Maryland and Virginia Tech fans were eyeing Wednesday, July 16, as the day when Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA) tailback Deshawn McClease would announce his college choice. The 5’9″, 175-pound rising senior pulled a slight surprise, though, and made his pledge to Virginia Tech today.

McClease, who was in Blacksburg on an unofficial visit this Monday, informed his Oscar Smith teammates and coaches of his decision last night. He then called primary recruiter Bryan Stinespring and head coach Frank Beamer.

“It felt good. It was like me committing in front of my brothers,” McClease said of last night’s announcement, which came during team workouts. “I’m good with not showing emotions, but I was excited. That was real special to me. A lot of people were very, very surprised.”

Playing for a program that is competing for state championships year in and year out, McClease has totaled 43 touchdowns over the course of the past two seasons. He rushed for 1,558 yards and 28 scores this past season as a junior, helping the Tigers to the 6A state championship game.

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