The Hokies earned a surprising recruiting win over Louisville on Friday when tight end/defensive end Chris Cunningham committed to the Hokies.
Cunningham — a rising senior at Jacksonville's Atlantic Coast High School — was giving serious consideration to Tech's new ACC rivals but chose the Hokies for their continuity in the coaching staff.
"It was really about knowing the staff has been together for awhile," Cunningham said. "Coach Beamer has been there for a long time, and I knew I'd have a chance to win there."
Cunningham, rated a 3-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, announced his decision Friday afternoon on Twitter after the Hokies offered him in March.
OFFICIALLY COMMITTED TO VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY! #hokies #blessed pic.twitter.com/Om1zh968p2— Chris (@Chrvs_85) August 8, 2014
Since then, he's spoken with both defensive line coach Charley Wiles and recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring.
"I called them early Friday morning before I ever said anything on Twitter and talked to Coach Wiles," Cunningham said.
He's had a chance to see Blacksburg twice now, visiting Tech once on April 19 and once on July 27. However, he still plans to make his way back for an official visit.
"I'll probably go up for an official," he said. "I'm not sure which game yet, but I do want to go back."
Cunningham has heard from more than just the coaches about the Hokies during the recruitment process — incoming freshman wide receiver Isaiah Ford hails from Jacksonville as well, and he's spoken with Cunningham a couple times about his experiences at Tech.
"I talked with him on Tuesday, and he was telling me how it was there, how he liked it," Cunningham said. "He said there were other people up there from Jacksonville too, so it definitely affected my decision."
Cunningham's situation is unusual in that the Hokies haven't narrowed down the position he'll play in college quite yet. He played both tight end and defensive end for Atlantic Coast, and Tech's personnel needs in 2015 will probably determine where he ends up when he gets on campus.
"They told me I could play on both sides of the ball," he said. "They said they'll have to see about the personnel when I get up there, who they have. I could play either one, really."
While he is willing to be flexible, Cunningham feels his greatest strengths lie in his abilities on offense.
"I can really bring versatility to the offense," he said. "I can create mismatches. I think I've got the speed and agility to get past linebackers."
With a crowded depth chart at tight end and a thin defensive line, he might be bound for the defense instead, but the Hokies have to be glad to have him the fold regardless of where he ends up playing.
Comments
First time I met Coach Beamer on campus, he was cool and down-to-earth. I can understand why Chris picked VT to play for coach Beamer.
Someone should tell him that if he recruits Sweat and Deberry, he won't have to play on the defensive side of the ball.
Let's worry about that if it happens
I like this tight end.
--Bryan Stinespring, commenting on every VT player, ever
There were 2 ways I envisioned this going and this is one of them. Thank you.
Wish this one came to me sooner...
I just dry heaved and lamented.
I literally vomited. Medically unrelated, but I like to think there's a connection.
I mean seriously.
Public Service Announcement:
People need to be more considerate of French when posting Curt Newsome pics and memes. Every day, French has to fight the urge to drive to his alma mater and unleash years of pent up anger at that man who now happens to be the current head coach of the football team that French was once a part of. The very same team that taught him so much of the football knowledge that he so graciously shares with us. Imagine how torn French must be when they play a game and he has the option to attend. He wants to support the team, his team, but that man is there, prowling the sidelines, tainting the whole experience. So please, be mindful of French the next time you think to yourself, "I should post a Curt Newsome meme." French is invaluable, and the last thing any of us wants is to be the tipping point, leading to French being on the local news for hanging Curt Newsome up by his feet like a 500lb bluefin tuna.
In honor of French's "love" for Newsome here's a fun old thread:
http://www.thekeyplay.com/content/2013/july/30/curt-newsome-reacts-jeff-...
Edit: That meme looks familiar Alum07 :)
Holy crap, never seen Newsome up that close. Wayyy too close. Smdh
Dear Louisville
Dear Lville, Stick it In...?
I don't get it?
I believe the gesture they are going for is the old fashion "Suck it!" motion
Always an upvote for Anna Kendrick....so cute
I like that we're recruiting from out of state. It's already showing what kind of trickle down effects it has on other recruits in the area, which I'm imagining will just continue compounding.
Virginia Tech University? Where's that? Is it in the steam tunnels or something?
This is becoming a trend as of late and kind of annoying. Whatever, at least we got 'em!
Yeah, he will learn soon enough.
Yeah, ever since that darn Tyrod guy did it...
I vote that we make it the next meme. Turn a negative into a positive.
How about when Josh Sweat says he has committed to Virginia Tech University?
And get coached by the innovator of that phrase, Cornell Brown.
As long as he enrolls at Tech, he can call us the University of Constipated Cannibalistic Unicorns, for all I care
sounds like they need a diet change
Nice pick up, it's great to see the offense stop piling talent for the future.
TE - did you see those pancake blocks? Plus, he can catch as well as block down field. We need a few more of him (though maybe bigger).
I wonder if and how many motorcycle rides with interns Petrino attempted to bribe him with.