4-Star DL/OT Joshua Nijman Commits to Virginia Tech
By Tim Thomas
Nov 28, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) is hit as he passes the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Nicolas (90) and linebacker Deon Clarke (40) defend in the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies have suffered some disappointing losses this recruiting cycle but are looking to build some momentum after getting three-star cornerback Adonis Williamson. The Virginia Tech recruiting class still has the potential to be really good and the Hokies just landed a really good lineman who could line up on either side of the ball.
Four-star defensive lineman Joshua Nijman of Fork Union Military Academy committed to the Virginia Tech Hokies today. The Miami Hurricanes, Temple Owls, and Virginia Cavaliers were also in pursuit of Nijman but many expected him to end up in Blacksburg with his connection with Fork Union teammate and Virginia Tech commit Xavier Burke helping.
Nijman is a tremendous athlete with many seeing this as a steal for the Hokies.
#Hokies landed absolute steal in DE Joshua Nijman (http://t.co/49C4IIorho) from @forkunion. College coach said "he's a freak of nature."
— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) December 16, 2014
That is some very high praise and proof of how good of a player Nijman could end up being for the Hokies. Nijman has the size to play just about anywhere on the defensive line or at offensive tackle but Nijman seems likely to be an offensive tackle for the Hokies with his great size at 6-7 and 267 pounds which he can add a few pounds to.
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However, there is definitely a chance that Joshua Nijman could end up at defensive end especially after the Hokies did not get Josh Sweat. The fact that Shane Beamer has been the primary recruiter does not mean too much on which side of the ball he will play but the fact that Stacy Searels has apparently played a fairly big role is important.
Nijman seems likely to be an offensive tackle and will be enrolling in January which is why he has made his official decision. Nijman could definitely end up being a starting offensive tackle for the Hokies next season though it remains to be seen what side of the ball Nijman is put at.
If the Hokies were to get Ricky DeBerry, that would make it much more likely that he would end up at offensive tackle with DeBerry likely being a defensive end if he came to Blacksburg. However, that scenario seems unlikely but Nijman could end up at defensive end no matter what depending on how they recruited him.
Joshua Nijman is a great addition for the Hokies and it now remains to be seen whether he will be an offensive tackle or a defensive end?