After a slow start to the transfer portal, things are picking up quickly for Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry. The portal officially opened on Dec. 9 and while a number of Hokies have entered and committed to other schools, the commitments to Tech took some time.
The first one was Wednesday night when Clemson safety Sherrod Covil, Jr. committed to the Hokies, which brings the Virginia native home for his final season of eligibility. Sometimes things happen fast and that was the case on Friday. After Bowling Green running back Terion Stewart committed early in the afternoon, the commitments came in fast and furious.
Virginia Tech gets three transfer portal commitments on Friday
After Stewart committed, Pry picked up a pair of commitments, one on each side of the ball that filled two needs the Hokies have for 2025. Hampton defensive tackle Jahzari Priester committed Friday afternoon and shortly after, running back Marcellous Hawkins from Central Missouri committed as the second back of the day.
The 6-foot-6, 294-pound Priester has three years of eligibility left, but he is going to be a work in progress for the Hokies. He didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school and this season, he played in 11 games for the Pirates, including one start and playing 168 snaps. He adds depth to the tackle spot on defense, but again, he's a work in progress.
Hawkins played in three games for Central Missouri this season, but in 2023, the Oklahoma native had just over 1,000 yards rushing on 157 carries and 18 touchdowns. He averaged 6.7 yards a carry and with Stewart, he brings some experience to the running back room for 2025.