Virginia Tech’s Battle for Deshawn McClease

Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back J.C. Coleman (4) carries the ball as Virginia Cavaliers safety Anthony Harris (8) attempts to tackle in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies have done a very good job at having tons of running back depth over the past few years largely due to some successful recruiting by the Hokies. The Hokies are not targeting as many running backs as normal this cycle so far due to the load of running backs that the Hokies currently have on their roster. On top of that, the Hokies also will not have athlete Tabyus Taylor till 2015 now and Taylor projects to possibly be a running back.

The Hokies have been in heavy pursuit of 3-star running back Deshawn McClease of Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. McClease is 5-9 and about 175 pounds which is not great size but very similar to J.C. Coleman who has had some success for the Hokies. McClease is ranked as the 52nd best running back by Rivals, 38th best by ESPN, and 48th best by 247 Sports. McClease is also ranked as the 23rd best player in Virginia by Rivals, 17th best by ESPN, and 22nd best by 247 Sports.

Deshawn McClease will announce his decision on July 16th and the battle for McClease is now between two teams, the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Maryland Terrapins. Of course, this is no longer a ACC battle with Maryland now officially being in the Big 10 but that might be an advantage for the Hokies due to how the ACC has had more recent success than the Big 10.

Maryland had the most recent unofficial visit from McClease and the Terps do not have the same logjam of running backs which can be used to their advantage. Also, the chance to try to help build Maryland into a very good program in a Big 10 that has the potential to get better in the next couple years could be intriguing. The Terps have a very good chance but Maryland is not the favorite for McClease.

The Hokies are definitely the frontrunner for Deshawn McClease and that is proven by how the Hokies have 100% of the 7 predictions in McClease’s 247 Sports Crystal Ball. The Hokies have a success of developing all types of running backs including players that are smaller and built more as speedbacks which includes David Wilson and J.C. Coleman. The Hokies also have had the most unofficial visits since the beginning of the 2013 season which could be a boost.

Right now, Virginia Tech is the favorite for Deshawn McClease and hopefully the Hokies will be able to get a commitment from him.