A class I consider to be one of the best in the state of Virginia's history, the 2009 class featured outstanding depth. The 2010 class doesn't measure up to last year's group in terms of depth, but there are high quality talents in the Top 30, including an especially large group of talented linemen.

Topping my Pre-Summer list is a pair of skill athletes out of the talent-rich Tidewater region. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake) quarterback Phillip Sims and Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach) wide receiver Justin Hunter are one and two, respectively. The linemen then enter the picture with a bang, as I have four linemen - Brookville (Lynchburg) defensive end Zack McCray, Fork Union offensive tackle Mark Shuman, future Fork Union defensive tackle Nick Acree and Oscar Smith defensive tackle Evan Hailes - in slots 3-6. In total, I have 14 offensive or defensive linemen the Pre-Summer Top 30.

Lake Taylor's (Norfolk, VA) versatile defender Travis Williams, Woodberry Forest LB/DE Aramide Olaniyan, Robinson's star linebacker Brian Laiti and Fork Union's standout center prospect Russell Bodine round out the Pre-Summer Top 30. I'll release a Pre-Season Top 30 in August and a final Postseason list in December or early January.

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Commits...

Virginia Tech has earned commitments from six state of Virginia prospects so far in the 2010 class. Each one of these commits is in my Pre-Summer Top 30. The Hokies are off to a great start and are in heavy contention for other Top 30 members heading into the summer.

Of its commitments, three - defensive end Zack McCray, offensive tackle Mark Shuman and Nick Acree currently reside in my top five. In fact, they are three, four and five, respectively. Defensive tackle Derrick Hopkins and offensive lineman Caleb Farris are in my top 20, while linebacker Tahrick Peak comes in at #22 on the list.

With respect to remaining targets that could decide soon, Virginia Tech is the heavy favorite with speedy linebacker/safety target Nick Dew. The First Colonial standout may be close to committing after a terrific visit this past weekend. Also, top 15 offensive lineman Conner Davis seems primed to decide soon between Virginia and Virginia Tech. Midlothian offensive lineman Matt Arkema has a visit planned to Tech for June 29th. The 6-3, 290-pound prospect has not said whether or not a decision could come, but the Hokies are thought to be in good position.

Pre-Summer Top 30

1. Phillip Sims - QB, 6-1, 210 pounds, Oscar Smith
Sims led Oscar Smith to a Group AAA, Division 6 state championship this past season, but he has been performing at a high level for the Tigers varsity squad since his freshman year. In three seasons he has accumulated 7,597 yards passing, including 3,167 yards with 38 touchdowns to only four interceptions in 2008. Sims possesses a big-time arm and has shown good touch and accuracy throughout his high school career.
Committed to Alabama

2. Justin Hunter - WR, 6-4, 185 pounds, Ocean Lakes
A phenomenal athlete, Hunter excels in football, basketball and track at Ocean Lakes. His size, athleticism, speed and ability on the gridiron translated into offers from all across the country before he committed to SEC power LSU earlier this spring. Hunter, who totaled 47 receptions and 10 touchdowns last season, is the total package and has excellent upside as well.
Committed to LSU

3. Zack McCray - DE, 6-4, 235 pounds, Brookville
McCray tallied 20 sacks last season as a junior, helping Brookville to an appearance in the Group AA, Division 3 state championship game. He has impressive size and shows excellent overall athleticism and quickness at the defensive end position. He'll play defense at Virginia Tech, but he is also a standout tight end on the high school level and drew looks from some schools to play tight end in college.
Committed to Virginia Tech

4. Mark Shuman - OL, 6-6, 290 pounds, Fork Union Military Academy
Shuman, who combines excellent size with above average athleticism and good footwork, drew offers from close to 20 Division 1A programs, including SEC powers Georgia and Tennessee, before committing to Virginia Tech. He certainly has excellent bloodlines. His father, Fork Union postgraduate head coach John Shuman, played football at VMI, while his brother Ryan played center at Virginia Tech. The son of a successful coach, Shuman should bring great intangibles as well.
Committed to Virginia Tech

5. Nick Acree - DT, 6-5, 300 pounds, Fork Union Military Academy
You hear the description "physical specimen" thrown around quite a bit in evaluations, but Nick Acree certainly fits the description. He is a chiseled 6-5, 300 pounds, and he is extremely strong. He also moves very well for his size. Transferring to FUMA from King William, Acree does have something to prove in terms of dominating the competition, but his upside may be the highest of anyone in this class.
Committed to Virginia Tech

6. Evan Hailes - DT, 6-1, 305 pounds, Oscar Smith
Hailes has been a rock solid defensive tackle and offensive lineman for head coach Rich Morgan. He'll play defensive tackle in college. A wide body with good strength, Hailes consistently holds the line but can also get in the offensive backfield to make plays. He boasts over 20 Division 1A offers according to Morgan.
Uncommitted

7. Travis Williams - LB/S, 6-2, 190 pounds, Lake Taylor
Lake Taylor is becoming known for its defense and the current unit is led by Williams, who has become a highly recruited linebacker/safety prospect. Despite being undersized right now, Williams plays a physical brand of football. He is a fluid athlete and plays very well in space. He looks like a natural at wide receiver as well, but defense is where he'll play in college. As a junior, Williams racked up 78 tackles including 14 sacks. He added 12 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles.
Uncommitted

8. Aramide Olaniyan - DE/LB, 6-2, 200 pounds, Woodberry Forest
Olaniyan is another "tweener" type of prospect. He plays defensive end at Woodberry Forest and is a physical player with an excellent burst off the line of scrimmage. He racked up 13 sacks last season. Olaniyan likely will have to play linebacker in college, but performances in the combine and camp circuit indicate that he should do well playing in space. He committed early to Duke but has offers from top programs throughout the country.
Committed to Duke

9. Brian Laiti - LB, 6-3, 200 pounds, Robinson
Laiti has been tremendously productive at Robinson, tallying 147 tackles with five sacks last season as a junior. Playing middle linebacker, Laiti displays excellent instincts. He doesn't have blazing speed but he consistently takes good pursuit angles and, more often than not, is around the ball. He seems to have a high football IQ.
Uncommitted

10. Russell Bodine - OL, 6-4, 280 pounds, Fork Union Military Academy
Bodine isn't necessarily the most physically imposing offensive lineman, but he is tenacious, plays well with leverage and plays with an attitude. He committed to UNC after receiving double-digit 1A offers, including offers from Virginia and Virginia Tech. Bodine should be a solid, solid center for the Tar Heels.
Committed to North Carolina

11. Quinton Spain - OL, 6-5, 320 pounds, Petersburg
Committed to West Virginia

12. Nick Dew - LB/S, 6-2, 195 pounds, First Colonial
Uncommitted

13. Chase Williams - LB/TE, 6-3, 225 pounds, Loudoun County
Uncommitted

14. Khamrone Kolb - OL, 6-6, 300 pounds, Lake Braddock
Uncommitted

15. Conner Davis - OL, 6-5, 270 pounds, Deep Run
Uncommitted

16. Derrick Hopkins - DT, 6-0, 285 pounds, Highland Springs
Committed to Virginia Tech

17. Andre Simmons - DB, 6-0, 195 pounds, South County
Uncommitted

18. Ed Reynolds II - S/LB, 6-3, 198 pounds, Woodberry Forest
Uncommitted

19. T.J. Peeler - RB, 6-1, 200 pounds, Broad Run
Uncommitted

20. Caleb Farris - OL, 6-4, 300 pounds, Rockbridge County
Committed to Virginia Tech

21. Marquis Wallace - OL, 6-3, 285 pounds, Varina
Committed to West Virginia

22. Tahrick Peak - LB, 6-2, 205 pounds, Pulaski County
Committed to Virginia Tech

23. Matt Arkema - OL, 6-3 1/2, 290 pounds, Midlothian
Uncommitted

24. Desmond Coble - ATH, 5-11, 175 pounds, Meadowbrook
Uncommitted

25. Jamal Wallace - LB/DE, 6-3, 215 pounds, Green Run
Uncommitted

26. Duke Mosby - DT, 6-1, 270 pounds, Woodberry Forest
Committed to Wake Forest

27. Rijo Walker - CB, 5-11, 175 pounds, Bethel
Uncommitted

28. Trey Johnson - RB, 5-10, 170 pounds, Varina
Committed to West Virginia

29. Josh Lovell - TE/OL, 6-5, 260 pounds, Christchurch
Uncommitted

30. Henry Coley - LB, 6-2, 230 pounds, Bayside
Uncommitted

Ones to watch

Matthew Baptiste - LB, Ocean Lakes
Levi Barber - ATH, Edison
Joe Branch - ATH, Fork Union Military Academy
Aaron Clark - RB, St. Anne's-Belfield
Andrew Cordasco - TE, Jamestown
Warren Denny - WR, Centreville
Zach Dunston - DB, Green Run
Taylor Evans - OL, Broad Run
Danny Fenyak - QB, Westfield
Adrian Flemming - WR/TE, Broad Run
Zach Glass - DL, Stuarts Draft
Jon Godfrey - S, Ocean Lakes
Jerel Harrison - WR, Varina
Deshawn Holmes - DB, Highland Springs
Daryl Howell - LB, Hermitage
Cedric Johnson - ATH, Lakeland
Blake Jones - DE/LB, Hanover
Venson Jones - DT, Woodside
Chad Kolumber - OL, Woodberry Forest
Kyle Linn - ATH, Turner Ashby
Jake McGee - QB, Collegiate
Wes Moulton - DL, Ocean Lakes
Keevon Newsome - DE/LB, Churchland
Bo Revell - QB, Battlefield
Antonio Roane - ATH, West Point
Mike Rocco - QB, Liberty Christian Academy
Anthony Rose - ATH, Amherst
Mario Rowson - DB, Lake Taylor
Jacob Ruby - TE/OL, Fork Union Military Academy
A.J. Scott - DL, Robert E Lee Committed to Marshall
Dejor Simmons - RB, Green Run
E.L. Smiling - WR, Brooke Point
Brandon Sparrow - DL, Liberty (Bedford)
Zach Weller - LB/FB, Christiansburg
Montel White - QB/ATH, Surry County
Jeremiah Wilson - ATH, Handley Committed to Maryland
Rashad Winston - DL, Highland Springs