Virginia Tech CB Derrick Canteen Has Entered the Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech CB Derrick Canteen has entered the transfer portal as he announced on social media yesterday.

Canteen becomes the fourth Hokie to enter the transfer portal joining starting TE Dae'Quan Wright, backup WR Da'Wain Lofton, and third-string RB Bryce Duke. He will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next destination. He will also play in the Military Bowl.

Canteen played well in his one season as a Hokie as the starting nickelback and #3 cornerback having 42 tackles including two for loss plus one interception and five pass deflections. Canteen provided some quality play as the third cornerback while also working some on the outside to help safety depth and at safety himself.

His departure is a little surprising given that he still has two years of eligibility remaining and that there would be a path for him to start if one of Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane entered the NFL either this year or next. Of course, Canteen is set to enter his fifth year of college football in 2024 and may be ready to turn pro after next season.

With Canteen gone, Tech has gotten busy in the portal which has included offers to Georgia Tech CB Kenan Johnson and Western Kentucky CB Upton Stout. That could be in part precautionary in case Strong were to leave for the NFL though that should likely also lead Tech to reaching back out to Canteen about a return given the opportunity that would be available.

Tech also has a pair of talented young cornerbacks who have shown they are more than ready to step up well in Dante Lovett and Braylon Johnson. Both played well when they got the chance whether with the first team defense or in garbage time, and I would expect that at least one of Lovett and Johnson have a larger role next year.