Speed set for Signing Day decision

Virginia Tech will learn its fate with one top defensive back target next week, but will have to wait a little longer on another. Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood corner Ameer Speed will make his commitment on National Signing Day.

The 6-3, 196-pound Speed includes Georgia, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Oregon on his list of finalists, along with the Hokies. He has visited Blacksburg multiple times, most recently for his official trip the Dec. 9 weekend. He is a good friend of early-enrolling linebacker Aundre Ricardo-Kearney from nearby Mandarin High, who also visited the weekend of Speed's official.

The No. 37 overall cornerback and No. 76 Floridian in the 2017 class is a key recruit because of the Hokies' need at the CB position. He has the length to make an impact in Bud Foster's system - and is one of few corners remaining on the board at this time.

Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, and USC are among the programs no longer in the mix after offering earlier in the process.