Melvin Keihn Commits to Virginia Tech

Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster (left) talks to his players against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech has had a whole lot of momentum recently in recruiting and that momentum grew when one of the Hokies’ main targets, running back Shai McKenzie, committed to the Hokies only a few days ago. The Hokies have gotten commits for other big time Class of 2014 players during the month of December including athlete Tabyus Taylor and pocket passing quarterback Chris Durkin. The Hokies have also gotten Class of 2015 commits from cornerback Ashton White and ESPN Jr. 300 offensive lineman Michael Barnett. Now, the Hokies have added another player to the Class of 2014 as they finish off what is looking like a very good class.

Melvin Keihn, an outside linebacker from the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, has committed to Virginia Tech. This is big for the Hokies as they beat out Maryland and Virginia for another very good player from the Mid-Atlantic region. Keihn has a grade of 78 from ESPN which makes him a 3-star prospect though that seems likely to go up. Keihn is seen as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com and is ranked as the 223rd best recruit nationally by them. This is a big addition to a Virginia Tech recruiting class that is looking quite strong despite not getting their biggest original targets like Quin Blanding, Andrew Brown, and Da’Shawn Hand.

Melvin Keihn is the first Class of 2014 linebacker the Hokies have received a commitment from which means he could end up getting some playing time next year due to the graduations of Jack Tyler and Tariq Edwards. Keihn could very well take the role that Dadi Nicolas as a pass rushing specialist though Keihn could also get redshirted. However, Keihn might just be ready to make an impact next year for the Hokies on defense.

Melvin Keihn knows how to wrap up players and get them to the ground which many players don’t always seem to understand coming out of high school. Melvin Keihn stands out on the field in his highlights and seems to be the player making the big plays and getting the job done. As a pass rusher, Keihn knows how to find holes in the offensive line sometimes and get sacks while also forcing some fumbles. Keihn is more of a speed rusher as a pass rusher right now and will need to develop some more pass rush moves. Keihn also is very effective at slowing down the running game and that is largely due to his great hustle which isn’t easy to teach. Keihn is the type of player that Virginia Tech fans will love seeing out on the field in the future.