Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones, the top RB and No. 3 overall prospect on my lists, committed to Virginia Tech at his high school on Wednesday, providing a huge boost to the spirits of Hokie fans after Michael Vick's early departure for the NFL.

This prep superstar got off to a slow start this season due to injuries and missed three games with a badly sprained ankle. However, he recovered nicely, carrying the ball 192 times for 1,310 yards and 21 TDs. He also caught two touchdown passes and returned a punt for 60 yards and a score and a kickoff for 87 yards and a score.

He's the closest back I've seen to Herschel Walker in the past 20 years. His senior film showed a super back running behind an inexperienced line, and he still made something out of nothing. Although he was a marked man, he seemed to have no difficulty shaking defenders or running over them. Once he squared his shoulders, even defenders with great angles had trouble catching him.

A superstar in track who has been timed at 10.2 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.2 in the 200, he has run the 60 meters in 6.7. Jones has played it smart this recruiting season, checking several schools and asking all the pertinent and tough questions. He visited Virginia Tech where he really enjoyed the entire coaching staff and the players. He and his father drove to Notre Dame, where he was fascinated by the tradition and academics. He then visited Tennessee on a game day and was overwhelmed by the electricity in the air, overwhelming fan support, tradition and enthusiasm. His last visit was to Penn State where he got caught up in the tradition and expectations of a great incoming class.

After reviewing all his options, Kevin sat down with his family and decided his best course of action was to commit to Virginia Tech.

Tom Lemming is editor of Prep Football Report. For information on how to subscribe to Prep Football Report's three yearly magazines and five newsletters, fax your request to 847-842-1313 or write to P.O. Box 59113, Schaumburg, Ill. 60159. Attention new subscribers: You'll receive Lemming's Class of 2001 wrap-up issue FREE if you subscribe for the upcoming season. For year-round recruiting updates, call Tom Lemming's Prep Football Hotline at 900-860-9888. Calls are $1.79 per minute, and callers must be 18 years old or have parents' permission.