DeJuan Ellis Enters the Transfer Portal

DeJuan Ellis has entered the transfer portal. (Ivan Morozov)

Virginia Tech redshirt freshman wide receiver DeJuan Ellis has entered the transfer portal according to multiple members of the media.

Ellis, a Maryland native, was a quarterback in high school and was converted to a slot receiver at Virginia Tech.  Known for his speed, he had a productive Spring Game, but seems to have been passed on the depth chart this August by true freshman 4-star slot receiver Tayvion Robinson of Virginia Beach.

Robinson has moved up the pecking order at wide receiver and punt returner during the first week of camp, and as a result Ellis was sitting at third string behind Robinson and starter Hezekiah Grimsley.

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  1. I sounds like he wanted playing time and sees college as a stepping stone to that NFL career that he is (not so) certain to have. Read without bracketed phrase for the view of a lot of these players, with the bracketed phrase for reality. He is hoping where ever he lands he takes advantage of the educational opportunities, there are no guarantees of riches in the NFL. Especially for someone who only earned third string on his first team. Don’t mean disrespect, but for most in the first or second year of college, NFL riches are a long shot, your better odds are to take advantage of your educational opportunities.

  2. By reading other posts it sounds like he’s a good guy. Hey, things didn’t work out the way he liked obviously, so be it. Forget it and move on. I could care less what his issues are with us. Love us or leave us! Personally, if I were CFU I’d be concerned with any player that jumped in the portal and then changed their mind later. I hope someone takes him. Goodbye! Thanks for the one year. Next……

    1. I don’t know how I feel about the transfer portal, but it sounds like he’s never going to play here (and we won’t miss him bc of the awesome recruits we have at WR). I’m fine with him leaving since he’d likely never play anyway. What’s the big deal

  3. People…..I am generally a steady critic of Fuente and the program in the past but I am also fair and objectionable when its appropriate.

    This type of Portal activity is EXACTLY what we should be indirectly seeing out of our Program. It Implies and means there is competition…..fire and iron forging stronger iron. It means we are finally hauling in players who have a high sense of self value and high sense of self-worth that they believe they should be on the field. It means these kids are competitive and are coming in with goals and their own internal success-clock. If their internal clock feels off-schedule or out of control then they either will challenge themselves and others around them or get out of the way. This has been happening seasonally at the BIGBOY programs in the SEC (Not that we arent a Big Boy program but you get what I mean.) Here in Georgia, this is normal activity for UGA, Bama, Auburn, LSU etc. Eventually if we can continue this trend we can get to the next level which is 3, 4, and 5 star recruits willing to STAY & SIT behind other players for a chance to play just 1 or 2 years on the field…… that’s where OSU, Penn State, Clemson, UGA, Bama, ND, LSU, and the like are right now. When we get to the next level is when we finally regain control of ALL state recruits again. Barring any negligence by our coaches, I think I am realizing that Portal Hopping & Portal Testing is generally a positive indication of a successful program….its part of the journey.

  4. People…..I am generally a steady critic of Fuente and the program right now but I am also fair and objectionable when its appropriate.

    This type of Portal activity is EXACTLY what we should be indirectly seeing out of our Program. It Implies and means there is competition…..fire and iron forging iron. It means we are finally hauling in players who have a high sense of self value and self worth that they belie6should be on the field. It means these kids are competitive and are coming in with goals and their on internal success clock. If their clock feels off schedule or out of control then they either will challenge themselves and others around them or get out the way. These has been happening seasonal at the BIGBOY programs in the SEC (Not that we arent a big boy program.) But here in Georgia, this is normal activity for UGA, Bama, Auburn, LSU etc. Eventually if we can continue this trend we can get to the next level which is 3, 4, and 5 star recruits willing to SIT behind other players for a chance to play just 1 or 2 years on the field…… that’s where OSU, Penn State, Clemson, UGA, Bama, ND, LSU, and the like are right now. When we get to the next level is when we finally regain control of ALL state recruits again. Barring any negligence by our coaches, I think I am realizing that Portal Hopping & Portal Testing is generally a positive indication of a successful program….its part of the journey.

  5. If an athlete enters the transfer portal, which to me shows that he is no longer fully committed to his current team, can his scholarship be rescinded just for entering, in order to free up a slot for an athlete who is fully committed?

    1. Should employees in the public sector get auto terminated from our jobs just because we updated our Linked-In Account or just because another employer calls your HR to verify employment or check into References?

  6. he saw the hand writing on the wall that the competition is too tough and TOO many other people to compete with. hate to see him leave but we do not need anyone on the team that does not have heart in it.

  7. So….., if he’s burned a redshirt year, wont he have to sit out a year if he transfers to another FBS school?

  8. Wow, there’s a lot of arrows aimed at Ellis here. A major college football teams can only put 11 starters on the field, yet they carry many times that number. Probably 50% of those recruited never contribute materially. Not everyone in life can be first string at a P5 school; or qualify to fly fighters (vs. being a tanker pilot); or get promoted to VP in the business world. Hokies are deep at receiver, and maybe Ellis will be in better shape for PT elsewhere. He can also complete a degree elsewhere. On the other hand, maybe he will conclude that the grass may not be greener on the other side and that he should tough it out at VT; try to improve, and stay in the two deep. Either way, I wish him the best.

    1. the arrows are directed equally and him and his mom, who’s taken to twitter to slam VT. nothing like a helicopter parent.

      1. I missed that. Nothing like disgruntled parents to mess up sports from Little League to the pros.

  9. Sign of the times. Same thing is happening in the real world of work. Young folks start a new job, don’t get promoted to VP in one year, they leave!

  10. I know this sounds like sour grapes but I hope we don’t fund his scholarship for the year. Best of luck to him but I can’t see spending $25k for someone who bailed before his r-Fr season.

    My guess is that we’ll see an LB or two hit the market before long.

    1. Agree. Wow – 4 days of camp and it’s

      “I’m not good enough to play here”

      “Instead of getting better, I’ll bail”

  11. We have recruited some really elite talent at wide receiver in the past few years. I look forward to having this problem at other positions in the future!

  12. This is the new normal when teams build quality depth. I’m actually happy to see it because it speaks volumes as to what’s happening on the practice fields. Go Hokies!!

  13. In order to lift VT talent level, this is what it takes, let him transfer, cuts both ways, no harm no foul.

    Could it be a mistake, due to injuries? sure, but sometimes it is a simple math equation and physics at play, nothing more, nothing less.

    THanks Dejuan for signing, hope you land somewhere good for you

  14. Far fetched but the kid could get a good education for free. Compete, be ready to play, go to class. Eh what am I thinking 🙂

  15. If he wants to leave , fine. That’s his right. In the meantime, barring injury, bench him. Let him get used to the pine this season.

    1. He was already buried in the depth chart that I don’t think benching him would be any different than what he was looking at anyway

  16. Seems like they should close the transfer portal from say July to January. That would provide more stability for teams and force people to at least try to stick it out through the season.

    1. No need to trap him before the fall term starts. Let him find a new home quickly and enroll in the fall semester.

      1. but not eligible to play this season, i hope.

        if anyone is going to skip town at this point, they deserve some touch of reality. or it becomes: acme state has a sure fire schedule to the final four playoff, i’m transferring there for fall camp and season. (if admissions to an SEC school can be arranged; and for the right guy an SEC could (with NCAA blessing, of course. ))

    1. yes I heard that. he was QB in HS and TECH signed him as an Athletic
      competition is too tough for the young kid.

  17. Transfer portal provides an immediate escape from real life for many.
    “Compete? what? I think you should give me the job. Forget this place, I’ll show them.”
    Sorry for the dramatic scene.
    This is a huge issue in the world now and it drives me crazy. Kids are no longer held accountable and are losing the ability to deal with adversity.
    Not all kids, but many.
    Good luck on your next stop in search of easy street.

      1. Exactly. I can’t imagine going through the hard work and sacrifice it takes to be on a P5 team, and never getting to play in a game. Games are what you train for. If you think anyone can just work there way up to the level of the elite athlete, you are mistaken. If you think I’m wrong, get to work and let me know when you can run a 4 min mile, or 4.0 40 or any elite benchmark.
        Go where you can play and enjoy. Get a degree. What’s wrong with that?

      1. I think he means the young man ate a year of scholarship money and we have nothing to show for it as the supporters by him leaving without fulfilling his commitment to us. On the flip side I can also see it is a waste of scholarship money if he never produces on the field. Somewhat of a no-win situation I would say.
        Good luck young man Hope you find what you are looking for.

        1. Maybe we’ll get a future player from the transfer portal and break even. Someone wasting a scholarship on a redshirt season at another school.

        2. Actually he did fulfill his commitment to VT. The scholly was for 1 year at a time…..now I do have an issue if this counts against the 85 for the 2019 season.
          While I don’t the ease at which the players can “enter to transfer portal”, at the end of the day this may be the exact “dose of reality” people talk about. Unless you are an elite talent, could very well be that he wont’ get an offer anywhere else. Also, some coaches will be a little shy about offering a place to a player that has already shown a penchant for a willingness to leave.

        3. I’m sure we would take kids out of the portal now too. Its the new normal in college football. Most schools will have this issue.

  18. I don’t blame him for wanting to go to a program where he can play. Personally, I think that he’s bailing too early. A lot can happen in a year’s time. But maybe he just thinks that Tayvion Robinson is going to have the starting slot receiver position on lockdown after Hezikiah Grimsley departs. Then he’s also got young guys like Jacoby Pinkney, Jayden Payoute, Elijah Bowick and Darryle Simmons to consider. At least one of those guys is going to wind up playing slot receiver, which means more competition for PT.

    1. I think people entering the portal and returning will be very limited.
      I know it has happened twice already with HH and DM, but I think it will be by far the exception and not the rule.

    2. Far as I’m concerned, he is out. i am OVER this jumping around as soon as things get tough..The guy is a freaking Redshirt Freshman. Don’t unpack your bags pal…They next team may not show you the required love either!

      Slam me if you like…I am sick of this Portal BAILING crap and it is making me care little or nothing about who is on the Hokies THIS WEEK

      1. I think it will grow on all of us over the next few years. It’s nice to possible reach out and get a good free agent from another school in a position of need

      2. LOL. That’s a keeper there: “Don’t unpack your bags pal…They next team may not show you the required love either!”

  19. What’s disappointing is Ellis is only a redshirt freshman and in a 12/13 game schedule injuries happen frequently. He very easily could get significant snaps…He reminded me of Stroman who was also a high school QB.

  20. It has been discussed for years on this board the difficulties of converting high school QBs and RBs to receiver. Not that there have not been successes, but they’re not as prevalent as hoped for. Ellis leaving does not surprise me. I’ve always said I prefer the guy who wants to be a Hokie and will really work for it.

    1. He is really, really good! He’ll be the punt returner – he’s one fast guy! Will be fun to watch

  21. Disappointed that he bailed so quickly

    Thought he was a high ceiling prospect…. and was looking forward to seeing what he could do

    I just don’t understand and am certain there is plenty I don’t know.

    I wonder if the kids talk to the coaches before they pull the trigger. I wonder if this was some of the expected attrition that has been discussed by 83 and others

  22. In these days of instant gratification, me, me, me and turning kids into gods while still in high school, it’s no wonder they expect to walk in and start. If they don’t they leave, There just doesn’t seem to be the work ethic to stay, work you butt off and earn your way. I wish him the best, but at some point all of us need to quite taking the easy road and start working and earning what we get.

    And how is it that teams loaded with 4 and 5-star talent and teams that changed coaches don’t seem to have the same transfer issues that we have? (or maybe they do and I just haven’t heard about it)

    1. When he joins the real world with a job and responsibilities, he’ll learn…I hope. But haven’t we all fantasized of giving the boss a “see ya” and leave for imagined greener fields?

    2. You didn’t see a starting CB from last yr leave Clemson 2 weeks ago? Clemson lost 2 QBs to the portal and a 5 star rb. It is happening at many places, you are just paying attention to VT. Penn St lost like 13-17 guys this past yr.

    3. Again, its the new normal. Truth is,most kids do not come to a school because they love that school, they come because of coaches or they see an opportunity to get on the field and get exposure. If he see’s the writing on the wall, he is (and should) do what is best for him. I get it, there is no I in team, but in the end, we all have to do what is best for ourselves and our families.

      1. Kids don’t have the “long game” mentality that older, wiser folks have (hopefully have!). It’s a Twitter world of instant gratification. He competed, he dropped to third string…at a Power-5 school who should have a good winning record. He has 4 years eligibility remaining. Stay this year, keep competing, and maybe with hard work and circumstance you get actual playing time. If dissatisfied come Jan after a bowl game, enter the portal to see what’s available. Quitting (yes it’s actually quitting at this juncture) with two and a half weeks until games start, even Group of 5 schools would be hesitant to sign you up to play. I’m not sure if he can play somewhere else this year or not, but he might be able to since he redshirted last year and hasn’t played in college yet. Whatever, I’m all for him playing wherever he wants. He just needs to realize if you cannot make onto the field 2-deep at VT, what makes you think you can get on the field at another Power-5 school? His decision has non-thinking emotion written all over it. And returning to VT now at this point is probably a lot harder than waiting until Jan like the other 2 did (HH and DM) where it seemed more businesslike.

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