FRESHMAN REDSHIRT REPORT
The Hokies are loaded on defense this year, but, as several players have transferred, left the program or suffered injuries on that side of the ball, depth could be an issue. As a result, several true freshmen stand a good chance of avoiding a redshirt year and getting playing time on the Virginia Tech defense. At defensive back, Adonis Alexander and Mook Reynolds both look ready to play immediately, especially with projected starter C.J. Reavis dismissed from school. “Adonis Alexander is working on his mental game and that’s coming along,” secondary coach Torrian Gray told BeamerBall.com after the second scrimmage. “He really shows the ability to do some great things, I just need to be him consistent.” Of Reynolds, he said, “Mook Reynolds is a young guy who’s coming along at both nickel and corner,” following the first scrimmage.
BUZZ WILLIAMS OFFERS DEREK CULVER
The Hokies are trying to pry a 4-star power forward away from his home state school. Derek Culver, a 6-8, 205-pound Warren, Ohio product in the class of 2017, picked up an offer from Hokies coach Buzz Williams. Culver also has offers from Indiana and West Virginia, but the general consensus is that he’s waiting for Ohio State to extend a scholarship offer. Culver has paid unofficial visits to Purdue and Illinois and is picking up interest from several other programs after a successful summer on the AAU circuit. Culver is the top-ranked prospect in the state of Ohio, according to the 247Sports.com Composite Index
HOKIES OFFER XAVIER MCKINNEY
Virginia Tech offered 3-star safety Xavier McKinney, a 6-1, 170-pound Roswell, Georgia product in the class of 2017. McKinney picked up the offer from the Hokies on August 25. ACC foe Clemson has also offered McKinney, as have SEC powers South Carolina and Alabama. McKinney also visited Auburn in late August, just prior to the start of his season. McKinney made an interception in the red zone during his opening game, preserving a 21-8 win. McKinney is the 35th-best prospect in Georgia and the 27th-best safety in the nation, according to 247Sports.com’s Composite Index.