Virginia Tech has a commitment from the top defensive down lineman in the state in Kecoughtan's Marlan Hicks, who along with Blizzard, still must meet academic requirements to play Division I-A football. Hicks has satisfied NCAA core grade requirements but has yet to make his Scholastic Assessment Test score. He is extremely quick for his size but needs to work in the weight room to handle college football. He attended Tech's football camp the last three years. Battle, who is practically a carbon copy of current Cavalier and ex-PH star Shannon Taylor.
Battle is a big, physical rush end with good speed.
The Cavaliers also landed GW-Danville's Chanston Rodgers, who played QB for the Eagles but will be a defensive back, wide receiver or kick returner or a combination of those in college. Rodgers is one of the best athletes in the state and is expected to be a player of impact. This is the fifth annual Gold List, which has already earned statewide acclaim and has attracted attention from as far away as New York this season. The first Gold List's top five, back in 1993, has done pretty well thus far. Robertson is going through the recruiting process again and both Virginia and Virginia Tech, along with Georgia and others are hoping to sign him.