Brent Pry promised to prioritize the footprint and especially Virginia on the recruiting trail in his opening press conference, and the Hokies' new staff have lived up to that promise so far. Among those who have received interest is three-star CB Jonathan Pennix out of Appomattox County HS.
Pennix shared with us that he's received even more interest from the Hokies' new coaching staff and is set to visit Blacksburg this weekend.
"I was getting recruited by the old staff as well but this new staff is taking it deeper then just my football skills. Coach (Joe) Rudolph really likes me as a person. Me and Coach (Derek) Jones are building a great relationship because he’s my position coach. I’m going to VT on the 29th," Pennix said.
As you can tell, Pennix has also been able to build some solid relationships with OL coach Joe Rudolph who appears to be a primary recruiter for him from Tech along with his potential collegiate position coach Derek Jones. He had this to say about what the message has been from Rudolph.
"He tells me he loves me as a player and even more as a person," Pennix said.
CBs coach Derek Jones has also had a clear message for Pennix that suggests that Pennix may be close to receiving an offer from the Hokies.
"He told me Saturday, Junior Day, will be a big day for me," Pennix said.
Unsurprisingly, Jonathan Pennix told us that he feels Tech is close to offering that "maybe" Saturday will be the day.
This comes as Pennix has already received Power 5 offers from Pittsburgh, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisville, and Boston College. Pennix has also received interest from Clemson, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Mississippi State, Duke, Purdue, and Coastal Carolina.
That doesn't come as a surprise to anyone after Pennix earned First Team All-State honors as a CB and RB while having 21 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 4 interceptions including 1 returned for a TD, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
So how would a Virginia Tech offer impact his recruitment if he were to receive one?
"It would be big to me. Since a kid, it was my dream school. VT will always be in the conversation about where I want to go," Pennix said.
The good news for Jonathan Pennix is that his childhood dream of playing at Virginia Tech may become a real possibility very soon.
