Virginia Tech added some more talent to their special teams units landing a commitment from Massachusetts long snapper Tate Kendall.
I am thrilled to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Virginia Tech! Thank you to Coach Holt and Coach McCombs for this amazing opportunity. @coachstuholt @thecoachmccombs @HokiesFB pic.twitter.com/nWS5f0lMIn
— Tate Kendall (@TateKendall6) January 6, 2024
Kendall was the long snapper for UMASS for four games this past season as a true freshman, so he still has all four years of eligibility remaining. He chose the Hokies over Charlotte and will be a walk-on for the Hokies as he confirmed to us.
Kendall had this to say about why he chose Virginia Tech.
"I had been on a game day visit when I was in high school and it was a really great atmosphere and a nice campus that was pretty close to home. Then when I got in contact with Coach Holt once I entered the portal I knew that Virginia Tech was where I wanted to be," Kendall said.
One of the most important factors in his decision to choose the Hokies was his relationship with special teams coordinator Stu Holt. He had this to say about the impact of that relationship.
"It was very important, and I really like how straightforward and honest he was throughout the whole process," Kendall said.
One thing that led him to transferring in the first place was to try to be closer to his hometown of Charlotte, NC. That also proved to be an important factor in his decision as he told us.
"I would say that it was probably the biggest factor for my reason to transfer and when I chose VT, it was just another thing that made it easier to go to Virginia Tech," Kendall said.
Kendall should be able to come in and immediately compete for the starting long snapper job. One thing that could help Kendall adjust to his surroundings quickly is the fact that he has visited VT before and has a longstanding relationship with Stu Holt that goes back to his high school recruitment process.
