Hokies lead for in-state athlete

Safety / running back Purnell Sturdivant is still looking at several schools, but one stands out for the moment. Which team is the team to beat?

"Virginia Tech," said Sturdivant, answering quickly. "They're definitely the top school on my list. I love Coach Beamer and the rest of the staff there, and I'm a big fan of what they're doing. I think it's just going to be a great place, especially with the conference change. It's a place where I can go and compete for playing time, and be a part of a winning program."

Sturdivant has an official visit to Virginia Tech scheduled for Jan. 23. Has he set up any other trips yet?

"I know it's getting kind of late, but that's the only one I've set up. Talk to me in a couple of days and I might have a couple more scheduled. There's a chance I'll commit to Tech while I'm on the visit, if I haven't decided before then. But I'm waiting at least a little longer just to see what happens."

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound back from Norfolk (Va.) Lake Taylor runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds and has offers from prestigious programs such as Michigan, Tennessee, NC State, Penn State, Virginia and several others.

As a senior for Lake Taylor, Sturdivant rushed for 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns on offense, while recording 97 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions on defense.