Numbers are getting tight for Virginia Tech in the Class of 2018 with the Hokies having 19 commits and very limited room to work with. However, there are a few elite guys that the Hokies will make sure they sign if they choose the Hokies including five-star DE KJ Henry.
Today, Henry cut his list from 10 to 5, and the Hokies received some good news.
https://twitter.com/thekjhenry_/status/892142961324118017
Virginia Tech made the top 5 for five-star DE KJ Henry along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and South Carolina. These five schools really aren't a surprise as it's become clear that these are the five main players for Henry with this top 5 likely to be the five schools where he takes official visits to.
There's no doubt that KJ Henry is one of the best recruits in America as Henry is ranked as the 12th best recruit in America by 247 Sports, 14th best by the 247 Sports Composite, 15th best by Rivals, and fifth best by ESPN; all of whom have him as a five-star recruit.
Among defensive ends, Henry is also one of America's best as 247 Sports, the 247 Sports Composite, and Rivals all have him as the second best weak-side DE while ESPN has him as the third best DE. ESPN has Henry as the top recruit in North Carolina while the 247 Sports Composite and Rivals have him as the second best NC recruit, and 247 Sports has him ranked third in the 247 Sports Composite.
On paper, many would be quick to question as to how good the Hokies' chances are with Henry, but in a story on the five-star DE by
SEC Country's Chris Kirschner, Henry said that VT is recruiting him the hardest while also having high praise for VT.
"They’re a much smaller school compared to Alabama and Clemson, but I like them. They’re doing the right things. They’re close to home. They have good relationships with my parents. The coaches have shown lots of love." - KJ Henry to SEC Country's Chris Kirschner
In addition to this, Henry said that Virginia Tech is the school everyone is
"underestimating" to Rivals' Adam Friedman along with having lots of praise for the Hokies in that article on why VT made his top 5. Here's a snippet from that article.
https://twitter.com/FuenteFootball/status/892157429462556673
While it may be hard to believe for some, it's clear that Virginia Tech is a serious contender for Henry and should be all the way till he makes his decision. The Hokies are expected to have Henry on campus for an official visit at some point with it being likely that VT pushes for that official to happen when the Hokies host Clemson in late September.
While Alabama and Clemson will both be significant challenges, Virginia Tech has a great chance with Henry having good relationships with VT commits Tre Turner and DJ Crossen along with being from near the Greensboro area where the Hokies have had tons of success in the 2018 class. Those connections could prove valuable in a recruiting era where connections have become more important and recruits appear to be more interested in playing with close friends.
Despite that, going against the two teams that played in the national championship will not be easy with the Crimson Tide and Tigers being seen as the two favorites to get the five-star DE. However, the Hokies should not be discounted as though some may see them as a "sleeper", Henry has made it clear they are a serious contender.
Virginia Tech is right in the hunt for five-star DE KJ Henry with the Hokies having a great opportunity at getting what would be one of the biggest commitments in program history.
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