We are still only in the early stages of the 2021 recruiting cycle, but Virginia Tech is showing plenty of signs of a dramatic turnaround from the 2020 cycle. With 3 commits including four-star QB Dematrius Davis, the Hokies already have a strong foundation with hopes to build on it with more high-end talent like four-star WR Jayden Thomas.
Recently, Thomas revealed his top 11 with the Hokies receiving some very good news.
Thank you God I am forever grateful 🙏🏽. Edit: @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/10gHmrW7wT
— ﾌㄒ (@jgpt333) February 14, 2020
Virginia Tech was one of 2 ACC football programs to make the cut along with North Carolina. Additionally, Thomas included multiple SEC and Big 10 schools plus Notre Dame with Florida State, Miami, Nebraska, and South Carolina being among his most notable offers left out of his top 11.
When asked about why he included the Hokies, Thomas told us that it's because he "likes (WRs Coach (Jafar) Williams and loves the school." Thomas added that him and WRs coach Jafar Williams have built a "pretty close" relationship during Thomas' recruitment to date.
Williams has also been leading the charge in Thomas' recruitment with new assistant defensive line coach Darryl Tapp joining Williams in pushing hard for Thomas. That hasn't gone unnoticed by Thomas who told us that the two Hokie assistants have "definitely" been showing him a "lot of love."
Looking ahead, Thomas doesn't have any specific visits set up, but he does hope to visit all of the schools in his top 11. Given Virginia Tech's proximity to Atlanta relative to other schools on this list, the Hokies likely have a better chance at getting him on campus this spring.
When he does visit Virginia Tech, it won't be his first as he visited this past summer spending a lot of time with head coach Justin Fuente while telling us a little after his June visit that the Hokies are "up there" in his recruitment.
Virginia Tech does have some unique connections to Jayden Thomas as well that could prove beneficial.
Thomas' grandfather is former Virginia Tech RB Phil Rogers who became the Hokies' first African-American quarterback during the 1975 season. Additionally, his mother was born and raised in Blacksburg and his grandmother previously worked for Virginia Tech for "45 years" as Thomas told us after his June 2019 visit.
When asked last summer how much of a factor it would be, Thomas did recognize that it "will be a factor" but added that it will not be "the only one" when he makes his collegiate decision.
Virginia Tech is clearly in a good spot early on for one of their top wide receiver targets in Atlanta star Jayden Thomas, but still have plenty of work ahead to convince Thomas to build on his grandfather's legacy in Blacksburg.
