Collegiate Times

National Signing Day saw the next page on the college football calendar turn to reveal 21 student-athlete recruits joining the Virginia Tech program, including the No. 1-rated player in the Commonwealth.

Danville native David Wilson's commitment marks the fifth time this decade that Tech has inked the state's top recruit. This also makes it the second consecutive year in which the Hokies' most highly touted recruit hailed from the running back position, with No. 2 Manassas-product Ryan Williams entering the now-stacked stable in 2008.

"There's some talent back there," Tech head coach Frank Beamer said, before referring to Tech's running backs coach "(Billy) Hite's had to work here for a couple years, he can slack off a little bit."

The graduation of All-American cornerback Macho Harris was immediately addressed, with the help of another All-American Hokie corner. A month ago, the nation's No. 11 corner was hardly on Tech's radar.

Now, with the aid of Hokie-alum and Florida-native Brandon Flowers' suggestions to Tech's coaching staff, Jayron Hosley is preparing to leave Delray Beach, Fla., for maroon and orange in Blacksburg.

Like Hosley, Flowers and former Tech wide out David Clowney both attended Atlantic High School.

"Brandon Flowers was so high on this kid," Beamer said. "We don't get down into Florida on a regular basis much any more, but how highly he spoke of the kid got our interest."

"We recruit within six hours of Blacksburg, generally," Beamer said.

The Hokies signed four of the top 11 recruits in the state of Virginia, including No. 4 Logan Thomas of Lynchburg's Brookville High School and No. 8 DeAntre Rhodes, a defensive tackle from Varina High School.

Overall, 15 of the 21 signees are from the Virginia. Wilson, Thomas Rhodes, Cody Journell, and Hosley earned Prep Stars All-America honors.

"The athletic ability of this class is excellent," Beamer said. "I think the character and academics of this class are also excellent. I couldn't be more happy with this group. I think it's a terrific class. I don't think it's just a good class, I think it's a terrific class. We were limited initially on who we offered, but in the end, I like the way things turned out."

Only 16 Hokie starters were underclassmen in the 2009 Orange Bowl, leaving playing time to be possibly sparse for incoming freshmen. Though, Beamer noted that offensive line and the field goal kicking could see some opening for new players. Antone Exum and Thomas could both take snaps in practice at quarterback.

"I like playing freshmen," Beamer said. "The excitement they bring is all good."

South Carolina also made a hefty contribution to Tech's future, sending the country's No. 30-rated corner in Jerrod Williams, along with a former Tech standout's children. Tariq and Tyrell Edwards, twin sons of former Tech football player Bo Campbell, look to someday make their own mark at linebacker and tight end, respectively.

Tech's recruiting class was rated 24th by Rivals, 20th by ESPN. Last year, Tech signed 31 individuals on intent day and was rated 16th by ESPN.

"I'm not a big ranking guy myself," Beamer said. "I will say this, I think most of the times our team finishes higher when we play than our recruiting class when we got them ranked. I think we try to take kids that we think fit into the system and fit into the program that we like, regardless of whether they're ranked."

As for special teams, the Hokies nabbed place kicker Cody Journell. Hailing from Giles High School, Journell was listed as the No. 3 kicker nationally by ESPN/Scouts.