Virginia Tech’s Pursuit of Class of 2015 CB Jordan Whitehead

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

The Virginia Tech Hokies have put together a solid recruiting class so far for 2015 but many diehard fans and analysts know the Virginia Tech Class of 2015 has a lot of upside. However, the Hokies have done a good job so far at getting some very talented players including 4-star cornerback Mook Reynolds and 4-star defensive end Trevon Hill.

The Hokies still have some big time targets including a four-star cornerback.

Jordan Whitehead is a four-star cornerback from Central Valley High School in Monaca, Pennsylvania and is a very heavily recruited defensive back. Whitehead is rated as the 20th best cornerback by 247 Sports, 15th best by ESPN, and 30th best by Rivals. Whitehead is rated as the 176th best player by 247 Sports, 138th best by ESPN, and 248th best Rivals.

Whitehead has been a productive high school player as he had 73 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 14 pass deflections in 2013 as listed by 247 Sports. Whitehead also has good height at 6 feet tall while also having upside to bulk up before he gets to college. However, his high number of tackles is a sign that he is already a fairly tough cornerback that could do some damage on run defense.

The battle for Whitehead seems to mainly down to five teams: Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Virginia Tech. West Virginia is one of the longshots in the hunt for Whitehead and with West Virginia’s head coach Dana Holgersen on the hot seat, the Mountaineers’s chances aren’t great. Pittsburgh is arguably the third choice with the Hokies as Pittsburgh has home turf along with Penn State but the lack of prestige hurts.

The Hokies have defensive backs coach Torrian Gray leading the pursuit of Jordan Whitehead and having college football’s best defensive backs coach pursuing Whitehead definitely is a boost. Whitehead also probably knows well about the reputation of defensive backs at Virginia Tech and there is another thing that could be a boost.

Jul 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The big question for the Hokies is whether Whitehead prefers the Big 10 or ACC and that could have a big impact? For now, it seems like Whitehead is leaning more towards the Big 10 though the Hokies might be able to overcome that.

Ohio State is one of the two favorites for Whitehead though the Hokies could boost their chances and hurt Ohio State if they can take down the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are still a big time program and currently have 52% of votes to get Whitehead in his 247 Sports’ Crystal Ball. Urban Meyer is a great recruiter and c0-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell is leading the charge for Whitehead.

Penn State might not be the favorite based on the 247 Sports’ Crystal Ball but James Franklin has proven to be a great recruiter and will do everything he can to make a big push to keep him in Pennsylvania. Penn State’s bowl ban ends after the 2015 season and Whitehead could be a solid contributor for the Nittany Lions by the time he probably will get some significant playing time if he commits to Penn State.

The Hokies are contenders for Jordan Whitehead but Penn State and Ohio State will definitely be tough to beat for Virginia Tech. Right now, Penn State would be my pick but Virginia Tech has a decent chance to get him.