Gabriel Arena Opens Up On Virginia Tech Pledge

Gabriel Arena
Gabriel Arena is part of the 2023 recruiting class. (@_GabrielArena_)

Gabriel Arena
Offensive Line, Class of 2023
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, PA
6-5, 285

Since the first of the year, Bishop McDevitt (Pa.) three-star offensive lineman Gabriel Arena made two visits to Virginia Tech. One was in January for a junior day, but the one that arguably closed the deal on his commitment was a spring practice just before the Hokies’ spring game in April.

During that visit, Arena said he especially noticed offensive lineman Silas Dzansi. During practice, Arena said he took note of how the sixth-year player worked and how he communicated. Dzansi epitomized much of what Arena hopes to do himself at the college level. Though he waited until May 6 to announce his pledge to Virginia Tech, it was this trip that cemented it.

“I watched him, and he stood out in practice as a leader who was encouraging guys,” Arena said of Dzansi. “When he was doing recovery after practice, I was able to talk to him about what he does in the weight room and the teams who are looking into him. It was a really good experience to connect to him and talk to him.”

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