SkinsHokieFan
June-21st-2006, 11:36 AM
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=106389&ran=72324
Tech targets Hampton QB, hoping he’ll sign — and help land others
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 21, 2006
Last updated: 10:50 AM
Most rabid Virginia Tech football fans know about the empty glass case in Blacksburg. The one reserved for a national championship trophy.
What some faithful Hokies might not realize is that Hampton High School quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be the catalyst that one day helps Tech fill it.
At the very least, that's what Hokies coaches have been busy telling Taylor - every chance they get.
"Every time I go there, they show that case to me," said Taylor, a fleet-footed, strong-armed senior who's widely considered among the nation's best at his position. "They tell me I can come there and put something in that case."
To Tech's credit, its sales pitch is far more substantial than that slightly obvious appeal. The Hokies, in fact, have been after Taylor in earnest for almost three years now.
According to Taylor's father, Rodney - who does most of the family's talking when it comes to recruiting - Tech coach Frank Beamer came to see Hampton wide receiver Todd Nolen during Taylor's freshman season.
"He left asking about the quarterback," Rodney Taylor said. "They made Tyrod a verbal offer that summer, after his freshman season."
From that day to this one, the Hokies have promised Taylor he'd be the only passer they would pursue when he was a senior.
They did him one better last season: Tech's lone quarterback recruit in the class of 2006 was Maury's Kam Chancellor, and he's more likely to be roaming the defensive secondary than working in the offensive backfield by the time Taylor hits college.
That would mean if Taylor becomes a Hokie - and takes a redshirt season like most Tech passers do - every other quarterback on the roster will be a junior before he's even ready to play.
"They've told me from day one that I'm the only one they want, that I'm number one on their board," Taylor said. "They've kept their word, and that means a lot to me."
But how much does he mean to Tech? How heavily are the Hokies' hopes hinging on Taylor's college choice, a pick he says he intends to make in the coming weeks?
First, consider his ability. Taylor led the Crabbers to a Group AAA state title last season, passing for 1,500 yards, running for 1,000 more and accounting for 32 touchdowns.
"He's the most dangerous true quarterback out there when things break down because of his speed and shiftiness," said Mike Farrell, Rivals.com's national recruiting analyst. "He's the kind of athlete who could continue what the Hokies want to do on offense."
That might be another recruiting advantage Tech has. Quarterbacks with similar skills - Michael and Marcus Vick, and even Bryan Randall - have thrived in the Hokies' mixture of run and pass.
Taylor's game now - looking first to throw a tight spiral, but more than happy to dart away for long ground gains when necessary - would translate and transition seamlessly to the backfield in Blacksburg.
Taylor is rated the No. 18 overall prospect in the nation and the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.
One Division I assistant coach said Taylor "is the type of player that can swing a game by himself, that can win you an extra two or three games on his own."
That alone might be worth all the fuss. But there's another factor that might make Taylor the most important Virginia Tech recruiting target in years.
Sure, Michael Vick is the face of the place. But people were too busy drooling over Ronald Curry - coincidentally, one of Taylor's role models and good friends - to fully appreciate Vick as a recruit coming out of high school.
Sure, Kevin Jones was the nation's top recruit coming out of Pennsylvania, but by the time his commitment to Tech came, most of the top prospects had made their college decisions.
That's where Taylor has the potential for major impact.
He says he plans to let the world know his college destination sometime before heading to the July 27 Nike Elite 11 Camp - a camp that brings the top dozen prep passers to train in California.
"I want to get it done so I can focus on my senior season," Taylor said.
While that may be his motivation, whichever college he picks can look forward to Taylor's decision helping his intended team haul in some of the country's top players to join him. That's where the value of an early commitment from a highly sought player really comes in.
Traveling the elite combine circuit, Taylor has made friends and acquaintances of several top wide receivers, running backs and offensive linemen. By announcing his decision this summer, he'll have months to help recruit other prospects before next February's national signing day.
"Players recognize players and they want to be around players that can help their future," Taylor said. "I want guys with me who can help me win a national title."
Two players are particularly interested in where Taylor's going: Kempsville High's Jay Smith and Mark Barnes of South Carolina. Both are rated among the nation's top 15 receivers by Rivals, are close with Taylor and have said they'll consider joining him.
Taylor said he's also been in touch with Pennsylvania prospect Nick Sukay, another top-15 receiver, as well as New Jersey running back Tony Smith and Newport News offensive lineman Jaymes Brooks - a 6-3, 296-pound Denbigh High prospect with offers from Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina.
That doesn't even count another dozen or so top-tier recruits Tech is courting, and who Taylor's pick could influence.
All that, plus recent history, make for a tense time back at Hokies headquarters.
"The quarterback position is a leadership position and so high profile that landing a good one can make or break a recruiting class," said Farrell.
There are certainly a few notable cases of quarterbacks making a class.
Last year, Florida was already piling up prospects when star quarterback Tim Tebow signed on. But after he committed to the Gators, they finished with a flurry. Landstown's Percy Harvin, the nation's top recruit, followed him to Gainesville, as did three more top prospects.
Just this spring, California quarterback Jimmy Clausen saw his commitment to Notre Dame followed by the commitments of a receiver, tight end and lineman - all highly rated - within days.
"It's a big deal when you land a great quarterback prospect," Farrell said. "If Tech doesn't get Taylor, it would be a huge blow. The Hokies are the favorite, and they need to land him."
But will they?
The competition has slimmed, but remains stiff. Taylor pared his countless scholarship offers down to a final five this spring, then recently to three.
Just within the past week, he has said it's down to two: the Hokies and Florida.
"Florida's spread offense is intriguing," Rodney Taylor said. "But Virginia Tech is still one of the top programs. Florida has won a national title, but Tech has played for one. It sure would be something if Tyrod could help them win it."
That's what the Hokies have been banking on for some time now.
Reach Kyle Tucker at (757) 446-2374 or kyle.tucker@pilotonline.com BY KYLE TUCKERTHE VIRGINIAN-PILOTMost rabid Virginia Tech football fans know about the empty glass case in Blacksburg. The one reserved for a national championship trophy.What some faithful Hokies might not realize is that Hampton High School quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be the catalyst that one day helps Tech fill it.
Tech targets Hampton QB, hoping he’ll sign — and help land others
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 21, 2006
Last updated: 10:50 AM
Most rabid Virginia Tech football fans know about the empty glass case in Blacksburg. The one reserved for a national championship trophy.
What some faithful Hokies might not realize is that Hampton High School quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be the catalyst that one day helps Tech fill it.
At the very least, that's what Hokies coaches have been busy telling Taylor - every chance they get.
"Every time I go there, they show that case to me," said Taylor, a fleet-footed, strong-armed senior who's widely considered among the nation's best at his position. "They tell me I can come there and put something in that case."
To Tech's credit, its sales pitch is far more substantial than that slightly obvious appeal. The Hokies, in fact, have been after Taylor in earnest for almost three years now.
According to Taylor's father, Rodney - who does most of the family's talking when it comes to recruiting - Tech coach Frank Beamer came to see Hampton wide receiver Todd Nolen during Taylor's freshman season.
"He left asking about the quarterback," Rodney Taylor said. "They made Tyrod a verbal offer that summer, after his freshman season."
From that day to this one, the Hokies have promised Taylor he'd be the only passer they would pursue when he was a senior.
They did him one better last season: Tech's lone quarterback recruit in the class of 2006 was Maury's Kam Chancellor, and he's more likely to be roaming the defensive secondary than working in the offensive backfield by the time Taylor hits college.
That would mean if Taylor becomes a Hokie - and takes a redshirt season like most Tech passers do - every other quarterback on the roster will be a junior before he's even ready to play.
"They've told me from day one that I'm the only one they want, that I'm number one on their board," Taylor said. "They've kept their word, and that means a lot to me."
But how much does he mean to Tech? How heavily are the Hokies' hopes hinging on Taylor's college choice, a pick he says he intends to make in the coming weeks?
First, consider his ability. Taylor led the Crabbers to a Group AAA state title last season, passing for 1,500 yards, running for 1,000 more and accounting for 32 touchdowns.
"He's the most dangerous true quarterback out there when things break down because of his speed and shiftiness," said Mike Farrell, Rivals.com's national recruiting analyst. "He's the kind of athlete who could continue what the Hokies want to do on offense."
That might be another recruiting advantage Tech has. Quarterbacks with similar skills - Michael and Marcus Vick, and even Bryan Randall - have thrived in the Hokies' mixture of run and pass.
Taylor's game now - looking first to throw a tight spiral, but more than happy to dart away for long ground gains when necessary - would translate and transition seamlessly to the backfield in Blacksburg.
Taylor is rated the No. 18 overall prospect in the nation and the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.
One Division I assistant coach said Taylor "is the type of player that can swing a game by himself, that can win you an extra two or three games on his own."
That alone might be worth all the fuss. But there's another factor that might make Taylor the most important Virginia Tech recruiting target in years.
Sure, Michael Vick is the face of the place. But people were too busy drooling over Ronald Curry - coincidentally, one of Taylor's role models and good friends - to fully appreciate Vick as a recruit coming out of high school.
Sure, Kevin Jones was the nation's top recruit coming out of Pennsylvania, but by the time his commitment to Tech came, most of the top prospects had made their college decisions.
That's where Taylor has the potential for major impact.
He says he plans to let the world know his college destination sometime before heading to the July 27 Nike Elite 11 Camp - a camp that brings the top dozen prep passers to train in California.
"I want to get it done so I can focus on my senior season," Taylor said.
While that may be his motivation, whichever college he picks can look forward to Taylor's decision helping his intended team haul in some of the country's top players to join him. That's where the value of an early commitment from a highly sought player really comes in.
Traveling the elite combine circuit, Taylor has made friends and acquaintances of several top wide receivers, running backs and offensive linemen. By announcing his decision this summer, he'll have months to help recruit other prospects before next February's national signing day.
"Players recognize players and they want to be around players that can help their future," Taylor said. "I want guys with me who can help me win a national title."
Two players are particularly interested in where Taylor's going: Kempsville High's Jay Smith and Mark Barnes of South Carolina. Both are rated among the nation's top 15 receivers by Rivals, are close with Taylor and have said they'll consider joining him.
Taylor said he's also been in touch with Pennsylvania prospect Nick Sukay, another top-15 receiver, as well as New Jersey running back Tony Smith and Newport News offensive lineman Jaymes Brooks - a 6-3, 296-pound Denbigh High prospect with offers from Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina.
That doesn't even count another dozen or so top-tier recruits Tech is courting, and who Taylor's pick could influence.
All that, plus recent history, make for a tense time back at Hokies headquarters.
"The quarterback position is a leadership position and so high profile that landing a good one can make or break a recruiting class," said Farrell.
There are certainly a few notable cases of quarterbacks making a class.
Last year, Florida was already piling up prospects when star quarterback Tim Tebow signed on. But after he committed to the Gators, they finished with a flurry. Landstown's Percy Harvin, the nation's top recruit, followed him to Gainesville, as did three more top prospects.
Just this spring, California quarterback Jimmy Clausen saw his commitment to Notre Dame followed by the commitments of a receiver, tight end and lineman - all highly rated - within days.
"It's a big deal when you land a great quarterback prospect," Farrell said. "If Tech doesn't get Taylor, it would be a huge blow. The Hokies are the favorite, and they need to land him."
But will they?
The competition has slimmed, but remains stiff. Taylor pared his countless scholarship offers down to a final five this spring, then recently to three.
Just within the past week, he has said it's down to two: the Hokies and Florida.
"Florida's spread offense is intriguing," Rodney Taylor said. "But Virginia Tech is still one of the top programs. Florida has won a national title, but Tech has played for one. It sure would be something if Tyrod could help them win it."
That's what the Hokies have been banking on for some time now.
Reach Kyle Tucker at (757) 446-2374 or kyle.tucker@pilotonline.com BY KYLE TUCKERTHE VIRGINIAN-PILOTMost rabid Virginia Tech football fans know about the empty glass case in Blacksburg. The one reserved for a national championship trophy.What some faithful Hokies might not realize is that Hampton High School quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be the catalyst that one day helps Tech fill it.