Virginia Tech's 2023 offensive line class is mostly together, but the Hokies may still add 1-2 more high school OL while also evaluating JUCO and transfer options. One player that the Hokies are evaluating is OT Zach Jones out of Northern Virginia's North Stafford HS.
Jones told us that the Hokies have been showing interest in him for a while with area recruiter/defensive assistant Shawn Quinn leading Tech's charge in his recruitment. He had this to say about his relationship with Shawn Quinn.
"It’s good. I think (Shawn) Quinn is really smart when it come to recruiting," Jones said.
Jones has taken a couple visits to Blacksburg taking one trip for the Spring Game followed by a second, more recent visit for a VT camp. He had this to say about how his camp visit went.
"It was great. I always have a good time when I come down," Jones said.
He added this on what he learned and developed at this VT camp.
"I really learned proper hand placement and when to strike. That’s such a vital tool to use as a OT. Coach Rudolph is a fantastic coach," Jones said.
All of this comes as Jones has offers from Charlotte and New Hampshire in addition to interest from the Hokies, ODU, Temple, Liberty, JMU, UMASS, and UCONN plus taking a camp visit to UNC in addition to his one to VT. Tech is currently evaluating him as a guard though he clearly could also play tackle as well.
The interest shouldn't come as a surprise as he was Second Team All-District last season. He had this to say about the strengths and weaknesses of his game.
"Last year, I struggled with hand placement which in turn got me beat. Some of my strengths are if I get my hands on you, it’s over I’m putting you in the dirt. And my other strength is down blocking, I will down block the 3 tech well," Jones said.
Jones said that he feels an offer is "definitely coming before the season" though numbers and continued evaluations could also affect that. Regardless, it's clear that the Hokies are very interested in Jones.
The only question that remains is whether Virginia Tech will offer Zach Jones or not? We'll have to wait and see while Jones himself will certainly keep on working to get better and better.