4-Star DT Tim Settle Commits to Virginia Tech

By Tim Thomas | Jan 2, 2015

Nov 22, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Nigel Williams (95) gets congratulated by linebacker Deon Clarke (40) after a sack during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies have built a solid recruiting class loaded with tons of quality three-star prospects, but only a few four-star prospects led by Austin Clark and Mook Reynolds. The Hokies also only have two four-star commits from Virginia in Trevon Hill and the aforementioned Clark.

The Hokies have had some disappointments, but today kicked off the beginning of what could be a big recruiting momentum swing for the Hokies with Tim Settle announcing his decision today, Lawrence Cager announcing his decision tomorrow, and Dwayne Lawson announcing his decision Sunday.

With all that excitement for Hokie Nation surrounding recruiting, many fans were intrigued to hear where Settle would commit. Settle was able to give the good news that fans have been hoping to hear.

Tim Settle announced at the Under Armour All-American Game that he has committed to the Virginia Tech Hokies over the Louisville Cardinals and USC Trojans. Settle is one of the top players in the state of Virginia, and is a big in-state victory after seeing players like Josh Sweat and Ricky DeBerry recently announce that they were leaving the state to go to Florida State and Virginia respectively.

More from Virginia Tech Football

Settle is ranked as the 78th best player by the 247 Sports Composite, 168th best by Rivals, and 17th best by ESPN. Rivals also has Settle as the 14th best defensive tackle while the 247 Sports Composite has him as the 11th best defensive tackle with ESPN ranking him as the fourth best defensive tackle.

Within Virginia, Settle is one of the state’s best in the Class of 2015 with Rivals ranking him as the state’s tenth best recruit, the 247 Sports Composite having him as the third best recruit, and ESPN ranking him as Virginia’s second best recruit.

After some disappointing misses with many top in-state recruits over the last few seasons, getting Tim Settle is a big victory and one that will give Hokie fans a lot more confidence about the rising state of the program after three rough seasons.

Oct 5, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Frank Beamer, left, and defensive line coach Charley Wiles react in the fourth quarter. The Hokies defeated the Tar Heels 27-17 at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Settle is 6’3” and around 325 pounds which is quite big, but practice tape shows that a lot of that weight is not fat but muscle which is great news for Hokie fans to hear. Settle showed in the Under Armour All-American practices that he has a very good motor while he also has developed some swim moves.

Settle will likely not get very much playing time in Blacksburg in 2015, but it would not surprise me if he is starting by 2017 though he has the talent to potentially challenge for a starting spot in 2016. The addition of Settle makes Virginia Tech’s depth at defensive tackle the best of any position which is impressive given the talent the Hokies have at cornerback.

This is a great recruiting job by Torrian Gray as primary recruiter with Settle being the best recruit that Gray has gotten for the Hokies as a primary recruiter since Ryan Williams. Meanwhile, Charley Wiles has done a great job of building the position coach-player relationship which has seemed to be a big boost for the Hokies to take them from being outsiders to the team receiving his commitment.

Hokie fans should be very happy that Tim Settle has decided to commit to the Hokies. Now, Hokie fans will be hoping Lawrence Cager and Dwayne Lawson join him.

Next: Ricky Walker will be starting at DT in 2016.

More from Fighting Gobbler

Home/Virginia Tech Football