Virginia Tech wrapped up their spring transfer portal class with a commitment from Miami LB/S Kaleb Spencer.
1000% Committed🦃 @CoachPryVT @Coach_Marve @HokiesFB pic.twitter.com/XmSNOArUqm
— Royal Roots🖤👑 (@KalebSpencer8) May 18, 2024
The Gloucester, VA native who played at Life Christian Academy in Richmond joins UCLA QB Collin Schlee and Alabama DL Khurtiss Perry as the third transfer addition for the Hokies this spring. He has three years of eligibility remaining plus a redshirt year.
With Spencer on board, the Hokies have a full 85 scholarships and are done adding scholarship players to the roster unless there is a surprise medical retirement.
Spencer is an interesting addition as a safety/linebacker hybrid whose best position may be as a STAR LB. He's also not a player who I would expect to start next season though he does continue to boost the Hokies' depth and is a solid long-term prospect who could develop into a starter.
It's possible that Spencer could work as the Hokies' backup STAR LB, especially if Caleb Woodson makes a more full-time move to the will and mike LB spots after getting some work there this spring. Though Woodson was brought in for the STAR LB spot, coaches have talked about how he's starting to grow into the size of those other two linebacker spots as he continues to fill out his frame.
The addition of Spencer could be an indication that the Hokies' defensive staff is feeling more strongly about a long-term move for Woodson elsewhere and are looking to build more depth at STAR LB with the Miami transfer, making it easier for the Hokies to redshirt four-star freshman Gabe Williams rather than need him in the two-deep this fall.
Spencer does have a redshirt year available as well should Woodson end up staying at STAR LB and if he doesn't end up in the two-deep. Spencer could also provide some value for the Hokies on special teams after playing 93 special teams snaps for Miami as a true freshman and having one tackle.
Spencer's addition continues a trend of a significant percentage of Virginia Tech's transfer classes having VA roots. Spencer joins Kelvin Gilliam and JUCO addition Kemari Copeland as VA natives to transfer to the Hokies this offseason after Tech brought VA natives Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Ali Jennings, and Da'Quan Felton in via the portal last offseason.
