Virginia Tech Football Recruiting: Latest Updates on Commits, Visits and Targets

This weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest recruiting weekends in Virginia Tech football history. The Hokies are set to host a number of talented high school players, including three 5-star recruits, per 247Sports (subscription required). 

Since new athletic director Whit Babcock took over earlier this year, Virginia Tech has amped up its recruiting efforts. Two new positions were created: Chuck Cantor was hired as the program's first director of player personnel, while Thomas Guerry was later hired as the director of high school relations. 

So far, the Hokies have gotten off to a modest start for the class of 2015. They currently stand at 15 verbal commitments, some of whom were 2014 signees and are in prep school for the fall semester. According to 247Sports, Tech is currently ranked No. 34 nationally in recruiting. 

The Hokies' big win over Ohio State almost two weeks ago was even bigger in terms of recruiting. Some of the nation's top talent was present at the game, including the nation's No. 1 overall player, Josh Sweat of Chesapeake, Virginia. 

Here's a look at how Tech presently stands with some of its biggest remaining targets and current commitments. 

Defensive End Josh Sweat

Last year, one of the nation's top players, defensive end Da'Shawn Hand, was from Virginia and thought to be a Virginia Tech lean. However, Hand broke Virginia Tech's heart when he eliminated the program from contention the summer before his senior season. 

Now, this year's top player, defensive end Josh Sweat, also hails from the Old Dominion state. He is the unquestioned top player in the country and a must-get for the Hokies.

At 6'5", 240 pounds, Sweat has ideal size combined with off-the-charts athleticism. His first step and closing speed are rarely seen from a high school player. 

Sweat will be on an official visit this Saturday when the Hokies open up their ACC schedule at home against Georgia Tech. VT is competing with Florida State and Georgia for Sweat's services.

Defensive End Jalen Dalton

Can you sense a theme here? Some of the Hokies' top remaining targets play defensive end. Jalen Dalton, a 5-star defensive end from Clemmons, North Carolina, will be on an unofficial visit Saturday.

Dalton was thought to be heading to North Carolina all along. However, the Hokies have made a strong push for Dalton and appear to be gaining momentum. Just getting him on campus before he decides was a major coup for Virginia Tech's coaching staff.

Dalton plans on deciding where he's headed for college by the end of the month, and the Hokies are squarely in the mix, per Mason Linker of the Winston-Salem Journal.

"It’s probably between Virginia Tech, (North) Carolina and possibly Miami,” Dalton said. “I was thinking about it the other night, and there’s no point in waiting. I will probably make my decision in August or September."

Expect the Hokies to put the full-court press on Dalton this weekend. Like Sweat, Dalton possesses ideal size (6'5", 235 lbs) and is a great athlete with the frame to add more bulk. 

If the Hokies were to land both Sweat and Dalton, it would move them way up the list for one of the top classes in 2015. 

Top Targets

Credit: 247Sports

North Carolina running back Bryce Love

Now that we all know about Sweat and Dalton, the Hokies have several more visits lined up this weekend. 

In addition to Sweat and Dalton, Tech will also host Kevin Toliver II, Mike Arnold, Victor Alexander and Bryce Love, among others. Toliver, like Sweat and Dalton, is also a 5-star prospect but is committed to LSU.

Could Tech's successful history recruiting in the state of Florida, coupled with the Hokies' reputation for producing NFL defensive backs, sway Toliver to change his mind?

Several other players will make the trip, as will a number of current VT commitments. Many of the top players, like Sweat and Dalton, may choose to enroll in January, so getting them on campus and making a positive impression is imperative. 

Will the Hokies end the weekend with some big recruiting news?

State of Current Commitments

Of the current verbal commitments for the class of 2015, several committed this summer. Defensive end Trevon Hill, safety Adonis Alexander, tight end Chris Cunningham, running back Deshawn McClease and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds were a part of a big summer for Virginia Tech on the recruiting trail. 

The Hokies are going heavy on the defensive side of the ball in 2015, focusing on all three levels of the defense. Tech has commitments from four defensive backs and three linebackers but would love to add more. 

Eric Whitehead represents Tech's only defensive tackle commitment at the moment. Harry Lewis could also play inside at the next level, much like current Hokie Corey Marshall. 

Cornerback Mook Reynolds continues to rise up recruiting boards and is the type of athlete VT covets at the position. 

It's unclear exactly how many more players Virginia Tech will take in this class. However, the Hokies will make room for all of their top remaining targets if need be.