The Friday before its’ July 13 one-day camp, the Virginia Tech football program received a verbal commitment from a player who showed well at its June 2 camp.

“I attended Virginia Tech’s camp on June 2.  The offer was extended after camp on June 2.  I felt as though I had waited long enough,” said Athens Academy (Athens, GA) rising senior place-kicker Michael Santamaria .  “I wanted to commit before the second camp.  I didn’t want them to wait too long because they had been patient with me.  I went ahead and called Coach Beamer and let him know I wanted to be a Hokie.

“First I called Coach Gray.  He’s the recruiting coordinator for my area.  He had me call Coach Beamer.  I let him know, and he was excited and happy about it.”

A left-footed place-kicker, Santamaria had a good junior season in which he made 5-of-8 field goals (including a long of 46 yards) and 44-of-45 extra points.  Fifty-six percent of his kick-offs went for touchbacks.  Santamaria, who also plays wide receiver and defensive back, helped his team to an 11-1 overall record in 2012.  He earned first-team all-state honors from the Georgia Coaches Association for his performance on special teams.

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