The heat is on Telvion Clark this summer.

Virginia Tech wants the linebacker from Norfolk's Granby High School, but the Hokies want him now. Like, right now.

After loading up with recruits for the incoming class of 2008, Tech is now in the midst of a numbers crunch in recruiting for '09. The Hokies usually sign 20-25 prospects each February but this year signed 31.

That, and a lack of attrition from the current roster, have left the Hokies with only about a dozen scholarships to offer rising seniors.

Clark got one of those scarce offers last weekend at Tech's prospect camp. He ran a reported 4.47-second 40-yard dash -- impressive speed for a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker -- and was a top performer in drills.

"They really liked him," said Dave Hudak, who recently retired after 22 seasons as Granby's coach. "I've been saying for a while now that he's the best linebacker around. ... And for Tech to offer him with so few scholarships, obviously they see something.

"But now the pressure is really on."

Hudak said that in the days since the camp, the Hokies have been pushing for a commitment from Clark.

After a wave of other commitments to Tech -- four rising seniors in the last four days -- this recruiting class is already half full.

"It makes sense that they want to know something," Hudak said. "He really likes them. He's very, very excited about the offer. But he's already given his word to visit two other places."

Hudak said Clark will go ahead with previously scheduled trips to Penn State and West Virginia in the next two weeks.

"He's just keeping his word," Hudak said, "but hopefully, Tech won't be impatient. They're in great shape for him. Those other two schools would really have to wow him to change his mind."

Clark was an All-Eastern District selection and second-team All-Tidewater pick as a junior after posting 153 tackles and eight sacks for the Comets.

"He'd be a great fit in Blacksburg," Hudak said. "And I don't think Tech has anything to worry about letting him wait."