Virginia Tech is looking to make the Stromans the next family to have multiple brothers play for Virginia Tech after Greg Stroman had a great four-year career at cornerback and punt returner on his way to the NFL. Now, Greg's younger brother Jalen Stroman is a top DB target for VT with the three-star DB setting a decision date.
I will be making my college decision in the next couple weeks. On my birthday, May 22nd I will make the announcement on all social media. pic.twitter.com/sp0yMyVA3T
— Jalen Stroman (@jstroman04) April 23, 2020
Jalen Stroman will make his decision on his birthday, May 22nd, with Stroman telling us that he is "leaning strong" towards Virginia Tech, Virginia, and Duke. These three have emerged from an offer list that also includes Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Indiana, and others.
Stroman listed these three reasons as to why the Hokies are among the top contenders for his commitment.
- "Major - I plan to major in business or engineering (not sure yet)
- Familiarity
- Great communication with coaching staff."
That communication is a big reason why Tech is a top factor along with the other 2 ACC programs with Stroman telling us that he is in regular contact with each of those schools' head coaches and position coaches at safety. For Virginia Tech, that means head coach Justin Fuente and defensive coordinator/safeties coach Justin Hamilton are leading the charge.
Stroman has built a good relationship with his potential defensive coordinator and position coach Hamilton telling us that he likes "that he has played at all levels and can relate" to the role that Stroman will have in VT's defense. Stroman also had this to say about the relationship he's built with Justin Fuente.
"It's good. He stays in contact with me. He’s been to my school a few times and came to see me play last season," Stroman said.
One reason why many believe Virginia Tech is the favorite for Jalen Stroman is the fact that his brother had a highly-successful career at Virginia Tech. Jalen Stroman confirmed that it's definitely a positive for the Hokies, but added that it's still his decision based primarily on what will be his best fit.
"It’s definitely a positive. He had a great experience and we enjoyed being part of it. We love our Hokie family. My decision will be based on what’s the best fit for me," Stroman said.
Having a brother in Greg Stroman who has been through this process has also been a benefit to Jalen Stroman with his older brother giving him this piece of advice for his upcoming decision.
"Choose the school that I can see myself succeeding in all areas," Jalen Stroman said on the advice he's received from Greg.
Currently, the Hokies have a pair of defensive back commits with Jalen Hoyle at safety and Nykelius Johnson at cornerback. However, there's no doubt that Stroman is an overall defensive priority for Virginia Tech with the Hokies pursuing him as a free safety.
Overall, Virginia Tech is a strong contender for Jalen Stroman and understandably seen as the favorite to land him largely due to his familiarity and family connections. However, the Hokies still have plenty of work ahead to hold off their ACC Coastal rivals in pursuit of one of the Commonwealth's top 2021 recruits.
