Virginia Tech Football: Wrapping Up the Hokies' Class on National Signing Day

With National Signing Day just a few days away, the Virginia Tech Hokies are attempting to finish out the 2012 class strong.

Most seasons, it is customary for Frank Beamer and Company to have wrapped up the class prior to signing day. 

However, in 2012, the Hokies are eagerly awaiting the decision of three 4-star recruits that could sway the perception of the offseason for Tech.

All three will make their decisions on Wednesday morning. Let's take a closer look at each, as well as where the Hokies will end up in the final recruiting rankings. 

Joel Caleb

Joel Caleb is a 4-star recruit, as rated by Rivals.com, and projects as a wide receiver for the Hokies.

Caleb currently plays quarterback in high school, but will have to transition to a new position once enrolled.

The Midlothian, Virginia prospect will not blow you away with speed, as he runs only a 4.71-second 40-yard dash. However, chances are, he could improve that time with better technique.

What sets Caleb apart is his athleticism and size advantage. Caleb stands at 6'2" and a stout 200 pounds. Once he gets used to the intricacies of the receiver position, Caleb will produce as a solid red-zone threat and third-down option.

Caleb is set to announce his destination at 8:30 a.m. on signing day.

Caleb's decision will come down to the Hokies, Ohio State and West Virginia. 

Ken Ekanem

Top defensive end prospect Ken Ekanem will make his official college choice at 9:00 a.m. on National Signing Day.

Ekanem is a 4-star recruit, according to Rivals.com. He stands at 6'3" and 226 pounds and narrowed his list down to the Hokies and Notre Dame.

The fact that Ekanem cancelled a late visit to Notre Dame sends signals that Ekanem is likely headed to Blacksburg.

Ekanem is a versatile lineman that utilizes versatility and quickness to pursue the quarterback more than power.

 

Korren Kirven

Virginia Tech rarely brings in defensive tackles at the level of Korren Kirven to its recruiting classes. 

Kirven is a 4-star interior lineman out of Lynchburg, Virginia and would be a fantastic get for the Hokies.

In the film, Kirven explodes off the line of scrimmage and penetrates the line via great snap timing. Kirven will have to work on his one-on-one techniques and power, but he will make a difference for any team he joins.

Kirven is down to two choices on his wish list. The Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers are vying for his services and will find out his choice on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.

Ranking the Class

Andy Bitter, Virginia Tech beat writer for The Virginian-Pilot, wrote this nice summary of the Hokies' rankings in the eyes of each of the recruiting services.

Currently, the Hokies are ranked No. 22 by Rivals.com, No. 30 by Scout, No. 25 by 247Sports and unranked by ESPN.

If Virginia Tech was to finish No. 22 in the Rivals.com rankings, it would be the school's highest finish since being No. 14 after the 2007 class, which included 5-star recruit Tyrod Taylor.

The decisions of the aforementioned 4-star prospects weigh heavily on the Hokies' final rankings as well. Landing any or all of the three would vault Tech significantly higher in the pecking order.

 

Finishing Up

Speaking of the final three recruits, how will the Hokies fare?

Ken Ekanem's decision not to visit Notre Dame puts Tech in a great position to get the talented defensive end.

According to J.C. Shurburtt of 247Sports, wide receiver Joel Caleb is favored to end up in Blacksburg as well.

Unfortunately for Tech fans, my gut feeling is that Korren Kirven will end up signing with the Tennessee Volunteers. Sal Sunseri is a fantastic recruiter and will ultimately reel the big defensive tackle to Knoxville. 

Two out of three isn't bad, though, and would put Virginia Tech solidly in the Top 20 recruiting classes for 2012.