Hokies Football Visitors Against Boston College
By Tim Thomas
Sep 13, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Nicolas (90) rushes the passer during the third quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. East Carolina defeated Virginia Tech 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies are looking to get a big home win to boost their chances of continuing their bowl streak this season against the Boston College Eagles this weekend. However, this is a big weekend beyond the field for the Hokies with plenty of big time recruits making their official visits to Blacksburg this weekend plus a couple of unofficial visits.
The biggest visit is from 4-star defensive end Jalen Dalton who was in Blacksburg last Thursday Night for the Hokies’ loss to Miami. Despite the loss, things apparently went well for Dalton and the Hokies have gone from a distant second choice to being possibly the favorites for him ahead of North Carolina.
This is a big chance for the Hokies to make a huge impression Dalton with the defensive end from West Forsyth High School in North Carolina likely to make his decision in the next couple of weeks. The Hokies have a great chance to continue building momentum and put themselves in a position to close the deal in the next few weeks.
Emaneul McGirt, a four-star offensive tackle is another big time visitor this weekend for the Hokies. Virginia Tech needs all the offensive line help it can get and McGirt would be a huge boost for the Hokies. Right now, Georgia and NC State seem like the frontrunners but this official visit is a great chance for the Hokies to get right in the mix.
4-star wide receiver Lawrence Cager will also be in Blacksburg and this is his first of four official visits. The 6-5 wide receiver from Maryland would be a big addition to the Virginia Tech recruiting class. The Hokies are probably the longshot of the four receiving official visits from Cager but this is their chance to gain some momentum.
3-star offensive tackle Kenny Thomas will also be at Virginia Tech this weekend. Thomas has been a rising prospect this year and could add depth at the offensive line in this recruiting class, especially since 3-star offensive tackle Fredrick Johnson doesn’t seem like a safe commit after receiving an offer from Florida. Virginia Tech is currently the frontrunners but will face strong challenges from Mississippi State and Louisville.
Current Tennessee commit and four-star defensive end Darrell Taylor will also be in Blacksburg. The Hokies still have a chance to flip the commitment of Taylor and this will be the weekend where they can either give themselves a serious chance of doing it or end that chance.
The list of unofficial visitors is solid which includes 2017 defensive back Madison Cone who has offers from Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Duke among others. 2-star defensive end Joshua Culberson is also taking an unofficial visit and could be a walk-on candidate for the Hokies. The list of unofficial visitors could become a lot stronger if 4-star running back Nyheim Hines visits as rumored by some.
Overall, Virginia Tech has a strong group of visitors in Blacksburg this weekend in what could be a big weekend for the Hokies.