Virginia Tech’s Battle for OT Mike Arnold

Oct 5, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) tacked the snap as offensive linesman Caleb Farris (79) and Jonathan McLaughlin (71) block in the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies’ recruiting for the Class of 2015 has gotten off to an interesting start though there have been some disappointments. One of those was on the offensive line as the Hokies missed out on 4-star offensive tackle Austin Clark chose the South Carolina Gamecocks over the Hokies. However, the Hokies know that they can definitely still get a couple talented offensive lineman.

One of those offensive linemen is Mike Arnold.

Mike Arnold is a three-star offensive tackle from Winter Haven Senior High School in Winter Haven, Florida and is going to be almost 20 years old when he starts college. Arnold is ranked as the 95th best offensive tackle by 247 Sports while also being ranked as the 117th best player in the state of Florida. Arnold is a sleeper player and his rating might be hurt by his age though that probably isn’t much of a factor.

The Miami Hurricanes are probably co-favorites with the Virginia Tech Hokies for Arnold as the Hurricanes have the proximity to home advantage. The Hurricanes also have done a good job at developing offensive tackles though the Hurricanes haven’t been great at developing offensive tackles. The Hurricanes have also been the most intense at recruiting with a primary and secondary recruiter as a part of the push for Arnold.

The Hokies have had success at getting a lot of the players they want from the state of Florida and Mike Arnold is definitely one of those players. Torrian Gray has been the primary recruiter for Arnold and will look to make a big push for Arnold. The Hokies’ connections to Florida will be a benefit and something that could limit the potential for Miami’s proximity to home to work. The Hokies also have OL coach Stacy Searels who has a great reputation and could be a game changer in the pursuit of Arnold.

The Hokies and Miami definitely are the two teams leading the pursuit of Mike Arnold in a battle that will go down to the end.