The early work done in recruiting for the Class of 2027 for James Franklin and Virginia Tech was most focused on the defensive side of the ball when it comes to commitments. New defensive line coach Sean Spencer was loading up with edges for a defensive unit that is led by new defensive coordinator Brent Pry.
You knew it was only going to be a matter of time before the Hokies and Franklin were going to start getting commitments along the offensive side of the ball. On Thursday, he picked up a commitment from running back Kelvin Morrison over some powerhouse programs, including Franklin's previous stop at Penn State.
There is a decision coming up on Saturday for a three-star wide receiver from North Carolina, but on Friday, the Hokies secured their second commitment on offense when 3-star tight end Braxton Salster committed to Franklin and offensive coordinator Ty Howle. He is listed as an athlete and plays quarterback, but projects as a tight end in college.
After months of prayer I am excited to announce that I am officially committing to Virginia Tech!! All Glory to God!! GO HOKIES!! @HokiesFB @coachjfranklin @CoachTHowle @CoachRocco @TDARecruiting @DexPreps @Bama_2A @AverageJoesSpo1 @TomLuginbill @LemmingReport @ITATJason pic.twitter.com/UcUgW7CBeL
— Braxton Salster (@BraxtonSalster) April 24, 2026
Virginia Tech picks up commitment from three-star tight end Braxton Salster in the Class of 2027
You don't need to be reminded that the Hokies' past with tight ends in recruiting and usage in games hasn't been good lately. It feels like it's a position that was a struggle in recruiting and even in game planning for games. However, that is all changing under Franklin and Howle.
Salster is a 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end who was getting recruited by other ACC and SEC schools before he picked Virginia Tech. The Jacksonville, Alabama native, who plays at Pleasant Valley High School, chose Blacksburg over Ole Miss, Auburn, Baylor, Duke, and other schools.
Franklin and Howle's ability to use tight ends within their offense, along with the ability to develop them into NFL tight ends, will be a huge selling point going forward for recruits when it comes to Virginia Tech. That likely played a big role in his recruiting process. An explosive player on offense, it will be interesting to see how he is used in Virginia Tech's offense down the line. This is the sixth commitment in the Class of 2027, which is growing fast for the Hokies.
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