In-State DL Kendal Howard Discusses Recent Virginia Tech Offer

Virginia Tech has sent out a few new offers recently including one to talented 2024 defensive lineman Kendal Howard out of Lord Botetourt HS in Daleville, VA less than an hour away from Blacksburg.

He had this to say about his reaction to receiving a Virginia Tech offer.

"I’m very happy with the offer. This is my hometown team! I’ve always dreamt of getting an opportunity to play at Tech so now that it’s real, I’m hyped," Howard said.

This is Howard's fourth offer joining Louisville, Wake Forest, and JMU. He added that he is also receiving interest from Duke, Virginia, Old Dominion, and Liberty.

In terms of competition for the Hokies in his recruitment, Wake Forest is the current top competition with Howard telling us that Demon Deacons are the school recruiting him the hardest at the moment.

Tech is currently recruiting him as a defensive end though at 6'3'' and 250 pounds, he definitely has the size and the frame to grow into a defensive end at the next level. Of course, you can't rule out him being a defensive end at the next level in part because of what he's done as a high school DE with 20 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 1 defensive touchdown, and 2 blocked punts this past season.

So how would Howard describe the strengths and weaknesses of his game?

"Strengths are that I'm quick off the ball, I have a high motor, and I’m going to give the person across from me a run for their money every snap," Howard said. "I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have any weaknesses, just things that I need to work on during the offseason. That includes trying to run a 4.6 instead of 4.75 (40 yard dash), being more violent off the ball, and being more conditioned."

Looking ahead, Howard told us that he will be visiting Virginia Tech for Tech's Big Dawg Junior Day on Monday, January 23rd. He'll follow that trip to Blacksburg with visits to Wake Forest on January 28th and JMU on January 29th. Beyond that, Howard said that he is planning to make a decision "most likely this summer" which should set the stage for some significant June official visits for him.

So with all this in mind, how does this offer impact Howard's recruitment and VT's standing in it?

"It really impacts everything now that I have the offer. At this point, it’s really up from here. Like I said, I love the atmosphere and culture at Tech, and would love to be part of that," Howard said.

Keep an eye on Kendall Howard who has now emerged as one of Virginia Tech's bigger defensive line targets for the 2024 class.