Virginia Tech has added transfer running back/wide receiver Raheem Blackshear from Rutgers. Blackshear announced his decision on Twitter on Friday evening.
New Homeš¦ pic.twitter.com/434poxJepa
— 2StrongšŖš¾ (@speedy_heem) January 10, 2020
Blackshear (5-9, 192) redshirted after appearing in four games in 2019 for the Scarlet Knights. As a sophomore in 2018, he was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten performer. He rushed for 586 yards on 143 carries and three touchdowns, while also catching 44 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns. He lined up at both tailback and wide receivers for Rutgers, and could do the same for Virginia Tech.
Through the first four games of 2019, Blackshear was being used more as a pass catcher than a ball carrier. He had 29 carries for 88 yards in those four games, but he also caught 29 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in those games. That includes a 7-catch, 55-yard performance against Michigan and a 9-reception, 130-yard game against Boston College.
For his career, Blackshear had 211 carries for 912 yards and 80 receptions for 810 yards, for a total of 12 touchdowns. He also has experience as a kickoff returner.
Itās not clear whether or not heāll be eligible immediately for the 2020 season, though Rutgers went through a coaching change, and usually transfer players who went through coaching changes are looked upon favorably by the NCAA.
Virginia Tech Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Jerry Kill, was Blackshearās offensive coordinator at Rutgers in 2017. Virginia Tech wide receivers coach Jafar Williams also coached at Rutgers in 2017.
Blackshear also made the Big Tenās All-Academic team in both 2018 and 2019. He is originally from Warminster, PA, just north of Philadelphia.
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I like this kid! All the naysayers referencing a full backfield, his height or break away speed should welcome this addition. Competition creates separation. This kid will be on the field. Mark my words.
Also he can play slot reciever. So there will be room. He was rutgers best player.
He looks hard,smart,tough, and likes to protect the football!! Welcome Blackshear2
Looks like a solid player, but really unfortunate that he doesnāt have breakaway speed.
Lose a Blackshear, gain a Blackshear! Welcome!
Yeah – thought it was a typo – he’s must be 6′-9″, not 5′-9″ ;>)
My thoughts, exactly!
Despite no breakaway speed, I like this kid. Good hands, tough North-South runner to bring down, a possession asset for sure that OC’s love to have. Hope he’s eligible for next season but NCAA Clearing house hasn’t exactly been kind to VT of late.
The other connection not mentioned Blackshear was a HS teammate w Nassir Peoples at Archbishop Wood in Bucks Cty, PA.
Looks like a player to me. Welcome aboard young man.
Agree!
Quick, fast feet and strong. Hmm, did we just replace McClease?
I just hope he understands that coming here still requires him to Earn playing time. It appears he has the talent to do so
Seems more to like an addition to the receiver room – and an indicator that the receiver room might be thinning sooner than later.
An addition to the WR corps @ 5’9″? Not on my team. At his height and weight (192#) he’s a RB.
Slot? I love TR. thank you sir may I have another.
PS. I love how he lowers his pads and not afraid to initiate contact.
Sounds like a slot guy to me. Good to have a ‘sturdier’ guy who can get YAC and strong enough to take some hits.
Love the film! Congrats and welcome!! He can play and will find his way on the filed no doubt.
Looks like we will have more running backs than available reps to evaluate who deserves to be in the three deep. I’m sure Fu and Kill will work it out. Some recruits will probably decide to go someplace where the potential playing time looks better.
nice to see kids wanting to come, but not sure where he fits. Crowded RB room? Slot receiver? Seems neither is a real pressing need.
VT should be taking any player that makes Honorable Mention in the B1G as a Sophomore!!
Never be satisfied, always be looking to improve.
You know, you see the score against all of those teams and just figure the kid wants to play for a team that wins. Wow
So with the 1 JUCO, 2 transfers, 2 freshmen and 5 returning (not including Beck), there are 10 scholarship RBs heading into next season?
I’m guessing Beck, Whitley, Gary, Steward and Holston are now listed as “FTBD” . . . future to be determine. On paper the JUCO and transfers seem to be upgrades.
I think Gary stays, the others I assumed are gone.
I’m also assuming the two freshman Redshirt. Which puts Gary a year ahead of them. Helping to space out the running back room.
So he has 2 years of eligibility remaining?
Correct.
But no redshirt year so could lose one if not cleared by NCAA for immediate eligibility
Welcome Raheem! Great news! Good student and a good RB and WR. Go Hokies!
Love this transfer. FU has been dying to get a shifty back who can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Love the idea of him and Tayvion Robinson on the field at the same time.
King can but we need more than 1
King? Not exactly, but welcome on board!!!!