Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
Virginia Tech has had some success spot recruiting Texas over the past couple of recruiting classes, and are looking to continue that in the 2022 cycle. Among those that the Hokies are pursuing is three-star DE Curlee Thomas with the Hokies gaining plenty of traction.
Thomas told us that the Hokies would currently be a part of the "top 10" in his recruitment and added this about why that's the case.
"Coach (Beau) Davidson made a big impression on me and my family. Also, they have a great engineering department," Thomas said.
Recruiting assistant Beau Davidson is leading the charge for the Hokies in their pursuit of Thomas with the two having contact on a "weekly" basis. Thomas also added that Davidson is a "great guy" and that they "talk about more than football."
Thomas also is a rising name in part because of his on-field production having 58 tackles including 16 sacks plus 25 QB hurries, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 safety in 9 games this past season. He also has great size at 6'4'' and 240 pounds that is the type of size Tech is looking for in defensive ends recruits with Bill Teerlinck and Darryl Tapp.
Thomas also has plenty of confidence in his game that showed when he was asked about his strengths and weaknesses.
"You can always be better at anything but I'd say I’m a complete DE. I'm proficient at pass rush and run. A lot of ends just go after sacks, I understand both are needed," Thomas said.
Thomas is also confident that he could fit well in Tech's defense.
"Think they need a transcendent defensive lineman and I can be that. I have legit 4.59-4.61 speed. I prefer to play in the dirt but I can stand up if need be," Thomas said.
Looking ahead, Thomas told us that he plans to trim down his list sometime during February or March while not having a clear timeline for making a decision at this point.
What is clear though is that the Hokies are definitely a factor in the recruitment of Curlee Thomas.
