Virginia Tech Football: Top 10 Recruiting Targets for the Hokies in 2011

Virginia Tech is losing a few players on offense and defense, but the Hokies have always been a team that reloads as opposed to rebuilding.  Their defense wasn't top of the line in 2010, primarily because of the youth on that side of the ball.

Defense, however, is heavily addressed in the Hokies' 2011 recruiting class with a number of top players at the defensive line and defensive back positions.

Now, don't be alarmed.  The Hokies have always been a team that searches for players to fit their system.  They're not going to blow anyone away with the number of 5-star recruits they bring to town.  Instead they search for system players.  Here's a look at 10 recruits that have verbally committed to Virginia Tech for 2011, and a couple of them could be guys we see on the field this season.

Michael Cole

Cole is a local defensive back prospect who played at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, VA.  He committed in August, and has good speed with a 40-time of 4.49, according to Rivals.  Cole is also pretty intelligent, sporting a 4.0 GPA.  He has a 38-inch vertical, and Bryan Stinespring recruited him.

Christian Reeves

Reeves is a tight end prospect from McDonough, GA, and is listed as a 3-star recruit by both Scout.com and Rivals.  He stands 6’3” and has weighed in between 194-to-214 pounds.  Rivals has Reeves listed as the fastest tight end prospect in the nation, and will probably serve as a hybrid type player on the Hokies offense in a year or two.

Jake Goins

Goins is a 3-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals and is listed as 6’3” weighing anywhere between 270-to-288 pounds.  He played at Manchester High School in Chesterfield, VA and is rated as the 68th best OT in the nation.  Expect him to redshirt and contribute a couple of years down the line.

Dewayne Alford

A 6’3”, 220 pound defensive end prospect from Suffolk, VA.  He’s listed as a 3-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals, and he committed back in June.  Rivals has him as the 30th best defensive end from the state of Virginia.

James Farrow

Farrow verbally committed in Augusta and he’s a 3-star rated prospect by Scout.com and a 3-star rated athlete by Rivals.  Farrow stands 6’0” and weighs 178 pounds.  He has a 40-time of 4.43 seconds, and he’s from Minnetonka, MN, so cold weather should be no problem come November.  There are a number of DB’s in this class, so look for the Hokies to utilize or transfer Farrow to another position, maybe receiver.

Ronny Vandyke

A 4-star safety prospect whom Bud Foster is responsible for bringing to town.  Vandyke stands 6’3” and weighs 190 pounds.  Played at South County Secondary School in Lorton, VA.  He adds more depth to a stout defensive recruiting class for the Hokies.

Kyshoen Jarrett

A 6’1”, 182 pound defensive back from East Stroudsburg, PA, Jarrett committed in December.  Scout.com and Rivals list Jarrett as a 4-star recruit, and both like his athleticism and his ability to cover as a corner.  He could be the next great Hokie corner.

Lafonte Thourogood

This guy could be the next Logan Thomas for Virginia Tech.  Rivals has the Virginia Beach prospect listed as a 3-star quarterback.  Scout.com has Thourogood listed as a 4-star wide receiver.  He stands 6’3” and weighs 225 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.  Scout.com likes his arm, but thinks he’ll be better served somewhere else on the field.  Should be interesting to see what the Hokies do with him.

Kris Harley

This defensive tackle prospect from Indianapolis, IN committed to the Hokies last April.  He stands 6’2” and weighs 265 pounds.  He’s the 16th rated DT prospect according to Scout.com, and the 20th best according to Rivals.  Both Scout.com and Rivals have Harley as a 4-star recruit.

Corey Marshall

Marshall is a defensive tackle/defensive end from Dinwidde, VA who committed back in June.  He stands 6’1” and weighs 250 pounds, and Scout.com has his 40-speed clocked at 4.9 seconds.  He’s a 4-star prospect by both Scout.com and Rivals.  Scout.com has him as the 14th best defensive end in the nation, compared to Rivals who has him as the 22nd best defensive tackle.