Virginia Tech has had a lot of turnover at the running back position in recent years, and the Hokies’ numbers are thin there. In an attempt to remedy that, Virginia Tech took two running backs in the Class of 2017 and is targeting several more in the Class of 2018. One of those targets is Mataeo Durant.
Durant is listed at 6-feet and 183-pounds and is from McCormick, SC. Durant is listed as a low-end 3-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite. Durant has eight reported scholarship offers, including five Power 5 offers.
It’s not hard to see why Durant has flown under the radar. McCormick is in Class A in South Carolina, the lowest classification in the state, and likely doesn’t draw many scouts. However, once you watch Durant’s film, you see a player who can play at the Power 5 level.
Durant plays out of a Wing-T offense, but has experience running out of the shotgun as well. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but still can run away from defenders once he gets up to speed. He runs with good patience and balance, allowing him to hit the hole and break tackles once he gets there. Durant even plays outside linebacker, and makes it clear on his film that he doesn’t fear contact.
As a rising senior, Durant is already 180-pounds and should get close to the 200-pound mark before enrolling in school. If Durant can add a bit more weight, it would allow him to run in between the tackles more, which better suites his style. Durant won’t win any sprints, but he has the tools to be an effective back at the next level.
Virginia Tech offered Durant on April 5 and has been in the mix ever since. Durant spent last weekend visiting the Hokies, as well as Duke, and those two schools figure to be the top two contenders. South Carolina could also be in contention for Durant, but they have not offered as of now.
Durant is one of several targets for Virginia Tech at running back. The Hokies have made Jamal Elliott a priority from the beginning, along with Mychale Salahuddin. Ronnie Walker is also a target there, as is Trent Pennix. The Hokies will likely try to take two running backs in this year’s cycle.
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who are in. Whoops.
I just read an article about some of the greatest NFL players who were not even drafted. There are guys who in the hall of fame. You just never know. Sam Rogers anyone? You just never know.