Virginia Tech had its first player enter the transfer portal of the season as defensive tackle Robert Porcher IV is moving on from the Hokies as first reported by Evan Watkins of VT Scoop.
As speculated over the last week or so, #Hokies DT enters the NCAA Transfer Portal https://t.co/xWpwAEm08z
— VTScoop247 (@VTScoop247) October 18, 2019
The redshirt sophomore has two years of eligibility remaining though he is not a grad transfer yet, making it unclear whether he'll receive a sixth year or if one of those two years will be burnt sitting out the 2020 season. Over the past two seasons, Porcher had 15 tackles including 2.5 total tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 15 games.
Some, including Norm Wood of the Daily Press, are reporting that playing time is the primary reason for Porcher's decision to transfer.
#Hokies DT Rob Porcher has entered transfer portal acc. to source w/ knowledge of situation. Source added Porcher interested in more playing time at lower-profile school. Dad was DE at South Carolina St. before playing 13 seasons w/ Detroit Lions, earning All-Pro honors 3 times.
— Norm Wood (@normwood) October 18, 2019
Porcher's departure means that true freshmen Norell Pollard and Mario Kendricks will be the primary backup DTs going forward. Josh Fuga and Jaden Cunningham could also receive some playing time as a fifth defensive tackle though the Hokies are likely to try to redshirt both still despite Porcher's departure.
Porcher also opens up a scholarship for a 2020 class where numbers are going to be tight with Virginia Tech likely to sign only 15-18 recruits.
The Hokies currently don't have a true defensive tackle committed but three-star DL Derrell Bailey Jr has the size and frame to potentially play DT. The Hokies are hosting three-star DT Gary Smith on an official visit this weekend. Additionally, the Hokies recently offered 2020 DL Akheem Mesidor who has the size and versatility to play on the interior or edge of the defensive line.
