Virginia Tech Football: The 5 Most Important Recruits for Hokies' 2016 Season

The Virginia Tech Hokies will finish up the 2015 regular season on Saturday against Virginia. A win and the Hokies will go bowling for a 23rd consecutive season.

But that's not even a concern in Blacksburg at the moment. 

Legendary head coach Frank Beamer announced his retirement earlier this month, leaving the program in search of its first head coach since 1987.

The new head coach should be named sometime in December, leaving him little time to get on the recruiting trail and add to Virginia Tech's 2016 recruiting class.

Currently, per 247Sports, the Hokies rank No. 46 with 15 commitments on board. Recently, VT lost two verbal pledges—wide receiver Phillip Patterson and cornerback Troy Pride—after Beamer's announcement.

While it's late in the recruiting process, the new coach will have some room to work with as attrition will likely hit the program. 

What recruits are most important for Virginia Tech's next head coach? Here are five players the new coach needs a signature from on national signing day.

Wide Receiver Divine Deablo

Wide Receiver Divine Deablo, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Deablo pledged to the Hokies in July over North Carolina and Clemson. At 6'3", 180 pounds, Deablo has a lithe frame capable of adding 15-20 pounds of muscle with ease and not sacrifice any speed or athleticism. 

Deablo is important to Virginia Tech because he projects as a terrific player at the next level. Deablo could be a legitimate deep threat early in his career because of his speed and ability to attack the football at its highest point. Many young receivers catch the ball with their bodies. Not Deablo.

While Deablo is still committed to the Hokies, keep an eye on the Tar Heels. At one time, UNC was considered the favorite for Deablo and he was in Chapel Hill for an official visit on Nov. 14. 

Virginia Tech has little depth behind Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips at receiver next season. So, a young player like Deablo could make an impact as a true freshman in 2016.

Cornerback Khalil Ladler

Credit: 247Sports

Cornerback Khalil Ladler

Cornerback Khalil Ladler, Bradenton, Florida

Ladler is currently Virginia Tech's top-ranked recruit and the only 4-star currently a member of the class of 2016. 

At one point, Ladler was considering Miami, Georgia, Florida State and LSU. However, a knee injury in the offseason led several schools to cool on Ladler and the Hokies stepped up. Current defensive backs coach Torrian Gray has a strong rapport with Ladler and was his lead recruiter.

Ladler fits Virginia Tech's mold as a cornerback. He's not the biggest guy (5'10", 168 pounds), but he possesses tremendous footwork and the speed to turn and run with receivers. He's physical and not afraid to get involved in the running game. 

Ladler is expected to sign with the Hokies and enroll in January. However, will a new coaching staff make him a priority, or will Ladler go elsewhere if Gray isn't retained?

Cornerback Troy Pride Jr.

Credit: 247Sports

Cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (R) with Hokie star Kendall Fuller

Cornerback Troy Pride Jr., Greer, South Carolina

The Hokies pride (no pun intended) themselves on outstanding cornerback play. That's why Ladler and Pride are major priorities for the class of 2016. 

At 6'0", 175 pounds, Pride will need to add some strength at the next level. But he has excellent length and had a strong senior season. He excels at jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and his track background is evident on the field. He can turn and run with any receiver. 

The Hokies received a commitment from Pride in February. However, Beamer's retirement and uncertainty surrounding the defensive coaching staff led Pride to back off his pledge on Nov. 12.

While the turmoil around Tech's staff is a legitimate concern for any potential signee, Pride was already looking at other schools, specifically Notre Dame and Clemson. 

Pride will likely end up at Notre Dame or Virginia Tech. If the Hokies retain Gray and longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster, it will go a long way in getting Pride to sign with the Hokies in February. 

Pride was on hand for Beamer's farewell home game Saturday against North Carolina.

Defensive End Patrick Jones II

Credit: 247Sports

Patrick Jones II

Defensive End Patrick Jones II, Chesapeake, Virginia

At 6'5", 235 pounds, Jones has the size Virginia Tech covets for its defensive ends. Obviously, a new staff may have different priorities.

Jones isn't one of the nation's top-ranked players, but he's an athletic pass-rusher and the Hokies need defensive ends. He has the type of frame to easily add 25-30 pounds.

Jones is a good athlete and has an excellent first step. At the next level he'll need to learn how to better use his leverage.

The Hokies became a national power with players like Jones. A player that isn't heavily recruited, arrives in college and gets stronger. Current defensive end Dadi Nicolas is similarly built to Jones and has had an outstanding career. 

Jones will decide soon between the Hokies, Duke, Pittsburgh, North Carolina State and California.

The biggest question for Virginia Tech: Will it have the new head coach in place by the time Jones makes his choice?

Offensive Tackle Landon Dickerson

Credit: 247Sports

Offensive tackle Landon Dickerson

Offensive Tackle Landon Dickerson, Hudson, North Carolina

If there is a must-get for Virginia Tech's class of 2016, it's Dickerson. The 6'5", 293-pound offensive tackle is a legacy player. Dickerson's grandfather played for the Hokies.

Dickerson is a polished player and could start at Virginia Tech or somewhere else in 2016. He really stood out at several of the camps over the summer, getting the best of several matchups against some of the top defensive end prospects on the East Coast.

Dickerson has excellent footwork and resets well. In addition to his athleticism, Dickerson is an aggressive player. He finishes blocks. While he projects as a left tackle at the next level, he could come in and play guard right away. 

Auburn, Florida State and Tennessee are Virginia Tech's primary competition for Dickerson. He recently visited the Volunteers twice this month. So, Tennessee could be a major player in his recruitment. However, look for it to be between the Hokies, FSU and Auburn. Dickerson is set for an official visit to Auburn next weekend for the Iron Bowl.

Will the coaching situation change Dickerson's view of the Hokies?

According to Dickerson, not really, especially if some of the current staff stays in place, per Evan Watkins of 247Sports. 

“It depends on the situation,” Dickerson said. “If some of the staff is still there, that would definitely help. I’ll always have interest.”

All recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports. 

Bryan Manning covers college football for Bleacher Report and you can follow him on Twitter @bdmanning4.