KYLE CHUNG
6-4, 280, OL
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Ponte Vedra High School
Also considered: Arkansas, Miami, Clemson
Top honors: Rated a 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Listed as the No. 29 tight end prospect nationally by 247Sports … Made the Florida Times-Union’s Super 24 squad as one of the top 24 recruits in that newspaper’s coverage area.
Why he chose Tech:“It just felt like home to me. I took a (unofficial) visit there this summer, and I liked what I saw, and I’ve grown up around the program. I’ve been (to Tech) with my dad when I was little, and I’ve probably been up there five times since I started getting serious about football. It just felt right for me.”
On the influence of his dad, Eugene, who was an All-American left tackle at Tech:“He didn’t really influence me. He told me to do what made me happy, and that it was my decision and it was going to affect me for the rest of my life. So he pretty much left it up to me.”
On his position: “Coach (Charley) Wiles told me they were going to start me at tackle first and go from there. If that didn’t work out, then I could play guard or center.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think my technique and my strength are my two strong points. I need to work on being explosive off the line. This was my first year starting at guard. At the beginning, I was shaky, but as the season went along, I got it down.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “I would say when we beat our rival high school, Bartram Trail, this season by scoring a touchdown with two seconds left (to win 32-31). The place went crazy, and the students rushed the field.”
Personal: Born Jan. 6, 1995, in Cape Cod, Mass. … Son of Eugene and Liza Chung … Has a younger brother … Contemplated major is business marketing.
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CHARLES CLARK
6-0, 180, FS
Suffolk, Va.
King’s Fork High School
Also considered: UVa, Tennessee, Maryland
Stats: Had 57 tackles and intercepted four passes as a senior, returning three of them for touchdowns … Recorded 58 tackles and recovered five fumbles as a junior.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by Rivals and a 4-star recruit by 247Sports … The No. 26 cornerback prospect in the country by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 21 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … A second-team All-Group AAA choice as a defensive back his senior season by Virginia Preps … A two-time first-team All-Tidewater choice as a defensive back by The Virginian-Pilot.
Why he chose Tech: “I just thought it was a good family place. I thought they had a family atmosphere there. I’ve been going to camps up there since I was in the ninth grade, and I had built relationships with the coaches. I just thought it was the place for me.”
On his position: “I’ll probably be a safety or a corner, and it doesn’t matter to me. If I had to choose, it would be safety. I know it’s a cliché, but safety is like the quarterback of the defense. You can see everything on your side and everything on the other side. You see the whole field. You’re the field general. You lead the team.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I bring a great work ethic. I’m never going to let you know that I can’t do something. I’m dedicated to doing what it takes, and I stay humble. I’ll probably have to watch more film of myself. I know I have a lot to work on, and I’ll try to get better each and every day. ”
On his favorite players: “On offense, I like DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles receiver). He brings a lot to the table, and he can do so much. On defense, I like Ray Lewis (Baltimore linebacker), Champ Bailey (Denver cornerback) and Ed Reed (Baltimore safety).”
Personal: Born April 19, 1995 in Philadelphia … Son of Charles, Sr., and Lashonda Clark … Has an older brother and two younger sisters … Contemplated majors are human nutrition, food and exercise and human development.
BRANDON FACYSON
6-2, 173, DB
Newnan, Ga.
Northgate High School
Also considered: Georgia Tech, Missouri, Ole Miss, UNC, Wake
Stats: Recorded 27 tackles and six pass breakups as a senior … Also caught 31 passes for 439 yards and four touchdowns his senior season.
Top honors: Rated the No. 39 cornerback prospect in the nation by 247Sports and No. 54 by Rivals … Selected to play in the Georgia Athletic Coaches’ Association North-South All-Star Game.
Why he chose Tech: “Coach (Torrian) Gray really influenced me, and then I came for my official visit and loved everything about Virginia Tech. I loved the campus. I loved the coaches, and they made me feel like I was important. Coach (Frank) Beamer said that even if I got hurt, I’d still have my scholarship, and education is the most important thing to me.”
On enrolling early: “Me and my dad and mother talked about it, and it was probably the best thing for me. My classes were done with, and I can come here and get bigger, faster and stronger. I just wanted to get a head start on everyone else.”
On his position: “I’ll start out at corner. I played corner and receiver in high school. Coach Gray recruited me to play corner, and that’s where I’m going to play.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I’m intelligent, and I can read defenses. It’s going to take practice, and I’ve got to study it. I’m tall and lean and fast, and Coach Gray said he wanted taller, longer corners. There are a lot of things I can get better at. I want to get faster and bigger. I want to get with some of the DB boys and work with them and continue to get better.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “We played Whitewater, and that’s our rival. We were down 17-0 at the end of the third quarter and rallied to beat them 24-20. That led us to the regional championship, and we won that.”
Personal: Born Sept, 8, 1994, in Jacksonville, Fla. … Son of Karen Riggins-Taylor and Frederick Facyson … His mother and stepfather are currently principals in Dubai … Contemplated major is pre-med, with a goal of becoming a heart surgeon.
HOLLAND FISHER
6-2, 200, FS
Richmond, Va.
Manchester High School
Also considered: Alabama, Ohio State
Stats: Recorded 93 tackles, including 11 for a loss, and four sacks as a junior … Also caught 10 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns as a tight end his junior season.
Top honors: A 4-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Rated the No. 4 outside linebacker prospect in the country by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 10 safety prospect nationally by Rivals … Listed as the No. 8 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … Received invitations to play in the Army All-American Bowl and the Under Armour game, and elected to play in the Under Armour game.
Why he chose Tech: “Tech was my favorite team growing up. I used to watch them play every weekend, and then when I got the (scholarship) offer, I thought, ‘Virginia Tech’s my favorite team, so why not go there?’”
On the frustration of missing time this past season: “I had a high ankle sprain and missed five games. It was frustrating not to be on the field making plays. That kind of got to me, but there’s nothing you can do."
On the frustration of missing time this past season: “I had a high ankle sprain and missed five games. It was frustrating not to be on the field making plays. That kind of got to me, but there’s nothing you can do.”
On his position: “I think I’m going to start out at safety there. I was a middle linebacker in high school, but I think being a safety will give me an opportunity to show my athletic ability and make big plays. Plus, you don’t have to be as big as you do at linebacker. I played middle linebacker this year, but I didn’t really like it. I just did it for the team.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I diagnose plays before they happen. I can tell if it’s going to be a run or a pass, and I have good instincts. I can get to the ball quickly. I probably need to work on being more fundamentally sound.”
On his favorite player: “My favorite was Sean Taylor (deceased Washington Redskins safety). I liked everything about him, just the way he played and the way he carried himself and the love he had for the game.”
Personal: Born Oct. 12, 1994, in Richmond … Son of Melissa Fisher … Has an older brother and a younger brother … Wants to get into either sports medicine or sports management.
KENDALL FULLER
5-11, 180, CB
Baltimore, Md.
Good Counsel High School
Also considered: Clemson
Stats: Caught 44 passes for 695 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver his senior season … As a cornerback, had 28 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass breakups … His junior year, caught 26 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns, while recording three interceptions and 25.5 tackles on defense.
Top honors: Rated the No. 2 cornerback prospect in the country by Rivals and No. 3 by 247Sports … A 5-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Named defensive player of the year at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl … The Washington Post’s offensive player of the year his senior season … First-team Big School All-State in Maryland as a receiver and the state’s offensive player of the year.
Why he chose Tech: “It was somewhere I felt comfortable. I was familiar with the coaches because my brothers went there, and I just thought it was a program that could get the most out of me as a player and a person.”
On the impact of his brothers (all of whom went to Tech) had on his decision: “When the process first started, they told me to decide what I wanted, and when I got the feeling that I was 100 percent sure, then that’s where I should go. Kyle told me he would take it personally if I didn’t go to Tech, and my mom would have been upset, but I think they know I made my choice for the right reasons.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I need to work on everything. I need to work on things technique wise, and I need to watch more film. I’ve got a lot of different things I need to do to make myself better.”
On his favorite player: “My brothers, obviously, but if not my brothers, then I guess Champ Bailey (Denver Broncos cornerback) or Charles Woodson (Green Bay Packers cornerback). They’re both around the ball a lot, and they play with good technique, and they’re physical.”
Personal: Born Feb. 13, 1995, in Baltimore, Md. … Son of Vincent Fuller and Nina Dorsey-Fuller … Has three older brothers … Contemplated majors are accounting and business.
BUCKY HODGES
6-5, 230, QB
Virginia Beach, Va.
Salem High School
Also considered: Richmond, ODU, UVa
Stats: Completed 126 of 206 for 2,214 yards, with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions his senior season … Also rushed for 505 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior … Completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,142 yards and 26 touchdowns, with six interceptions as a junior … Ran for 434 yards and nine touchdowns his junior season.
Top honors: A 4-star recruit by both 247Sports and Rivals … Ranked the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback prospect in the nation by 247Sports … Listed as the No. 10 pro-style quarterback prospect in the nation by Rivals … Rated the No. 4 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … A first-team All-Tidewater selection as a quarterback by The Virginian-Pilot his junior season … A second-team selection as a senior … Played in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Houston.
Why he chose Tech: “It’s a good fit for me. I grew up watching them as a kid. They made me feel at home when I’ve been there. I went up there my freshman and sophomore years, and then my junior year, I went up for a camp. I’ve been to games, and they’ve always made me feel welcome.”
On strengths and weaknesses: “I’m a passer first, but I can make things happen with my feet. I would describe myself as a playmaker. I need to work on my mechanics and getting bigger, stronger and faster. I need to get better in everything.”
On his favorite player: “My favorite players are Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles quarterback) and Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers quarterback). I think I’m similar to them. I grew up watching Michael Vick, and I try to pattern my game after his. Cam is bigger than me, but I’d like to think we have some similarities.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “Whenever we win, that’s pretty much it. I had a good season and made all-state, but I’m more about winning.”
Personal: Born Aug. 8, 1995, in Virginia Beach, Va. … Son of Temuchin Hodges and Kimberly Thompson … Has an older brother and a younger sister … Contemplated major is political science.
CEQUAN JEFFERSON
5-9, 175, CB
Richmond, Va.
Henrico High School
Also considered: Did not consider any other schools
Stats: Caught 25 passes for 653 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver his senior season … Finished with 35 tackles, including three for a loss, five pass breakups and two interceptions as a senior … Combined for eight interceptions his sophomore and junior seasons … Caught 25 passes for 664 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver his junior season.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 33 athlete prospect in the nation by 247Sports and No. 57 by Rivals … Rated the No. 31 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … Second-team All-Met selection as a defensive back by the Richmond Times-Dispatch as a senior.
Why he chose Tech: “Nobody showed interest in me but Virginia Tech. I like the coaches there and the players, and it’s a good academic school. It’s close to home. No one else was giving me any feedback, so I chose Tech.”
On his position: “I’ll start off at cornerback. I’ll play anywhere they want me to play. I don’t care. I’ve played a bunch of positions before, but I like corner. I like shutting down people and making tackles. I’ve played on both sides of the ball, so I know what’s going on. I think that gives me an advantage.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “My strengths are my speed and my knowledge of the game. I have a good football IQ, and I’m versatile. I think I probably need to work on my technique as a corner and work on looking back at the ball.”
On his favorite player: “Deion Sanders (former Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco and Washington cornerback) was my favorite player growing up. My dad would always talk about him and tell me how good he was, and then he took me to a Cowboys game once. I saw how fast he was and just tried to imitate the way he played.”
Personal: Born Oct. 28, 1993, in Richmond … Son of Larry Owens and Katherine Jefferson … Has four younger brothers and three younger sisters … Contemplated major is management.
JONATHAN McLAUGHLIN
6-4, 310, OL
Mauldin, S.C.
Mauldin High School/Fork Union
Also considered: Notre Dame, Oregon, UNC, Pittsburgh
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both 247Sports and Rivals … Rated the No. 3 offensive tackle prospect at the prep school level in the nation by 247Sports … Also ranked the No. 27 prospect overall at the prep school level in the nation by 247Sports … Played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game following his senior season at Mauldin High … A first-team Division I-4A All-State honoree after his senior year at Mauldin.
Why he chose Tech: “I just liked the atmosphere there. I met with both Beamers, Coach Shane and Coach Frank, and Coach Frank Beamer flew down and saw my parents. I liked what they had to offer. There’s a chance for early playing time, and I’ll get a good education. I just wanted to be a part of the family.”
On his position: “I played both left and right tackle, and they’re going to start me out at tackle and go from there. I like playing it. I like playing fast defensive ends. I’m used to it, and I like to rough people up.”
On his strengths and weaknesses “I’m good with my pass set. My pass blocking is good. I have quick feet, and I’m able to get out and beat defensive ends. My run blocking is not as strong. I’m good at it, but it’s not as strong as my pass blocking.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “I have a couple. I’d say my first start. I started my junior year and my first came against our rival high school. Then I played in the Shrine Bowl against the No. 1 defensive end in the nation (Jonathan Bullard, who plays at Florida). I held my own against him. He didn’t have a sack, and I don’t think he had a tackle against me.”
Personal: Born Oct. 27, 1993, in Greensboro, N.C. … Son of Jonathan, Sr., and Connie McLaughlin … Has a younger brother and an older sister … Contemplated major is business.
JAMIEON MOSS
6-2, 210, LB
Elizabeth City, N.C.
Northeastern High School
Also considered: Michigan, ECU, N.C. State, South Carolina
Stats: Tallied 135 tackles, including 12 for a loss, as a senior … Recorded 107 tackles, including eight for a loss, and three sacks his junior season.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports … Rated the No. 88 outside linebacker prospect in the nation by 247Sports … Earned a spot on the NCPreps.com 2A all-state squad as a linebacker this past season … A first-team All-Northeastern Coastal Conference choice at linebacker his senior season … A two-time all-area choice at linebacker by The Daily Advance in Elizabeth City … Led his team to the state playoffs the past two seasons, including a state championship game appearance his sophomore year.
Why he chose Tech: “It’s really all I know. I grew up as a Virginia Tech fan. I love Virginia Tech, and my family always loved Virginia Tech. When I got that (scholarship) offer, it was like a dream come true.”
On his position: “They’ve (Tech’s coaches) told me they view me as a backer. I’ll be doing a lot of the same things I did in high school. I’m used to blitzing off the edge and covering running backs and tight ends.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I’m good at chasing the ball. I’ll chase the ball all over the field. I have a motor. No matter where the ball is, I’m chasing it. I probably need to work on my footwork and coverage skills.”
On his favorite player: “I’ve always watched all the Virginia Tech linebackers and tried to model my game after what they do. Outside of college, I like Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens linebacker). He’s passionate about what he’s doing.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “The first game (this season), we came out to play, and we were so hyped. In the game, the defensive back tipped a ball, and it almost hit the ground. I picked it off and ran it back for a touchdown.”
Personal: Born Jan. 13, 1995, in Ruston, La. … Son of Ernest Winston and Aline Moss … Has three younger sisters … Contemplated majors are business or creative writing.
ANDREW MOTUAPUAKA
6-0, 225, LB
Virginia Beach, Va.
Salem High School
Also considered: Stanford
Stats: Registered 115 tackles, including 21 for a loss, and eight sacks as a senior … Also had three interceptions and forced five fumbles … Had 97 tackles and three interceptions his junior year.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Listed the No. 13 overall prospect in Virginia by Rivals and the No. 20 inside linebacker prospect in the nation … Rated the No. 24 overall prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … A second-team All-Group AAA choice as a defensive back his senior season by Virginia Preps … A two-time, first-team All-Tidewater choice by The Virginian-Pilot.
Why he chose Tech: “Virginia Tech was the first to offer (a scholarship) and the first school I fell in love with. When I saw the campus and the facilities there, I fell in love with the place and thought it was the right place for me.”
On his position: “I think they recruited me for the whip linebacker position. I think I’ll fit in well there and that I can be the best of my ability at that position. I have the speed for a linebacker, and I’m a good open-field tackler and good in coverage, so I feel like I have it all for that position.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I always give 100 percent, and I’m a hard worker. I’m a sure tackler, and I have a motor. I love the game. I probably need to work on my coverage skills since I’ll be going up against physical and faster people. I’ll have to work on my speed and getting off blocks since I’ll be going against smart offensive linemen.”
On his favorite player: “Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers safety) is my favorite. I love his motor and the way he plays. I have long hair, too, and I probably kept mine that way just from watching him.”
Personal: Born June 29, 1995, in Auckland, New Zealand … Son of Siaosi and Manu Motuapuaka, who are from Tonga and went to school in New Zealand … Has a younger brother and younger sister … Family migrated to the U.S. and Siaosi joined the U.S. Army … Contemplated major is mechanical engineering.
DEON NEWSOME
6-0, 180, ATH
Hampton, Va.
Hampton High School
Also considered: UVa
Stats: Played quarterback as a senior and accounted for 2,168 yards and 29 touchdowns … Threw for 1,027 yards and rushed for 1,141 yards … Caught 15 passes for 462 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver his junior year … Also played running back and carried the ball 40 times for 287 yards and two touchdowns his junior season.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 25 overall prospect in the state by 247Sports and No. 28 by Rivals … Rated the No. 29 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … First-team All-Eastern Region as a defensive back his senior season … First-team All-Peninsula District as a quarterback his senior year.
Why he chose Tech: “It felt like the right thing to do. It’s not far from home. It was down to UVa and Tech and I didn’t want to go to UVa.”
On the influence of his father, Myron, who was a Tech linebacker in the late 1990's: “He had some influence, but he tried to stay out of it as much as he could. He let me make my own decision.”
On his position: “They (the coaches) haven’t told me. They said they’re bringing me in as an athlete and then will see where I fit in. I like that option. I think I’ll be on offense. I like having the ball in my hands. I can play defense, but I’m mostly an offensive guy.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I can make plays. I can turn a play that isn’t a play into one. If I’m on defense, I’m going to need to learn a position. I’m just used to going out and playing.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “I’d say the first time I got interviewed after a game. That caught me off guard, but it was a nice thing. It was either my sophomore or junior year. I can’t remember exactly which.”
Personal: Born Feb. 5, 1995, in Newport News, Va. … Son of Myron Newsome and Aisha Rogers … Has two younger brothers and also has two stepsisters and a stepbrother … Contemplated majors are engineering or building construction.
PARKER OSTERLOH
6-8, 301, OL
Williamsburg, Va.
Warhill High School
Also considered: UVa, JMU
Stats: Caught seven passes for 265 yards as a tight end his junior season.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Rated the No. 27 overall prospect in Virginia by 247Sports … Listed as the No. 28 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … A first-team All-Bay Rivers District selection as a tackle his senior season … Selected to and played in the 2012 Chesapeake Bowl.
Why he chose Tech: “I really liked the academics. They have what I’m looking to study (biological sciences). The coaches and the program are nationally recognized. I just thought it was the best place for me.”
On enrolling early: “I wanted to do it because I possibly can get early playing time. If I add muscle and get quicker and get smarter as far as the playbook goes, I think there’s an opportunity. I talked to J.C. Coleman about it, and he said it helped a lot.”
On his position: “Preferably, I’ll be at tackle. I don’t know which side. I’ve played both sides, and I’m more at home on the left side. With my pass set and run blocking, it’s more smooth and natural to me.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I’m versatile. I can play any position – I played three this year (center, tackle and tight end). They (the coaches) can put me where they need me, and I’ll feel like I can get the job done. I think I need to improve my strength and speed, and learn new schemes.”
On his favorite player: “I’d say Duane Brown (former Tech and current Houston Texans offensive tackle). He’s a tenacious player and aggressive. I like the way he plays.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “My brother is a sophomore, and he got some starts this year. In one game, I blocked a punt, and he recovered it and returned it down to the 10-yard line. That was pretty cool.”
Personal: Born Sept. 1, 1994, in St. Louis, Mo. … Son of Jeff and Betsy Osterloh … Has a younger brother … Contemplated major is biological sciences.
CARLIS PARKER
6-3, 180, QB
Statesville, N.C.
Statesville High School
Also considered: ECU, UNC, South Carolina
Stats: Threw for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior season … Also rushed for 959 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior … Had 44 tackles as a safety on defense his senior year … Sat out nearly all of his junior season after tearing an ACL in the first game, but as a sophomore, threw for 1,892 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Rivals rated him the No. 81 athlete prospect in the country and the No. 21 overall prospect in North Carolina … Ranked the No. 20 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by 247Sports and the No. 18 overall prospect in North Carolina … Selected to and played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and the Offense-Defense Bowl in Houston.
Why he chose Tech: “I chose Tech because I loved the campus when I came up there. I think I can focus on school and be focused in football. They have a winning program there, and Frank Beamer was serious about me being a quarterback. A lot of schools wanted me to move to receiver, but he really wanted me as a quarterback. That said a lot.”
On enrolling early: “I talked with the coaches, and it gives me a head start. I’ll be able to put on some weight and learn the system. It’s really tough leaving high school and all your friends, but it’s something you’ve got to do.”
On injuring his knees: “I tore my LCL (lateral collateral ligament) in my right knee my junior year and then I had a slight tear in my MCL (in his left knee) this year and missed three weeks. That was a difficult situation because I had missed the season before, but my teammates kept me up, and I stayed strong and it worked out for the best.”
Personal: Born Nov. 24, 1993, in Statesville, N.C. … Son of Teresa Vines and Carlis Parker, Sr. … Has an older sister and a younger brother … Contemplated majors are communications or business.
BRAXTON PFAFF
6-4, 285, OL
Lynchburg, Va.
Liberty Christian Academy
Also considered: UVa, WVU, Liberty
Top honors: Helped lead LCA to its second straight Virginia Independent Schools Division I state crown … A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 39 offensive tackle prospect in the nation by Rivals and the No. 20 prospect overall in Virginia … Listed as the No. 18 offensive guard prospect in the nation by 247Sports and the No. 17 overall prospect in Virginia … Rated the No. 27 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … A first-team VIS Division I all-state selection as an offensive lineman and a second-team selection as a defensive lineman … Selected to and played in the 2012 Chesapeake Bowl … Also selected to and played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
Why he chose Tech: “I took a couple of visits, and I really bonded with the players and coaches there at Virginia Tech. It’s a great place for a lineman coming in, with the new coaches, and there’s an opportunity for early playing time.”
On his position: “I’m not sure. I was a tackle my sophomore and junior years and I was a guard this past year. We lost all our guards, and we had a tackle come in, so coach thought it was best for me to play guard. I liked it, but I’ll play anything to get on the field.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I move my feet well, and I’m quick. I don’t stop until the whistle is blown. I need to get bigger and stronger. I think you can always do that.”
On his favorite player: “I would say David DeCastro (current Pittsburgh Steelers guard). I like the way he plays the position. He’s nasty and fast. He’s a great offensive lineman.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “I don’t have one time, but just the journey the last three years. I made some of my best friends, and we won two state championships. I won some awesome awards and had great experiences, and my coaches and players did that for me.”
Personal: Born Sept. 22, 1994, in Lynchburg, Va. … Son of Darren and Fran Pfaff … Has three younger brothers and a younger sister … Contemplated majors are business or education.
DAVID PRINCE
6-0, 185, ATH
Roanoke, Va.
Patrick Henry High School
Also considered: UVa
Stats: Threw for 764 yards and rushed for 772 yards as a quarterback his senior year … Completed 70 of 121 passes for 1,005 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior … Rushed for 725 yards on 110 carries as well his junior season.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Rated the No. 35 athlete prospect in the nation by 247Sports and the No. 21 overall prospect in Virginia … Ranked the No. 69 athlete prospect in the nation by Rivals and the No. 23 overall prospect in Virginia … Listed as the No. 25 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … The Western Valley District offensive player of the year as a senior.
Why he chose Tech: “I wanted to go in-state, so it was between Tech and UVa. I just couldn’t see myself waking up every morning at UVa. Plus, the atmosphere at Tech is great, you’ve got great people surrounding you, and you’re going to get a good education.”
On his position: “I can play both sides of the ball, but I’m more than likely going to be at receiver. I haven’t really played it before. I played it some my freshman year, but we didn’t really throw the ball. I’ll do whatever they want me to do.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “My strength is my speed. I accelerate fast, and as soon as I get in the open field, I’m gone. I need to get stronger, and I need to learn the receiver position.”
On his favorite player: “I liked watching Pat White (former Miami Dolphins quarterback). I liked the way he ran it and threw it. He was an electrifying player.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “My sophomore year, we played GW (George Washington High), and I had a career game (rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 110 yards). It was two games after I had been switched from receiver to quarterback.”
Personal: Born Nov. 17, 1994, in Roanoke, Va. … Son of Monica Jones and stepfather Stark Jones … Son of David Prince, Sr. … Has one younger brother and two younger sisters … Contemplated major is business.
D.J. REID
6-0, 205, TB
Chester, Va.
Thomas Dale High Scho
Also considered: South Florida
Stats: Rushed for 1,159 yards on 170 carries and scored 10 touchdowns his senior year … Also caught 10 passes for 190 yards and a score … Rushed for 1,072 yards on 140 carries and scored 10 touchdowns as a junior.
Top honors: A 4-star prospect by 247Sports and a 3-star prospect by Rivals … Rated the No. 12 athlete prospect in the nation by 247Sports and the No. 11 overall prospect in Virginia … Listed as the No. 55 athlete prospect in the nation by Rivals and the No. 16 overall prospect in Virginia … Ranked the No. 22 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times.
Why he chose Tech: “It was close to home, and it felt like home when I visited there. It felt right when I met with and visited with Coach (Shane) Beamer. They have a good business school, and they’re adding a new wing to it. Education was important to me.”
On his position: “I’m probably going to end up at running back. Coach (Shane) Beamer talked with my dad and mom about it, and he also told me that I’ll probably be a running back, slot receiver and kick returner.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think I get better as the game goes along. I think my legs get stronger as the game goes on. I need to work on everything, though. Everyone’s on scholarship and everyone is good in college, so I need to work on everything.”
On his favorite player: “I like Arian Foster (Houston Texans tailback) and Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings tailback). I just like how smooth Arian Foster is when he runs, and Adrian Peterson runs with power.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “I have several. I’d say my first start as a running back on varsity, my first touchdown as a freshman, the first time I ran a 4.3 in the 40 (-yard sprint), which was in front of the Tech coaches, and my first offer. Also, the day I committed was a memorable moment.”
Personal: Born Oct. 12, 1994, in Virginia Beach, Va. … Son of Daniel and Wilma Reid … Has two older sisters and two older brothers … Contemplated majors are business or accounting.
ANTHONY SHEGOG
6-2, 200, FS
Stafford, Va.
North Stafford High School
Also considered: UVa
Stats: Played tailback and receiver as a senior and scored 16 touchdowns, including two on defense and two on punt returns … Had 1,111 total yards on offense his senior season … Rushed for 447 yards and five touchdowns on only 31 carries in North Stafford’s three playoff games … Finished with 63 tackles, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions his senior season.
Top honors: A 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 68 safety prospect in the nation and the No. 31 overall prospect in Virginia by 247Sports … Rated the No. 16 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … A first-team All-Group AAA selection as a defensive back by Virginia Preps … The Free Lance-Star’s (Fredericksburg) player of the year … A two-time first-team All-Commonwealth District and All-Northwest Region selection.
Why he chose Tech: “It was down to Virginia Tech and Virginia for me, and after visiting both, I just like Tech’s campus more. The coaches were more friendly, and I just felt more at home there.”
On his position: “I’ll be a defensive back, probably a rover type. That’s really all I know so far. That’s fine with me. I don’t mind any position. Wherever they put me, I’m fine with it.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I’d say my strengths are coming down hill and making tackles, and I’m usually in the right place at the right time. I probably need to work on my coverage skills. They’re not too bad, but you can always get better.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “I’d say winning back-to-back regional championships. I had a part in helping to do that, probably more this year than last year. I scored four touchdowns against Mountain View this year to help us win it.”
Personal: Born July 24, 1995, in San Diego, Calif. … Son of Darnell and Theresea Shegog … Father serves in the Navy, and the family lived in San Diego and Hawaii before moving to northern Virginia to be closer to the Pentagon … Has an older sister and an older brother … Major is undecided.
WYATT TELLER
6-5, 250, DE
Bealeton, Va.
Liberty High School
Also considered: UVa, Clemson, Michigan, Oregon
Stats: Finished with 120 tackles, 11 sacks and four forced fumbles as a senior … Recorded 85 tackles, including 27 for a loss, 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles his junior year … Also had three interceptions and five blocked kicks his junior year.
Top honors: A 4-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Rated the No. 6 strongside defensive end prospect in the nation by Rivals and the No. 8 overall prospect in Virginia … Listed as the No. 9 strongside defensive end prospect in the nation and the No. 6 overall prospect in Virginia by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 11 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times … Named the Group AA defensive player of the year by the Virginia High School Coaches Association.
Why he chose Tech: “You can’t get better coaches. Coach (Bud) Foster and Coach (Frank) Beamer are great, and Coach (Charley) Wiles can make me better as a player. It just felt like family there. I’ve got a lot of family and friends who go there, and it’s going to feel like I haven’t left Fauquier County.”
On his position: “They’ve (the coaches) recruited me as a defensive end. But with my frame, if I put on weight, I’ll move down (to defensive tackle). If I get faster, I’ll stay at end. But if I get moved down, I won’t get mad about it.”
On his strengths and weaknesses: “I think my motor, and I love the weight room. My strength is something I pride myself on. I also try to work harder than everyone else. Those are my strong points. I need to work on my speed and getting used to the speed of the game. I also need to work on all the little things so that I can become the best player I can.”
Most memorable moment as a player: “Last year, we lost to Kettle Run, but this year, I ran a fake field goal and got in for a touchdown, and we won 15-14. That was awesome.”
Personal: Born Nov. 21, 1994 in Manassas, Va. … Son of Richard and Cheryl Teller … Has an older brother and three older sisters … Contemplated majors are political science or criminal justice.
