Fresh off of a trip to Blacksburg in which he saw Virginia Tech capture a 19-9 victory over Pittsburgh, Woodland (Dorchester, S.C.) junior defensive end Michael Barnett revealed exactly where the Hokies stand on his list of favorites.
“I really really like Virginia Tech. They’re number one for me, and then there is Florida and then Florida State,” said Barnett, a 6’5″, 235-pound prospect who boasts scholarship offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, N.C. State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. “I like the overall family vibe I get there. That’s just a feeling I get as well as from the players and coaches. Everybody is so nice there. It’s a cool environment. I really like the fans. They are true fans.”
Virginia Tech was the first school to offer a scholarship to the talented junior, who has reciprocated the interest with three unofficial visits this year. Barnett previously attended Tech’s Spring Game in April and the one-day camp/recruiting event on July 13/14, and now he has seen the Hokies in action in a regular season game for the first time.
“I really liked it,” Barnett said of his experience on Saturday. “There were a lot of people out there. The fans go crazy for their team. I’ve been to some other places with more people, but Tech was the loudest.”
Barnett also provided his impressions on Frank Beamer.
“I like how Coach Beamer jokes with the team and keeps things positive. He said they did a good job but they still need to keep pushing. He’s a cool dude as well as Coach Wiles. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Coach Foster this time,” Barnett said.
Of the Tech defense, Barnett said: “I believe they play really good. Kendall Fuller I was told was the number one cornerback coming out of high school. The defensive line was doing good. James Gayle and Derrick Hopkins had sacks.”
The Palmetto State star says he could commit before the start of his senior year, but he also did not rule out the possibility of taking his recruitment into his senior year. For now, though, Barnett’s primary concern is continuing the success his team has enjoyed so far in the 2013 season.
“We are 7-0,” said Barnett. “The team is doing good. I believe this year we are playing together.”
Barnett, a starter on both sides of the line this season, reports that he is leading his team in tackles, showing off the potential that has major college coaches in hot pursuit.
“My coaches say I do everything fundamental. I know all the techniques and stuff,” said Barnett, who began playing football in the 7th grade. He played quarterback his 8th grade year before moving back to the line after arriving in high school.
TSL’s Take
Virginia Tech has been thought to be in strong position here for a long time, pretty much since Barnett’s visit for the Spring Game. The two visits following the Spring Game have only helped to strengthen the standing of Tech, which got in early by being the first school to offer. Virginia Tech is the clear favorite right now.