Seemingly in light of the NCAA’s investigation of Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall, top-65 recruit Chris Clarke has decommitted from Tennessee and subsequently committed to Virginia Tech.
Chris Clarke has de-committed from UT and is now committed to VT, his father Curt Clarke tells @GoVolsXtra pic.twitter.com/gYRS4lT5vy
— Ben Frederickson (@Ben_Fred) November 6, 2014
For those unable to see the statement in the tweet from Clarke’s father, Curt Clarke:
"We’ve contemplated this decision. After his decision on Tennessee, further communication with the family and discussion came to the opinion it would be better for him and his goals and the family’s situation to remain local. That’s why he’s going to Virgnia Tech"
This is big news for both Tennessee and the Hokies. For the Volunteers, they lose their top recruit for the 2015 class. Their three-man class that was headlined by Clarke now is significantly weaker.
The Hokies, however, strengthen their class with their second four-star prospect. We talked about Clarke’s game already when he committed to Tennessee, but here’s a bit of a summary as well.
What Clarke brings to VT: a high-energy, blue-collar dude that fits exactly what Buzz Williams wants in his guys-giant chip on shoulder
— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) November 6, 2014
This is a bad sign for Tennessee, who will have their hands full with their investigation, and clearly it’s affecting recruits either directly or indirectly.
For the Hokies, this is a good sign for Buzz Williams’ tenure. Keeping local recruits in-state is always a big challenge for coaches and Williams did just that with the top prospect.