Virginia Tech Starting TE Dae'Quan Wright Will Enter the Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech TE Dae'Quan Wright is entering the transfer portal according to Evan Watkins of 247 Sports' VT Scoop. Wright also reposted the original post on X and has since confirmed to The Tech Lunch Pail that he will enter the transfer portal.

Wright was a pass game weapon for the Hokies at tight end in each of his two seasons at Virginia Tech. He had 28 receptions for 366 yards this past after having 19 receptions for 208 yards as a true freshman in 2022. He will have two years of eligibility plus a redshirt year remaining at his next school.

There's no doubt that this is a tough loss for the Hokies. Wright had proven himself to be a quality receiving threat while he had also shown lots of growth as a blocker over the past year. Wright was able to take on a full TE load for the Hokies and would likely start or at least have a large role if Nick Gallo chose to use a medical redshirt and return.

It wouldn't be surprising if Wright receives tons of Power 5 experience from across the country as one of the best available tight ends.

Tech does fortunately have some intriguing young talent at the TE spot headlined by redshirt freshman Benji Gosnell who had 10 catches for 116 yards this past season. Gosnell is a pretty complete tight end who can work as an in-line tight end both as a blocker and receiver, and do some good things out of the slot.

Gosnell seems safe to pencil in as the 2024 starter for now though if Nick Gallo chooses to use a medical redshirt and return, Gallo likely would be the guy with Gosnell having a significant role as TE2.

Depth could be a concern especially of Gallo isn't back with only two other scholarship tight ends on the roster. Zeke Wimbush is an intriguing receiving tight end option who has shown plenty of promise in practice. Harrison Saint Germain worked as TE3 for the Hokies this season and profiles as more of a traditional in-line TE. Both could take on different backup TE roles for the Hokies in 2024, though Wikbush appears to have the athletic upside to earn more playing time and develop into a future starter down the road.

There's no doubt that losing Wright hurts, but Tech does have some intriguing players behind him led by Benji Gosnell who could be a quality starter next season. However, while Tech might be able to get away with three tight ends in 2024, not having a fourth via a Nick Gallo return would likely force Tech to find a TE some sort of way whether that's the portal or possibly backfilling in HS recruiting if the right player is available.