The 2018 Virginia Tech Hokies endured their worst season since 1992 as they dipped to 6-7. It was also the least-successful year of head coach Justin Fuente’s career, and he saw former quarterback Josh Jackson transfer after being replaced by Ryan Willis. The last thing he needed was a mediocre recruiting class after a tough season.
Fuente and his staff failed to keep the momentum he began two years ago by finishing 29th with only five 4-star recruits. The ranking is consistent as previous seasons, but is heavier on receivers than weaker positions. A whopping five commitments could play receiver if those marked as “athletes” stay at their primary collegiate position.
The lack of balance within the recruiting class across the roster mixed with the fact the Hokies didn’t get a headlining star to transcend the roster doesn’t project well for the future of the team. Depth is good, but it’s easy to see a scenario where the Hokies are left without the requisite playmakers on both sides of the ball if former 4-star quarterback Herndon Hooker isn’t ready for the starting job in 2020. Fuente will need his recruits from prior years to step up in a big way this year to help create more optimism.