THE LATEST: Virginia Tech got it started in May. It took off from there for 2020 offensive tackle Tate Ratledge. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, South Carolina and Tennessee have offered since the Hokies pulled the trigger.

He may already have the offer from the school he chooses in the end, but the 6-foot-5, 285 pound sophomore out of Rome (Ga.) Darlington will be able to go wherever he wants to.

Ratledge is going to be a national recruit.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: "The offers that I have received mean a lot, but I just need to stay humble, keep working and just continue to get better," said Ratledge. "I know I am not the best out there and there is always someone better than me, so the offers are nice, but the hard work can never stop."

"The early offers have really surprised me. I did not expect them to start coming during my freshman year. When Virginia Tech offered me before my spring game, I was shocked. Then when the other offers came in pretty fast over the summer, I was not expecting those at all.

"I was thinking to myself, is this really happening? It is so surreal to me and I had a hard time comprehending it all at first. I really just figured it out over time and I just use that as a push to keep getting better.

"I did grow up a fan of Tennessee, so I do have a lot of interest in them, but I am open to all schools. If I went to Tennessee, my dad would be the happiest man on earth, but he has already told me that this is my decision and that he is going to load up and follow me no matter where I go.

"I have been to a lot of games at Tennessee. I like the fans there and the fanbase is one of the best in the country. It is always so loud. I have seen it all there and it is just a great atmosphere.

"When at Alabama, you can see right away that it is a special place. I really like how the players carry themselves and they make it a special atmosphere. It is different there in a good way and the players and coaches work hard to keep it that way. I have been there for a game this year and I can see why they are so good.

"I have visited Georgia around 9 or 10 times and being around coach [Sam] Pittman (offensive line) is something that stands out. I think he is the best offensive line coach out there. He has great knowledge and he is a good guy. I like the atmosphere at Georgia too.

"I am just keeping my options open right now. I am going to take things slow and just take my time. I want to see all of my options, keep talking with my family and find the place that I think will make me the most successful. These early visits are important to me. I am talking with coaches, spending time with players and they all will help me when it comes time for me to make my decision."

RIVALS REACTION: It is no secret, Ratledge grew up a fan of the Vols, so down deep in that heart, there is some orange. With that said, he is truly giving everyone a fair shot. It is extremely early for him in his recruitment and he has been on the road a good bit this season taking in games and talking with coaches. His plan is to take things slow, but do not be surprised if he still makes an early decision. He is not one who likes the attention and he is handling all of this like a veteran. The three schools (Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee) he talked about in this update are serious contenders and you can probably throw Auburn in there as well. When the 2020 rankings come out on Rivals, look for Ratledge to be very high on the list.