Hokies head to Ohio for first commit

The Virginia Tech Hokies picked up their first commitment of the 2006 season in Dublin (Ohio) Scioto offensive tackle Clark Crum.

The 6-foot-7, 282-pounder took a visit to Blacksburg on June 22nd and that's when things changed for the lineman.

"I went there with my mom and met with coach Wiles and Stinespring and that's basically when Virginia Tech went to the top of the list," he said. "I've always known Virginia Tech was a good academic and athletic school and then they proved it when I visited there. I got to see how down-to-earth the coaches were, I saw their pharmacy program and those things catapulted them to the top and convinced me of my decision.

"The school has a great campus atmosphere because the city is set away from the school and that is different from other colleges. Also the football program is going to be ranked in the top ten next year."

The lineman is happy to have the decision behind him.

"It's very relieving and exciting," he said. "My parents and teammates are excited and we're supposed to have a good team this year. Now I can focus on getting myself better and hopefully win a state championship."

Next season, Crum is looking to improve on one key aspect of his game.

"Mainly I want to work on my strength," he said. "I've been playing basketball my entire life, but now I know football is my calling card. I have good footwork because of basketball, but I've got to get in the weight room and get a stronger bench and squat to be a better lineman."

Previous to his commitment, Crum was very high on the Hokies along with the Fighting Irish. Was there a reason he wanted to make a decision now with the Hokies?

"There was a certain trust factor," he said. "Notre Dame is a great school, but they wanted to see film of my senior year. Meanwhile Virginia Tech is known for taking complete players and they wanted to take a chance on me now."

Crum is expected to redshirt his freshman year in Blacksburg, but the lineman has his sights set high for the Hokies.

"I know I'll be redshirted when I come in which is fine with me because I know I have to improve on my strength," he said. "I know Virginia Tech doesn't have a lot of linemen and hopefully I can come in my second year and make sure the quarterback and running backs have holes and we can continue the Hokie tradition."

Crum will be paying particular attention to the Hokies this upcoming season and the prospect is even keying in on one game for his official visit.

"If I can't make it to the games, I'm definitely planning on getting College Gameplan to watch the games," he said. "As an offensive lineman I'll watch the plays and blocking schemes they run. I want to see how the coaches interact with the players and how the fans and atmosphere are, so that I can get more acquainted with Virginia Tech football when I finally get there. I'm looking at heading to the Miami home game possibly for my official visit because both of those teams are supposed to be really good."

Besides a visit this fall, the lineman is looking to head back to Virginia Tech sometime in mid-July.

"I'm looking forward to going there again with my parents and sister," he said. "We're going to visit the campus and hopefully see the coaches."

In conclusion, Crum had this to say to fans.

"I'm excited to be a Hokie and they have great fans there that sell out every game whether it's Florida A&M or Miami," he said. "No matter what happens I know they'll be behind us and hopefully I can make them better. I feel this is a great place for me and I'm very excited."

Crum was named all-district as a junior. He should have no problem qualifying with an impressive 1200 SAT and 4.2 GPA.