Hokies in the top five for Mekhi Becton

One of Virginia Tech's biggest remaining needs in 2017 is along the offensive line, and perhaps no target is more coveted at that spot than Highland Springs (Va.) four-star Mekhi Becton.

The in-state standout has trimmed his list of more than a dozen suitors to just five remaining programs, and the Hokies are still in the hunt.

Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, and Virginia join VT among the finalists for the No. 22 offensive tackle and No. 189 overall prospect nationally.

He has visited Blacksburg unofficially multiple times in the past, and tentatively plans a Jan. 20 official visit. His lone official trip to date was to Michigan earlier this Fall. That stop in Ann Arbor may have made U-M the favorite to land him.

Becton had an outstanding time at Michigan, and perhaps more importantly, the Wolverines were impressed enough with his physique (something they'd had questions about prior to the trip) to move him up their wishlist. Fortunately, Virginia Tech should get an opportunity to impress the No. 7 in-state player - while reminding him that representing his home state in college is an honor itself.

Becton plans to make his college commitment on or around National Signing Day.