Virginia Tech's 2016 National Signing Day Wish List
The Virginia Tech Hokies and new head coach Justin Fuente currently have the 40th-ranked recruiting class in the country, per 247Sports.
Former head coach Frank Beamer announced his retirement in early November, allowing the Hokies time to find his replacement before the dead period in recruiting began in mid-December.
Fuente hit the ground running, making a favorable impression on numerous recruits. Several recruits who committed to the previous regime stuck with their pledge after speaking to the new coach.
Junior college quarterback Jerod Evans is currently Virginia Tech's top signee and will enroll in January.
The Hokies have some work to do on the recruiting trail, and official visits will pick back up at the end of the month. That should give Tech fans a good opportunity to see if Fuente can close the deal with a number of prospective future Hokies.
Who tops Virginia Tech's wish list?
Tight End Jovani Haskins
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The recent success of current tight ends Bucky Hodges and Ryan Malleck has the Hokies in contention for one of the more underrated tight ends in the class of 2016: Jovani Haskins of Bergenfield, New Jersey.
At 6'4", 235 pounds, Haskins already possesses good size. Much like many high school tight ends, his blocking still leaves a bit to be desired. But in all fairness, that's not really important in this pass-happy era we're currently living in.
Haskins has wide receiver-like skills and can easily add 15-20 pounds once he gets to college. He has big, strong hands and could make an impact as a true freshman.
It looks like the Hokies will battle West Virginia for Haskins' signature. With Malleck gone and Hodges still contemplating his future, signing Haskins is important for Virginia Tech.
Defensive End JaQuan Bailey
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JaQuan Bailey, a 6'3", 236-pound defensive end from Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida, is a high priority for the Hokies before next month's national signing day.
He possesses the size that defensive coordinator Bud Foster covets in his defensive ends. Foster and defensive line coach Charley Wiles prefer tall, lighter pass-rushers who can add strength once they get to school without sacrificing any athleticism.
A former Florida commit, Bailey backed out of his pledge to the Gators on December 16. That same day, the Tennessee Volunteers offered Bailey.
The Hokies are confident on Bailey, but Tennessee's presence should concern them. This recruitment will likely come down to official visits, and Bailey visits UT on January 15 and Tech on January 22.
Linebacker Keith Simms
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If you watched Virginia Tech's defense this fall, you could see a big drop-off in performance from past seasons. Much of that was due to the youth in the secondary. However, shoddy linebacker play was also an issue for Tech.
That's why it's vital for the Hokies to sign an impact linebacker in the class of 2016.
Enter Keith Simms. A 6'3", 220-pound outside linebacker from Bethesda, Maryland, Simms boasts an impressive list of offers. Oregon, North Carolina, Stanford and Maryland are expected to be VT's biggest competition for Simms.
Simms has excellent range and instincts and could thrive at the 'backer position in Foster's defense. He officially visited Blacksburg on December 11 and could take his decision all the way to signing day.
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Linebacker Chase Pine
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Linebacker Chase Pine, a 6'4", 220-pounder from Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, committed to Pittsburgh back in the summer.
However, the Hokies have continued to recruit Pine and he remains interested, according to Evan G. Watkins of 247Sports. Foster and his staff liked Pine before Beamer left, and Fuente offered Pine when he was head coach at Memphis so the prior relationship could help the Hokies in this one.
Pine has the frame to add more weight, and his film is reminiscent of former Hokie linebacker Xavier Adibi.
Getting Pine to Blacksburg could be a coup for the Hokies. He's an underrated prospect at a position of need,; and it never hurts to steal someone away from one of your rivals.
Offensive Tackle Landon Dickerson
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The top target for Virginia Tech in the class of 2016 is 6'5", 293-pound offensive tackle Landon Dickerson of Hudson, North Carolina.
Dickerson's recruitment has been all over the map. The Hokies were the expected favorite early on as Dickerson's grandfather played for the Hokies. But as the 2015 season unfolded, Dickerson visited Auburn, Florida State and Oregon. At varying times, each school had to feel comfortable about where it stood with Dickerson.
Dickerson is the type of prospect who can help the Hokies early on. He can come in and start right away, whether it's outside at tackle or inside at guard. He's a good athlete and is a technician in both the running game and passing game. If he's beaten initially—which is rare—his footwork is so good he can recover in time to save the play.
He also plays with a nasty streak that so many young linemen seem to lack these days.
The Hokies appear to have fallen behind the other schools with Beamer's retirement, but don't rule them out as Fuente has made Dickerson a priority.
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