by Ben Anderson–
On Feb. 6, high school seniors across the nation signed their letters of intent, pledging their allegiance to the universities where they will be spending the next chapter of their lives.
Virginia Tech will welcome 20 freshmen next year from the 2019 recruiting class. According to 247Sports, the Hokies’ 2019 recruiting class ranks 26th nationally and third in the ACC with an average player rating of .8739.
Maybe the most impressive position group coming in for the Hokies is haul of offensive linemen. Losing three starters on the line, this position group needed to refill depth and talent. Offensive line coach, Vance Vice, got to work this offseason and will welcome four freshmen and one transfer to the offensive line room next fall.
According to ESPN, offensive guard, Doug Nestor, who flipped his commitment from Ohio State last Wednesday, is ranked the 72nd best recruit in the class of 2019. Nestor, along side Coastal Carolina transfer, Brock Hoffman, could see playing time for the Hokies as early has next fall.
After the transfer of multiple offensive weapons this offseason, Jaden Payoute and Keshawn King will be competing for playing time as soon as they step on campus. Rivals.com has Payoute listed in the top 40 wide receivers in the nation and King as the 23rd best running back.
247Sports quoted head coach Justin Fuente on last season saying, “We were awfully short-handed out there. Awfully short-handed. We can’t be that short-handed again next year.” With these new recruits committed to Virginia Tech, Fuente will look to add depth and stability to his roster.
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