a few notable targets after the Hokies gained commitments from three-star RB Kenji Christian and three-star TE Jared Gibble over the past few days.
4* DT Tyleik Williams
Four-star DT and top Virginia Tech target Tyleik Williams announced yesterday evening that he will be making his collegiate commitment this Thursday.
Ohio State's #Buckeyes and Virginia Tech's #Hokies are among those vying for the services of Manassas DT Tyleik Williams from Unity Reed High. The #Rivals 4-Star prospect is set to decide on August 27th.https://t.co/BmIr9R1YKJ
— Virginia Preps (@VaPrepsRivals) August 25, 2020
The Hokies appeared to be the frontrunners for a while, but things seem to be changing as we, like others in the national recruiting media, are hearing that Ohio State is the likely choice for Williams. I wouldn't rule out the Hokies just yet in Williams' recruitment, but Tech is definitely not trending in the right direction for him.
There is no doubt that Tech still does have time to try to beat out Ohio State for Williams and likely will be all hands on deck. Additionally, the Hokies still have the pipeline pitch given how Williams' high school has been the home to future Hokies like Tim Settle, Ryan Williams, Greg Stroman, and Reggie Floyd.
A source in Northern Virginia hasn't heard much on Williams and Ohio State, but did tell me that there's absolutely an appeal to Ohio State DL Coach Larry Johnson, who is among the most respected defensive line coaches in college football.
Right now, I'm leaning towards Ohio State over Virginia Tech but while some seem more confident that he will be a Buckeye, I do belive that Tech isn't out of it.
3* TE Jack Hollifield
The commitment of Jared Gibble may have appeared to come out of nowhere, but some have wondered if this could also mean that Tech isn't feeling confident with their top tight end targets.
A source has told us that Tech is having some growing concerns about whether they will land three-star TE Jack Holifield this cycle. Now part of that could be due to changing evaluations, but also may be other schools appealing to Hollifield.
Right now, I still would absolutely lean towards Jack Hollifield joining his brother Dax in Blacksburg. However, Jack has been extremely quiet and you have to wonder if he is quietly exploring other options especially given what we're hearing about Tech starting to have some concerns.
Keep an eye on Jack Hollifield as Tech still looks to bring another Hollifield to Blacksburg.
2022 3* DE Joshua Josephs
Three-star DE/LB Joshua Josephs from right outside of Atlanta in Kennesaw, Georgia has built up a solid offer list so far with offers from Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, and Memphis.
Josephs told us that the Hokies are in weekly contact with him with assistant Corey Fuller leading the charge currently for the Hokies in the recruitment of Josephs. He had this to say about his relationship with Fuller.
"It’s a cool coach to player relationship, he’s cool person, told him about my mom’s restaurant and little bit about my life and he did the same," Josephs said.
There's no doubt that Josephs is an intriguing prospect who could grow into being a defensive end or end up at outside linebacker depending on his weight growth over the next couple of years.
Josephs is definitely a front 7 recruit to watch as Tech continues to prioritize recruiting the state of Georgia.
