Following Virginia Tech’s 2022 Spring Game that just took place less than two weeks ago, head coach Brent Pry expected quite a bit of roster attrition to take place.
With a total of nine scholarship running backs and multiple other position groups clustered with an overwhelming number of participants, it was just a matter of time before position groups thinned leading into fall camp.
Turns out, that time has come, as Monday morning saw two more Hokies enter the transfer portal, with running back Marco Lee and safety Da’Shawn Elder becoming the latest entrants.
The two additions to the portal brings the total number of Virginia Tech transfers to four student-athletes. Tight end Jared Gibble and running back Jordan Brunson already announced their intentions to leave the university less than a week ago. And with Lee and Elder both jumping ship, a clearer picture continues to be painted on how the 2022 roster will end up shaping out.
RB Marco Lee
After rushing for 1,232 yards and nine touchdowns across two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas, the 5-foot-11, 227-pounder was seen as someone who could contribute during the 2020 campaign. Turns out, that wasn’t exactly the case.
The Columbus, Ga. native played in just four total games during his time in Blacksburg, totaling just 28 yards across five carries over the past two seasons.
Lee’s exit whittles Stu Holt’s running back room down to seven scholarship running backs, with redshirt senior Jalen Holston, sophomore Malachi Thomas and freshman Bryce Duke seemingly standing out at the top of the depth chart in the backfield.
S Da’Shawn Elder
Coming out of Watkinsville, Ga., Elder never even saw action for the Hokies after redshirting in his rookie year in 2021.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder chose Virginia Tech over the likes of TCU, New Mexico State and UMass, with the former three-star recruit’s potential never fully transpiring during his time in Blacksburg.
Still 14 scholarship defensive backs remain for cornerbacks coach Derek Jones and safeties coach Pierson Prioleau.
We will have more transfer portal coverage over the course of the summer.
