Virginia Tech Football: Hokies are a finalist for blue-chip safety Faheem Delane

Friday afternoon, Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane made an announcement on X that he is returning to Blacksburg next season. Late Friday afternoon, the Hokies got good news that they are one of the final five schools that are being considered by his younger brother Faheem.

Faheem Delane, a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025 listed Virginia Tech, Tennessee, LSU, Ohio State, and Alabama as his final five schools.

The 6-foot-2, 193-pound is a safety is aggressive back that can cover the pass, defend the run and get home on the blitz, according to 247Sports.

Virginia Tech has plenty of strong competition for Faheem Delane

Of course you would think that Virginia Tech and head coach Brent Pry would have an inside track to landing Faheem with his brother already in Blacksburg and returning next season. During his announcement of his return to the Hokies, Mansoor spoke about ''the foundation that's being built by head coach Brent Pry and his staff.''

Also, that could not mean a thing in Faheem's recruiting process too. The other schools are strong programs with Alabama and Ohio State close to being playoff teams each season and that's only going to go up starting next season when the College Football Playoff field expands to 12 teams.

Tennessee and LSU are storied SEC programs that are also going to be in the hunt for a CFP berth as well.

If there is one thing that seems to be changing it is the culture at Virginia Tech that Pry, who is in his second season and his staff are building. They are getting four key defensive players returning next season, as well as quarterback Kyron Drones and his top four receivers. A strong culture that appears to be being built can also go a long way in recruiting.