Virginia Tech has their second transfer addition of the day as Mercer standout DT Arias Nash has committed to the Hokies, as he announced on social media.
Nash earned All-SoCon Second Team honors this past season after having 47 tackles including 12.5 for loss with nine sacks plus 14 QB hurries. He also earned an impressive 85.8 PFF grade which led the SoCon among interior defensive linemen while generating 47 pressures including five against Alabama. He has one year of eligibility remaining plus a redshirt if he needs it.
Nash is the 13th transfer addition for the Hokies this class and the second addition today, joining West Virginia OT Lucas Austin. He is also the second defensive linemen transfer this cycle along with Hampton DL Jahzari Priester.
Nash seems like a great fit at Virginia Tech given his interior pass rushing reputation. He is a strong replacement for Aeneas Peebles and pairs well with Kelvin Gilliam who profiles as more of a run stuffer with some pass rushing upside.
Nash likely projects as a starter for the Hokies next season, who could even have All-ACC given what he showed this season for a very good Mercer team. The fact that he was able to get pressure against tough opponents like Alabama (5) and North Dakota State (4) per PFF is another great sign.
With Nash on board, I could still see Tech going for one more defensive tackle to round out a top four of Gilliam, Nash, and Kemari Copeland. Emmett Laws and Gerard Johnson could also push for that fifth spot or even into that top four, with Laws looking quite good in the Duke's Mayo Bowl against Minnesota after redshirting.
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