Virginia Tech’s Pursuit of DE Jalen Dalton

Oct 12, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Isaac Bennett (34) gets stopped by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Nicolas (90) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies have had a solid start to recruiting and the Virginia Tech football Class of 2015 is currently led by 4-star defensive back Mook Reynolds who just competed at The Opening at Nike in Eugene, Oregon. The Hokies also have gotten some commitments from defensive linemen including 3-star DE Trevon Hill, 3-star DL Harry Lewis, and 3-star DT Eric Whitehead.

However, the Hokies are in pursuit of a few more defensive linemen.

Jalen Dalton is a four-star defensive end from West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina and has been targeted by many major programs. Dalton is ranked as the 10th best overall defensive end by ESPN, 4th best weakside defensive end by Rivals, and 6th best weakside defensive end by 247 Sports. Dalton is ranked as the best player in North Carolina by Rivals, second best by 247 Sports, and third best by ESPN.

Right now, the North Carolina Tar Heels are the favorites to get Jalen Dalton as their home turf advantage has been a boost. Dalton is an excellent athlete and the type of big time defensive end that could make a big impact for Larry Fedora and the Tar Heels. Right now, the Tar Heels have all 25 predictions on Dalton on 247 Sports in their favor which is quite impressive. Dalton definitely would have the chance to play early at North Carolina and that is another advantage for the Tar Heels.

Florida was one of the most recent programs to offer Dalton and while the Gators are not the favorites, offering him a scholarship has made the Gators more relevant contenders. The success that the Gators have had in developing defensive linemen also has to be intriguing to Dalton. Also, Vernon Hargreaves III proved this past season that Will Muschamp is willing to get young players the chance to make big impacts.

Florida State is also in the hun and the impact of them winning a national title last year has to be fairly big. The Seminoles have also done a very good job of producing talented defensive ends including some top recruits like Mario Edwards Jr. who looks like a future NFL player. However, Dalton might not get the same early opportunities he would get elsewhere which hurts the Seminoles.

The Hokies are no the favorites but they are contenders as Jalen Dalton could also get some early playing time as proven by what Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson were able to do as true freshman. DL Coach Charley Wiles has been the primary recruiter for the Hokies and that is very impactful with that proving how Wiles wants Dalton in Blacksburg. Right now, North Carolina is the favorite but the Hokies are in the hunt.