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The Virginia Tech Hokies’ Pursuit of 4-Star OT/DT Joshua Nijman

By Tim Thomas

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Nov 1, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer (12) looks to pass in the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies are building a strong recruiting class that could end up being one of the best in the nation. The Hokies made a big gain recently with the addition of 4-star offensive tackle Austin Clark who will enroll in the spring and has the talent to be a starting offensive tackle for the Hokies.

However, Clark might not be the only member of the Hokies’ Class of 2015 that ends up starting next fall.

Joshua Nijman is one of those last-minute, out of nowhere guys but the Hokies have made a major push for someone who could be a major steal. Nijman is currently playing at Fork Union Military Academy and after evaluating his tape, 247 Sports gave him a four-star rating while ESPN and Rivals still have not given him a rating.

Nijman has tremendous size at 6-6 and around 266 pounds with great athleticism as he has apprently run a 40 yard dash in the 4.8 range. Nijman has a huge ceiling and should be able to add a lot of muscle with his big frame without losing much if any athleticism.

Nijman will enroll in January wherever he goes and could end up being a starting offensive lineman if he comes to Blacksburg especially at offensive tackle. Nijman could also be a defensive tackle though that will depend on the team he ends up with.

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Nijman took his official visit to Blacksburg this past weekend and all accounts are that the visit went well. The confirmation of that came the day after the Hokies’ loss when Nijman said that Virginia Tech were the leaders for him.

This is a great sign for the Hokies and all indications are that the Hokies are almost certain to get the lineman who is originally from New Jersey. Miami is the most prominent team other than Virginia Tech that has offered him a scholarship but while the Hokies are listed as being the favorites, 247 Sports has Nijman’s interest in Miami as cold.

Virginia Tech is the major favorite and one thing that hints that the Hokies want Nijman at offensive tackle instead of defensive tackle is the fact that his two main recruiters are OL coach Stacy Searels and RBs coach Shane Beamer. Also, one of his teammates at Fork Union is current Virginia Tech TE commit Xavier Burke and his influence is probably also having a large impact.

Joshua Nijman is still a fairly big unknown to many but he might end being one of the biggest steals of the Class of 2015. Next year’s offensive line for the Hokies might include two freshmen starting at the offensive tackle spots in Nijman and Austin Clark which might not be a bad sign for the 2015 season due the potential and talent of these two players.