This 2011 Virginia Tech recruiting class may not be the most beautiful class on paper but rest assure that the coaches are putting together another ACC caliber class. After receiving a commitment from Jake Goins on Wednesday, the Hokies hosted cornerback James Farrow from Minnesota on Thursday and after an outstanding visit with his parents, Farrow decided to commit to Virginia Tech. This now gives the Hokies 11 commits in this 2011 class.
Obviously, Minnesota isn’t a pipeline state for the Hokies but due to Tech’s cornerback tradition they were able to snag the three star prospect away from the Big Ten schools. Farrow originally committed to Minnesota but backed off of his commitment in the spring after adding a few more offers. After visiting West Virginia on Wednesday and Virginia Tech on Thursday, the cornerback decided to commit to play for Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech Hokies.
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Name: James Farrow
Position: Cornerback
Location: Minnetonka, Minnesota
School: Minnetonka High School
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 178
40 Time: 4.4
Offers: Virginia Tech, Minnesota, Michigan State, West Virginia, Arkansas, Illinois, Louisville, Indiana, and Hawaii.
Recruiting Rankings
Farrow is ranked a three-star by Scout and Rivals but is a two-star on ESPN.com I’m always hesitant to endorse players who aren’t from pipeline schools especially since we’ve been burned in the past (Aaron Brown, Clark Crum anybody?). However, I think Farrow is vastly underrated. He is one of the better athletes I’ve seen on film this year but I understand if the recruiting services are hesitant to bump him up to a four star because of his competition level.
Prediction Based on Film Evidence
I urge you to watch Farrow’s film (you can do so here and here) because honestly, he reminds me of another #1 we recruited back in 2005. Only difference is Macho Harris was a five star out of Highland Springs. Farrow has a slender build that will need some work but that’s not even an issue with Coach Gentry at VT. He’ll also need some technique work but he’s already further along than most cornerbacks I evaluate.
Honestly, his film impressed me. It really impressed me. Now I know he plays in Minnesota and I’m guessing that the talent level up there doesn’t quite compare to 3A ball here in Virginia but that can be overblown in some cases. Talent is talent and you have it, you have it. Farrow has it.
I was a little hesitant when we offered James, especially since he lives over 1000 miles from Blacksburg but after watching his film, I’m glad we did. He’s quick and he knows how to read the quarterback’s eyes. Although his film offers just a brief view of him at defensive back, it’s enough to show that he has the potential to be a great defensive back here at Virginia Tech.
Upshot For the Rest of the Class
Things are going to get interesting now with Dominique Terrell, Demetrius Nicholson, and Kyshoen Jarrett still on the board. All three of those players are four star, Rivals250 members. So what happens if Jarrett wants to come aboard? Do we take him or do we play the waiting game on Nicholson? I think Tech would take Terrell no matter what because the coaches could always move him over to wide receiver. I will admit that I’m just happy I’m not going to be the one making these decisions.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I do not really understand the comment about Minnesota Talent. Notre Dame, OSU and other big name Midwest schools recruit this state heavily. The #1 recruit in the country came from Minnesota. I live here in the MN and they have great athletes and I am sure this kid will be just as good.
Ohh It’s definitely a state that can produce top end-talent but I think the problem most recruiting services have with the state is the depth of talent. It’s likely that only five or six players from that state will go to D1 schools on football scholarships, compared to a lot of other states, that’s not that many. That’s basically what I meant by that comment.
This is one of my biggest beefs with recruiting services. They punish kids for playing in non-talent rich states with lower population levels than that of other areas. In order for a kid to get a fair ranking he’ll have to spend his entire summer traveling to different camps, which for most kids isn’t a financial option.
I coached James for a couple of years when he was in 9th and 10th grade and remain close with him, and the kid is an unbelievable athlete. He truly loves the game too, and will work his tail off all year round. Trust me, VT got a steal. He might be a little raw coming in, but with his athleticism, potential, and work ethic, he is gonna turn out to be a hell of a ball player.
Thanks for the comment Sam. I’m really excited about him. With Vandyke, Aromire, and Farrow at DB in this class, I think our secondary will be just fine in the future.