After entering the transfer portal earlier today, Utah State DE Daniel Grzesiak has instantly become one of the top available pass rushers with loads of interest from across the country at the Power 5 level.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry mentioned at his Early Signing Day press conference that the Hokies were looking at adding another defensive end from the transfer portal to go with Darian Varner. Given that context, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Hokies are already among those who have expressed interest in Grzesiak.
The Utah State transfer told us that he has already been contacted by VT defensive coordinator Chris Marve with further conversations likely coming soon. Grzesiak has received offers from Missouri, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Indiana, Houston, and SMU so far. Additionally, he has received interest from USC, Oregon, Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Washington State.
Grzesiak receiving this amount of interest shouldn't come as a surprise after he had a strong 2022 season at Utah State with 52 tackles including 13 for loss with 8.5 sacks plus 8 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 pass breakups in 13 games. His strong season earned him All-Mountain West Honorable Mention honors. He has 1 year of eligibility remaining after spending the first four years of his collegiate career at Nevada.
So how would he describe the strengths and weaknesses of his game?
"My strengths are my IQ, speed, twitchy-ness, and just having a good motor," Grzesiak said. "My weakness is I’m a little short at my position."
Grzesiak would definitely be a quality second defensive end to pair with Varner as part of this transfer class for the Hokies. He would strengthen Tech's DE room further if he chose the Hokies and joined Varner, Cole Nelson, CJ McCray, and Pheldarius Payne. Landing Grzesiak could also allow Tech to be more patient as Varner recovers from a foot injury that caused him to miss the final 2 games of this past season.
Looking ahead, Grzesiak's recruitment may be a short one as he is currently looking to enroll this spring at his next school. So what is he is looking for in his next school?
"That they are Power 5, have a winning culture, and have a scheme that fits me," Grzesiak said.
He expanded on the type of scheme fit that he is looking for at his next school.
"I'm looking for a defense where I can rush the passer, cover a little bit, and play freely," Grzesiak said.
Grzesiak is from Los Angeles so that may make VT fans wonder if him coming across the country to Blacksburg is realistic. However, Grzesiak said that being close to home is "a little factor but not really that big."
