Virginia Tech Football Adds Graduate Transfer Justus Reed

By: Chris Coleman | Lead Analyst and Columnist
Justus Reed
Graduate transfer Justus Reed and his 19.5 career sacks will be headed to Virginia Tech. (graphic by @Hokies_Graphics)

Virginia Tech received a big commitment from graduate transfer defensive end Justus Reed on Friday.  Reed played the last three seasons for Youngstown State after beginning his career at the University of Florida.

Reed signed with Florida as part of the 2014 recruiting class. He recorded two sacks in eight career games in 2015 and 2016 for the Gators before his career was hampered by a knee injury.  He then transferred to Youngstown State, where he recorded five sacks in seven games in 2017.  Another injury cost him the rest of the 2017 season and all of the 2018 season.  Finally healthy in 2019, the 6-3, 270-pounder put up big numbers, recording 19 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 12 games. He entered the transfer portal on February 5, 2020.

The NCAA granted Reed an uncommon seventh year of eligibility, and he has chosen to spend that final year at Virginia Tech.  He planned to visit the Hokies, as well as Florida State and Texas Tech, but with visits on hold for the foreseeable future, he decided to commit to the Hokies.  He’ll have one year of eligibility remaining, and he is expected to compete for a starting job at defensive end immediately.

The video below contains Reed’s 2019 highlights. Look for him as No. 4, lined up at the left defensive end position.

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22 Responses You are logged in as Test

  1. Yes, he’s quick, and aggressive but D-1AA is NOT D-1A, much less P5. How many prospects have we seen who were world-beaters in HS but never lived up to the hype? He will only have 1-year and little time to adjust to a whole different level of play.

  2. Heavy shoulder, sheds blockers, good closing speed, no mercy. Check. This 7th year “kid’s” legit. Welcome Justus, I’ve been hoping you’d choose Tech since you entered the portal. Made my week!

  3. He seems to have a great sense of where the ball is and he’s there quickly.

  4. Don’t see a lot of technique being used but when you can beat your man with quickness, who needs it? Hope that quickness translates to Division 1. If so, maybe a bigger Corey Moore??

    1. 1) He’s had some good coaching – I saw a couple of nice swim moves as well as some spin moves, too. Kid is so fast (at 270# wow!) that you probably missed seeing them.
      2) And he has a serious, non-stop motor.
      3) Talk about a long reach… this guy should not have been allowed to play on any team named Penguins… his nickname should be Go-Go Gadget!

    1. Even if that is optimistic, and he is 6-3 and 250-255, that is good size for a DE. Just think back how previous coaches would move a guy who is 250-255 to DT (and expect him to put on 20 pounds), and if he is a legit 270, he goes to the OL.

  6. Nice to get the best year out of someone instead of some other school. Huge pick up at a position of need. Here’s hoping he sets some records.

  7. Going with the bigger guys on the D-line! I like this. He has good burst. Hoping he can get 10 sacks this season

  13. He actually looks lean and kind of small

    Quick off the edge and good change of direction

    Reminds me some of a young #55 Tapp coming down the LOS

    That quickness at 270 is why someone like Florida recruited him

    Go Hokies

    Welcome to the team!!!!

  14. Gonna be messed up when there’s no season and he has to ask for an 8th year of eligibility

    1. That is not a given at this point. It may be but it may not be. Encouraging news regarding therapy today. But who knows

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