Hokie Football: Top 10 2009 Recruits I'm Most Excited About

Signing Day in 2009 has come and gone, and it was fruitful year for the Hokies. At least we hope so because with recruiting so much is about expectations, hope, and excitement about the future. 

Regardless, this seems to be one of the better classes for Virginia Tech, and I’m pretty fired up about these young men who have chosen to wear Virginia Tech jerseys on Saturdays.

Here are the top 10 recruits I’ll be talking about the most come the tailgate for the spring game.

10.  Antone Exum.  A lot of schools wanted this talented QB/Athlete, including Penn State who the Hokies ultimately beat out.  Exum is an outstanding athlete, who might end up on Seth Greenberg’s roster as well. 

But more importantly he’s one of those “cog” type athletes that Bud Foster will plug in the defensive backfield and turn into a beast.

9. DeAntre Rhodes.  Four-year starter, chiseled 280-pound, smart, mature, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, known for his TFLs.  “Sold!"

8. Jayron Hosley.  Usually our recruiting surprises on signing day are bad.  This year we got the opposite with the commitment and signing of a blue-chipper in Hosley.

A speedster from Florida (can’t have enough of those!), plug him into Virginia Tech’s lockdown CB legacy.  Also a punt returner for the pride and joy.

7. David Wang.  I got to watch David in person in high school many times and he’s just a Hokie.  Hard working, tough, gritty, a player Frank Beamer will love.  I expect him to be a long time contributor like his brother Ed.

6. D.J. Coles.  Let’s face it, Bud Foster’s defense get’s it done regardless but our offense needs playmakers and Coles is one of them.  He’s got 6-foot-4 height, speed, and makes plays and I expect him on the field...early.  My prediction is that he’s then next guy fans will be grumbling about not getting the ball enough.

5. Telvion Clark. Watch his videos.  Honestly I’ve got a thing for stud LB recruits (the Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi class was the zenith) and while recent results have been solid, I have a hunch Clark will turn out to be the best in a while.

4. Andrew Miller. I have a good feeling about a OL recruit who also is good enough to ride his first year on a wresting scholarship.  Miller is not just a large body, he’s athletic.  He’s also a leader and has "center" written all over him.

3. Jerrodd Williams. Some would put Hosley in this slot.  Virginia Tech’s defense depends on having premier, lock down cornerbacks.  The legacy is there and the recruiting engine has to keep it fueled.

My bet on the 2009’s candidate for future Flowers/Macho/Hall is Williams, who has gotten rave reviews from South Carolina including the Shrine Bowl.

2. Logan Thomas. As I mentioned in my recent post about signing day, a key to recruiting in my opinion is getting a few "elite" recruits each year. 

College football games can be changed by the performance of a single Tyrod Taylor, Kevin Jones, or Eddie Royal, and if you don’t have one (or several), you won’t win your share of games.

Logan Thomas is 6′7″, 230, runs a 4.6 and can play QB, RB, safety, LB, and TE.  He’s a game changer.  Let’s hope the Hokie coaching staff fully utilizes him.

1. David Wilson. If the Hokie defense is predicated on lock down corners, its offensive is ignited by powerful, explosive running backs.  In fact, I’ve argued our focus should be on maintaining a “running back U” mentality, recruiting a premier ball carrier each year. 

I was delighted with Ryan Williams last years class and can’t wait to see him play.  This year I’m just as fired up about Wilson.  Wilson is the ideal Hokie tailback, blending speed and power, gets the tough yards, but can also break the big plays (the key to high YPC). 

He finishes runs strong and punishes his tacklers, making him the type of fourth-quarter back Beamer can go to when he decides to churn out victories and put it on Bud Foster’s shoulders.

So there’s my top 10.  Somebody bookmark this and email me in about five years.

Who are you most excited about?  Leave a comment with your thoughts. 

Is it tailgate season yet?