Enrolling early is a major advantage for recruits who are mentally ready to skip their final semester of high school and begin a college curriculum and weight training program. Additionally, enrolling early allows the recruit to become acclimated with the program and participate in spring practice -- a major leg up on the other incoming players who must wait until the summer to start school.
Virginia Tech recruiting: Hokies expect 5 early enrollees
Frank Beamer and his staff continue to reel in talent to play for the Hokies. A couple of key 2014 players will arrive on campus early this month.
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Virginia Tech is welcoming five early enrollees for the 2014 recruiting class, which consists of 27 members, including six four-star talents.
While the Hokies don’t have any junior college players committed, they do have considerable talent coming in time for spring practices. Shai McKenzie, a four-star running back recruit out of Washington High School, chose the Hokies over Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh and others. He should provide immediate help in the backfield. McKenzie was rated as the No. 13 running back and the 241st player nationally.
McKenzie will be joined in the backfield in Blacksburg by Marshawn Williams. Williams is an impressive running back recruit out of Phoebus High School (VA). Williams is rated three stars by the 247sports composite, a combination of the four major recruit rating services, and is rated the No. 30 running back recruit nationally. Williams committed early in the process, giving his pledge to the Hokies in June 2012.
Still to come
Virginia also holds non-binding verbal commitments from several star recruits the school hopes to sign on Feb. 5, National Signing Day.
The best of the unsigned commitments for Virginia Tech is Holland Fisher, a four-star safety recruit out of Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia. Fisher chose the Hokies very early in his recruitment, though he did take official visits to Alabama and Ohio State this past season. He is the No. 1 safety and the No. 1 player overall from prep schools this year.
Javon Harrison is another gem for this year’s recruiting class. A four-star athlete who probably projects to play safety in college, Harrison is rated as the No. 205 prospect nationally and the 15th best athlete. He hails from Kathleen High School (FL) and features a sturdy 6’2 frame to grow into once he hits a college weight room.
Remaining targets -- Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst
Virginia Tech’s biggest remaining target is Derrick Nnadi, a four-star defensive tackle out of Virginia Beach Ocean Lakes High School. Virginia Tech has a strong lead for the 300-pound disruptor, over Virginia, Penn State and Florida State.
