Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics
Multiple reports have emerged this morning that Virginia Tech RB/WR Raheem Blackshear has received immediate eligibility after being denied through his initial waiver case.
Looks like #Hokies transfer Raheem Blackshear is now ELIGIBLE for the Season.
— Moondog (@Delfleppard) September 1, 2020
Hearing that #Hokies have finally gotten some relief from the NCAA. Rutgers transfer Raheem Blackshear's waiver appeal is expected to be granted, making him eligible this season.
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) September 1, 2020
With this decision, Blackshear will now have at least two seasons if not three based on the NCAA's recent ruling deeming that all fall sports athletes will receive a free year this season.
The decision to deny Blackshear's waiver initially undoubtedly didn't make sense given that the Rutgers transfer chose to enter the transfer portal well after Rutgers let go of head coach Chris Ash. Given previous precedent about giving immediate eligibility to players who transferred after a coaching change, this is the right decision that should have been the result weeks ago.
Blackshear now gives the Hokies another versatile, talented offensive weapon who could be used in a variety of ways as a slot receiver and as a running back. He has already impressed many including head coach Justin Fuente who called him "a pretty remarkable talent", and star TE James Mitchell who praised him as an "electric player" that he's excited to have in Tech's offense.
His versatility showed during his time at Rutgers as he had 29 receptions for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns to go with 88 rushing yards in 4 games last season. 2018 was his most productive season with 586 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns along with 367 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 44 receptions, earning Big 10 Honorable Mention honors that season.
We will have more as this story develops.
