Football Recruiting Update: 9/15/21

Here we are, going into week three of the 2021 college football season. The Hokies are sitting at a 2-0 record going into their first away game this weekend in Morgantown. And in the two weeks we have seen already, the Virginia Tech Recruiting Staff has been quite busy already with both 2022 and 2023 recruits. Let's get into what the top headlines in Virginia Tech Football recruiting:

Primetime, Big Impression - The huge, Friday night game against the UNC Tarheels for week one was set to be a big one in terms of recruiting. Many important recruits for both the Hokies and the Tarheels were set to be in attendance for the matchup. Some of those names included DL Jamaal Jarrett, OL Joshua Miller, LB Reid Pulliam, and CB Antonio Cotman. And of course, some of the already committed 2022 Hokies showed up like OL Gunner Givens, DL Lemar Law, TE Harrison Saint-Germain, DL D'Andre Martin, and many more.

After the Hokies picked up the huge home win over #10 ranked UNC, the buzz began. Many of the names we saw gave TREMENDOUS praise to the welcome they got in Blacksburg. This wasn't just directed towards the staff, but to the fanbase and the atmosphere they helped create. Getting such an important win at home, especially in front of such talented recruits, only can mean good things going forward.

Reel Him In - Huge Virginia Tech Football target for the 2022 class, TE Benji Gosnell, was at last Saturday's game against MTSU. This was a good sign, as the Hokies have been pursuing Gosnell ever since his decommitment from Ohio State. To even sweeten the situation some more, Gosnell has received two 247 Sports' crystal balls in favor of Virginia Tech for his commitment decision. And when I last spoke to Gosnell, he said that the plan is to visit again in Blacksburg for the October 10th matchup versus Notre Dame. Only positive signs are coming from the Gosnell camp towards his relationship with the Virginia Tech Staff.

Rating Bumps - It has been a known thing that recruits ratings can change, either up or down, throughout the recruitment process. Luckily for the Hokies, we got to see two of our own 2022 commits receive a ratings bump. First off, we saw DL D'Andre Martin who went from an unranked mark to going up to a rating of 0.8457 (3-Star). I'm surprised the rating didn't came sooner than it did, and that it was as low as it was. Nonetheless, we are proud of D'Andre for earning his official 3-Star mark.

Next, we take a look at CB Mansoor Delane out of Maryland. Mansoor went from a rating of a 0.8466 (3-Star) to a 0.8676 (3-Star) rating. This is a huge jump for the 2022 cornerback, who got his rating bumped up from an ESPN evaluation. Congrats to both of our 2022 commits and may we see more rating bumps in the future.

MTSU Recruit Attendance - Let's take a look at who was at this past weekend's game against MTSU (not including current commits):

-WR Daveon Ests (N/A)

-CB DJ Barksdale (N/A)

-QB Raheim Jeter (0.8600, 3-Star)

-LS Jack Mowrey (Kohl's 5-Star)

-OL Cal Grubbs (0.8300)

-ATH Orel Gray (N/A)

-OT Jordan Knox (N/A)

-OT Isaac Keene (N/A

-WR Jordan Tapscott (N/A)

-CB Brandon Cisse (N/A)

-WR Paul Davis (0.9000, 4-Star)

-ATH Ja'Ricous Hairston (N/A)

-DL Micah Pennix (N/A)

Also, it is important to take note that many recruiting sites will not have a rating for most 2023 recruits until later in the fall season. Plus, this list contains confirmed visitors and there may be some not mentioned.