The transfer portal opened Monday and it was a very busy day for Virginia Tech and football coach Brent Pry. There were some expected players to enter and there were some stunning names that entered the portal that are big losses. That’s where we’ll begin this edition of Virginia Tech Football News.
There were departures on both sides of the ball for the Hokies Monday and on the offensive side, running back Malachi Thomas entered with one more year remaining. Also entering the portal on the offensive side of the ball a pair of linemen entered, Gunnar Givens and center Braelin Moore, a redshirt sophomore.
Moore has been the starter the last two seasons at center for the Hokies and a key part of the line with his brother Kaden. Givens started on the defensive side of the ball before moving over to the offense and has three years of eligibility remaining.
According to Tim Thomas of The Lunch Pail, Virginia Tech has offered Coastal Carolina edge Clev Lubin who played with current Hokie Kemari Copeland at Iowa Western Community College. Copeland had his season cut short with an injury for the Hokies this season. With Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Cole Nelson out of eligibility, that is just one of many positions that will need to be addressed in the transfer portal.
The Hokies suffered a huge loss in the portal early Monday when linebacker Keli Lawson entered leaving a hole there. It appears the whole roster is going to need additions and according to his X account, East Carolina linebacker Zakye Barker was offered by Tech. He had 86 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Pirates this season.