For the second time in as many years, the Tech coaching staff will have to find their offensive linemen outside the state of Virginia.  We already knew Matthew Burrell wasn’t considering Tech, and tonight we found out that the Hokies finished in the runner up position to South Carolina for Rockbridge County offensive tackle Austin Clark.

The state of Virginia hasn’t been a particularly strong state for offensive linemen in recent years, as we’ve documented in the past.  Tech has only offered three in-state linemen this year – Burrell and Clark, plus Roanoke’s Chance Hall.  In 2014, they offered Coleman Thomas of Fort Chiswell, but finished third behind Tennessee and West Virginia.  Jeff Grimes didn’t like Alec Elerbye (FSU) or Steven Moss (UVA) enough to heavily pursue them.  In fact, it’s hard to say exactly how hard Grimes pursued Coleman Thomas.

As a result, Grimes went out-of-state for offensive linemen, particularly in the northeast…

Billy Ray Mitchell: New Jersey
Tyrell Smith: New Jersy
Eric Gallo: Pennsylvania
Colt Pettit: Ohio

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