On February 4, 2015, which was Division 1 Football’s National Signing Day for the class of 2015, Woodgrove head coach Mike Skinner told class of 2016 prospect Clay Dean to call Virginia Tech’s Torrian Gray, who is the Hokies’ primary recruiter at the Purcellville (VA) high school. After telling his parents, the 6’3”, 250-pound junior followed his coach’s request and called Gray, who said Virginia Tech was offering a scholarship.

“I was stoked,” Dean recalled. “That was probably the most exciting day of my life, before I committed.”

Dean committed to Virginia Tech on Thursday last week, giving the Hokies its ninth commitment in the class of 2016. Fellow in-state prospect Thomas Jarrett Hopple became commitment no. 10 this past Saturday. For Dean, the decision was an easy one.

“I figured there is no point in waiting when your dream school offers,” Dean said.

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