Three-star TE Willie Rodriguez out of Covington, Kentucky has emerged as one of Virginia Tech's top tight end targets for the 2024 class. While Rodriguez has over 30 offers, he also has several schools currently standing out including the Hokies.
Rodriguez told us that Virginia Tech is among seven currently standing out in his recruitment along with Notre Dame, Kentucky, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Duke, and Purdue with ND and UNC being the only ones who haven't offered him among those 7.
He had this to say about why the Hokies are currently standing out for him.
"I love the coaching staff and had an amazing visit the last time I was there," Rodriguez said. You can read more about his spring visit to VT here.
The Hokies are among the programs recruiting Rodriguez the hardest along with Kentucky, Ole Miss, Purdue, Illinois, Arkansas, and others.
TEs coach Stu Holt is unsurprisingly taking a leading role in his recruitment along with offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen and offensive analyst Jeff Carpenter. He had this to say about his relationship with Holt.
"He is great. I really like talking with him a lot," Rodriguez said.
He had this to say about his relationship with Bowen who offered when Bowen was still coaching TEs before shifting to QBs.
"It's really good. He was the first P5 school to offer me and has been watching me forever. He is a great guy and I love talking football with him," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez has also built up a good relationship with head coach Brent Pry as he told us.
"He is a really nice guy, and he is really down to earth. Love talking with him," Rodriguez said.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez is looking to make a decision this summer before his senior season with official visits almost certain to come in June. When he is ready to make his decision, he had this to say about what the key factors will be in making his decision.
"Really just a place that fits me well, feels like home, where I really can fit in their offense, and bond with coaching staff," Rodriguez said.
Willie Rodriguez's recruitment is being to pick up speed with Virginia Tech continuing to be a top contender for one of their top TE targets.
