How does James Farrow's transfer affect the Hokies' plans in the secondary?

It might not be official from Virginia Tech's side, but all indications are that redshirt freshman cornerback James Farrow will transfer. Scout.com first reported the news yesterday and Farrow tweeted it last night.

"My decision to transfer elsewhere has nothing to do with VT football," he wrote. "I love the entire Hokie family and wish them all the best next season."

Virginia Tech has yet to officially grant Farrow's release, although it just seems to be a matter of processing paperwork.

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The 5-foot-10, 179-pounder from Chanhassen, Minn., would have been a redshirt freshman in 2012, likely to compete with true freshman Donaldven Manning for a backup spot.

Farrow was the No. 2 recruit from Minnesota in 2011 and the No. 40 athlete nationally, according to Rivals.

Although he didn't play last season, Farrow's departure could affect the Hokies' plan in the secondary this year. Virginia Tech was going to have junior Kyle Fuller and sophomore Detrick Bonner as the No. 1 cornerbacks entering spring, moving one-time cornerback Kyshoen Jarrett to free safety in an effort to replace Eddie Whitley.

But now they  are extremely thin at cornerback, where they lost Jayron Hosley to the NFL and Cris Hill to graduation.

Manning, Rivals' No. 11 cornerback in 2012, is a true freshman who enrolled this semester to get a jump on 2012 by going through spring drills. The only other scholarship cornerback on the roster is recent signee Davion Tookes, who won't be able to start practice until August.

Walk-ons Chris Caver and Carl Jackson, both sophomores, are also options.

With plenty of bodies at safety, it remains to be seen if the Jarrett move will take place. Secondary coach Torrian Gray told Frank Beamer's website last week that Jarrett, Michael Cole and Theron Norman was the expected order at free safety this spring, with Antone Exum, Boye Aromire and Ronny Vandyke at rover. Vandyke is also expected to be used as a whip linebacker.

With depth at cornerback now a concern, it might force the Hokies to reassess the plans for their entire secondary.

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