It's been a little bit, but we are resuming our continually ongoing TLP 1st and 10 Q&A series with former Virginia Tech standout DB Willie Pile.
Pile played a big role in the Hokies' success of the late 1990s and early 2000s as a high-end starting safety who earned All-Big East Second Team honors in his third and final year as a starter in 2002. Pile finished his career with 14 interceptions which ranks fourth all-time, and then embarked on a near decade long career in pro football both in thr NFL and CFL after being a 7th round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.
So with that, here's our Q&A with Willie Pile discussing his Virginia Tech and pro careers, starting a business, going through the recruiting process now with his son Jaylen (a top 2026 WR), and more.
Your son Jaylen is already one of the top WRs in the 2026 class. What advice would you give parents with an athlete being recruited to play sports in college given your background being on the athlete and player side of it?
"Yes we are extremely proud of Jaylen and how much he’s developed over the years. Jaylen is extremely smart and a hard worker, in addition to being a gifted athlete. However, as mature as his game is and he himself is, he’s still barely 15, cannot drive and we have to remind ourselves that he’s still a kid. My advice to parents would be to take ownership of the process for your child. There’s so many moving parts and new rules and regulations popping up annually. Please know & understand the recruiting process and create an environment where you can listen to coaches and opportunities yet find a way to filter information to make informed decisions. Our family has a group text, Google spreadsheets, and Apple notes where info flows freely. That would be my advice to parents navigating this process."
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