Bruce Smith's son commits to Hokies

BLACKSBURG

Virginia Tech held a one-day camp Saturday hoping to uncover new talent and reel in several other players with scholarship offers. The Hokies didn't have to look far for their 16th commitment from the Class of 2012.

Cox High defensive tackle Alston Smith, son of former Tech standout Bruce Smith, gave the Hokies his pledge after the camp. He had at least seven other offers, but it was widely assumed he'd pick his father's alma mater.

Bruce Smith said his son had been "enjoying the process" of being courted by other schools.

"You should weigh all your options, no matter what your heart wants," the elder Smith said. "We've had a lot of fun going around and checking out schools. It's been a great bonding experience between a father and a son."

But Alston Smith, who is 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, couldn't hold out any longer.

"He's in love with the program, the coaches, the facilities, everything," Bruce Smith said.

5-star receiver visits

The Hokies also hosted five-star receiver Stefon Diggs from Olney, Md., and his high school teammate, four-star running back Wes Brown. Diggs has visited Blacksburg twice and said, "I'll be back." He plans to narrow his options - which include nearly every program in America - to a list of 12 in August, saying the Hokies "will be in it."

One major prospect who was expected to attend but didn't show was four-star cornerback Kenneth Crawley from Washington, D.C., who has three former high school teammates on Tech's roster.

Hokies woo locals

Two South Hampton Roads underclassmen also were in Blacksburg. Salem High quarterback Bucky Hodges, a 6-5, 210-pound rising junior, already has offers from the Hokies and Virginia.

"They're always going to be at the top" of my list, Hodges said of Tech.

Indian River High defensive end Andrew Brown, 6-4 and 289 pounds as a rising sophomore, also has early offers from Tech and U.Va.

"He'll be one of the best I've ever coached," Braves coach Cadillac Harris said. "He's got that 'it' factor, got that greatness."

D-lineman commits

Glenvar defensive end Seth Dooley (6-5, 227 pounds) committed to Tech. Dooley had Football Championship Subdivision offers from Richmond, Virginia Military Institute and Norfolk State.

Quick kick

While Tech evaluated several offensive linemen, it was unclear how many left with a scholarship offer.