2015 Recruits Who Are Impacted by Virginia Tech's Disappointing Season

A Virginia Tech program muddled in mediocrity for the majority of this decade is enduring a disappointing 2014 campaign that turned south in October with three consecutive conference losses. The Hokies, who improved to 2-0 by upsetting Ohio State on road, are now just 4-5 and in danger of missing postseason action for the first time since 1992. 

Head coach Frank Beamer, just 10-11 against ACC opponents during the past three seasons, faces mounting questions about his longevity in Blacksburg. This downward trajectory creates concerns for a program that appeared in eight BCS bowls between 1995 and 2011.

Recruiting efforts always become more difficult when things aren't working out on the field, making a successful national signing day feel elusive. Here's a look at key Virginia Tech targets impacted by the Hokies' struggles during a frenzied recruiting stretch.

5-Star DE Josh Sweat (Chesapeake, Virginia)

Josh Sweat is the crown jewel of in-state recruits, following in the footsteps of former Oscar Smith High School teammate Andrew Brown, a 5-star 2014 defensive tackle. If Sweat also decides to stay near home—Brown signed with Virginia—Blacksburg is the likely destination.

However, several programs remain in the picture for his commitment. The 6'5", 240-pound prospect, rated No. 1 overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, resumes official visits this month.

He suffered a season-ending knee injury in September and surgery paused his recruiting process. Sweat, who spent time at Ohio State earlier this fall, will be in Georgia this weekend.

Florida State hosts him next week before the Hokies cap off November with a monumental official visit from the dominant defensive end. Sweat, who racked up 22 sacks and 94 tackles in 2013, is an instant-impact devastator off the edge and would vie for a starting role next year if he heals properly.

"You have to be perfect against Sweat," 5-star offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt told me this summer after working against him in drills. "Otherwise you're done."

He presents the kind of reputation and talent that can entirely change the course of a recruiting class.

4-Star LB Ricky DeBerry (Mechanicsville, Virginia)

Credit: 247Sports

Atlee High School standout Ricky DeBerry is another crucial in-state target for Virginia Tech, but his options extend far beyond state borders. The 6'2.5", 240-pound linebacker announced his top eight earlier this season, with Alabama, Penn State, Michigan State, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Tennessee joining the Hokies.

DeBerry doesn't appear set to spend an official visit at Virginia Tech, but that may be because of the university's nearby proximity. Some prospects prefer to travel to new destinations during the process in order to further evaluate other regions and expand their horizons.

Virginia Tech faces a tough task when it comes to keeping DeBerry home, as various suitors are currently competing for conference titles and a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff. The Hokies enter the final stretch of his recruitment as an underdog and will look to get him on campus at least one more time before a decision is made.

DeBerry, who has 33 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions this season, is a scheme-diverse defender who could ultimately line up at defensive end during his college career.

4-Star DT Tim Settle (Manassas, Virginia)

Stout defensive tackle Tim Settle remains a strong possibility for the Hokies despite recent struggles. The 6'2", 339-pound lineman traveled to Blacksburg three times this season, including an official visit in September.

Settle, rated 11th nationally among players at the position in 247Sports' composite rankings, possesses rare athleticism for a player of his stature. He's enjoyed a highly productive career at Stonewall Jackson High School.

His eye-opening sophomore season featured 72 tackles and three sacks. Settle expanded on those numbers in 2013, totaling 92 tackles and four sacks, per Phil Kornblut of SportsTalkSC.com.

Virginia Tech's main competition for the big man includes Clemson, Penn State and West Virginia. He is expected to spend upcoming official visits out west, with trips to USC and Washington State.

3-Star WR Lawrence Cager (Towson, Maryland)

Credit: 247Sports

Virginia Tech was among the first power-five conference programs to extend an offer to Lawrence Cager, a promising 6'5" receiver from Calvert Hall. The late-rising playmaker landed on the Hokies' radar this summer when he attended a team camp during a two-week stretch in July that saw him collect offers from Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee.

Cager is enjoying another strong recruiting run this fall. Offers have arrived from Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Miami, Nebraska and South Carolina since mid-October.

These late contenders have created a crowded race in this recruitment. However, Virginia Tech managed to line up an official visit earlier this month and remains firmly in the mix.

Cager watched the Hokies lose to Boston College during his visit. He will follow that game day experience with official visits to Ohio State and Notre Dame later this season. 

The Hokies could certainly use an influx of offensive talent, and Cager fits the bill. Virginia Tech ranks 84th among FBS teams in points scored per contest.

4-Star DE Jalen Dalton (Clemmons, North Carolina)

Credit: 247Sports

Jalen Dalton has been a frequent guest of the Hokies this season, including an official visit earlier this month. The 6'5", 235-pound West Forsyth High School standout views Virginia Tech as a strong contender in a crowd of favorites that also includes ACC rivals Florida State and North Carolina.

Rated fourth nationally among weak-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, Dalton emerged as a coveted recruit during a breakout sophomore campaign. He tallied 60 tackles and 12 sacks as a first-year starter in 2012, per Sammy Batten of The Fayetteville Observer.

The Under Armour All-American Game selection holds scholarship offers from the likes of Alabama, Penn State, Georgia and Florida State. He's given Virginia Tech ample opportunities to sell him on the program, though his past three game day visits have featured a Hokies defeat.

Dalton is set to announce his collegiate intentions Thursday, Nov. 13. The decision is expected to come down to UNC and Virginia Tech.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting columnist Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit ratings and statistics courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.