Recruits may not be able to currently visit schools due to the dead period instituted by the NCAA because of the coronavirus pandemic, but schools have not stopped recruiting in ways that aren't in-person. That goes beyond just high school and JUCO recruits but also grad transfer targets with Youngstown State star DE Justus Reed continuing to receive lots of interest from Virginia Tech and others.
As Reed told us, Virginia Tech is among the schools recruiting him the hardest along with Florida State, Baylor, Texas Tech, Boston College, and Boise State.
However, Reed has one school among that group that currently leads in his recruitment: Virginia Tech. Reed had this to say about why the Hokies currently lead in his recruitment.
"I really like the coaching staff, they are projected to be really good next year, and it just seems like it’d be a great fit for me to come in and contribute to help me get to the next level and ultimately win games and play for a championship," Reed said.
Another factor is the strong relationship he has built with Virginia Tech co-defensive line coach and Hokie Hall of Famer Darryl Tapp, the coach whom he feels he has the best relationship with among all schools involved in his recruitment. He had this to say about what his relationship is like with Tapp.
"He's just a good guy and he knows what he’s talking about and will help elevate my game, and he’s been where I’m trying to go," Reed said.
Justus Reed added that he has a "good" relationship with VT defensive line coach Bill Teerlinck, another good sign that the Tapp and Teerlinck combination are making a difference in Tech's pursuit of him.
Currently, Reed doesn't have a timeline for making a decision but is hoping to be able to take some visits before having to make his decision.
"Given the situation, I don’t have one as of now. It just depends on what happens with this virus and when the NCAA will let me take my visits," Reed said.
Reed also told us that he's prepared to make a decision if he is unable to take his visits though it seems pretty clear that Reed is still being patient for now waiting to see if he will be able to take some visits eventually.
When he is able to take visits, Reed told us that he still plans on taking an official to Virginia Tech in addition to official visits to Baylor, Texas Tech, and Boise State. Reed also plans to visit Florida State and Boston College, but hasn't decided which one will receive the final open official visit spot and which will be an unofficial visit.
Whoever lands Reed will be landing someone who not only adds NFL size on the edge of the defensive line at 6'3'' and 270 pounds but also proven production having 19 tackles for loss including 13 sacks plus 5 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles this past season.
Overall, Virginia Tech is in a strong position for star grad transfer Justus Reed who brings the high-end production and size at defensive end that could make a big difference at a potential weak spot for the Hokies. However, Virginia Tech still has plenty of work ahead to land a potential difference-making grad transfer on the defensive line.
