Virginia Tech is hoping to load up on defensive backs in the Class of 2018. One of their options might be defensive back Kalon Gervin.
Gervin is listed at 5-foot-11 and 180-pounds, and plays at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He’s listed as a 4-star recruit and is a top-100 player in the Class of 2018, according to Rivals. Gervin has 36 reported scholarship offers, including schools like Notre Dame, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State and West Virginia.
At 5-foot-11, Gervin is slightly undersized. However, when you watch him play, he doesn’t seem undersized at all.
Gervin plays with physicality and toughness when defending passes and when stopping the run. He displays the ability to get off blocks and tackles well. He’s very physical in coverage, often playing press. He can jam receivers at the line and moves his hips well. When the ball is in the air, Gervin is athletic enough to break up passes, even when in a bad position.
Gervin’s size means that he’s susceptible to being beat over the top. However, Gervin ran a 4.41 40-yard-dash at The Opening regional in Chicago, so speed won’t be an issue. His speed also comes in handy when blitzing off the edge, something Gervin has experience doing at Cass Tech. Because of Gervin’s smaller stature, and his ability against the run, he sounds like a solid fit as a nickel corner who excels in coverage and against the run. His ability in coverage should allow him to excel playing on the outside as well.
Virginia Tech’s recruitment of Kalon Gervin is in the early stages. The Hokies issued a scholarship offer on April 20, and Gervin visted for a practice during the spring. He has publicly expressed interest in Virginia Tech, and because of his decommitment from Notre Dame on May 6, his recruitment is now wide open. The Hokies, realistically, have as good of a chance as anyone.
Again, the Hokies want to grab several defensive backs in the Class of 2018. The Class of 2017 haul included just three members of the secondary in Devon Hunter, Devante Smith and Bryce Watts. With two, possibly three starters (Greg Stroman, Brandon Facyson, possibly Terrell Edmunds) in the secondary leaving after the 2017 season, the Hokies need to pump more guys into the system.
With two defensive backs already committed in Chamarri Conner and Nasir Peoples, Virginia Tech could easily take two or three more in the Class of 2018. Jarius Brents, Noah Boykin, DJ Crossen and Rayshad Williams are some of the Hokies’ top remaining targets at cornerback, while Raymond Boone and Joseph White are two names to watch at safety.
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GEEZ GUYS,
It’s VIRGINIA TECH; NOT Bama, Clemson, Florida State, etc. The VT staff needs to take what they can get !!! If the guy can help the Hokies against the likes of Syracuse, Georgia Tech, etc.; then have the cheerleaders give him a ‘boatload’ of hugs & kisses !!!
Seriously,although he looks strong in coverage,has the speed,strong vs.the run,i don’t like not seeing a DB make interceptions.
Interesting film. No interceptions, no kick run-backs for touchdowns, no heavy hits. In kick coverage he did not make the tackle. I hope he is really good to his mom.