Redshirt junior Devon Hunter, Virginia Tech’s projected starter at strong safety, has been suspended indefinitely
In a release, Virginia Tech said Hunter failed to “uphold the high standards we have for our student athletes.” According to Norm Wood of the Daily Press, who spoke with a source in the athletic department, the suspension is completely unrelated to anything involving COVID-19.
An in-state player, Hunter was a major get in the 2017 recruiting class when the 4-star Chesapeake native committed to VT over Auburn, Florida and UNC.
During the 2019 season, Hunter started to crack Virginia Tech’s secondary rotation; the 6-foot, 220-pound safety recorded 16 tackles. Over the most recent offseason, Justin Fuente heaped praised upon Hunter, who seemed primed for a breakout season in 2020.
Fuente met with the media shortly after the release went public; the fifth-year coach expressed his surprise over the turn of events.
Virginia Tech #Hokies HC Justin Fuente will not go into specifics, but admits Devon Hunter news was shocking.
— Matej Sis (@MatejS247) September 14, 2020
Virginia Tech will open its 2020 season in two weeks: Sept. 26 against NC State. Without Hunter at safety, the Hokies must turn to redshirt freshman J.R. Walker, redshirt senior Tyree Rodgers or true freshman Keonta Jenkins.