Virginia Tech added a much-needed body on the offensive line Sunday night, getting a commitment from Gardner-Webb tackle Clayton Frady.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Frady is a three-time All-Big South selection who’s started 28 games in his college career. He’s a junior with two years of eligibility remaining.
Frady, who’d also drawn interest from Duke, Colorado State and Appalachian State, made his announcement on social media Sunday night:
Committed to Virgina Tech! Excited to be apart of the Hokie family. Can’t wait to get to work! @CoachPryVT @TylerBowen @Crook_VT @HokiesFB pic.twitter.com/6X0TSEEayY
— Clayton Frady (@FradyClayton) June 4, 2023
He started 13 games last year for the Bulldogs and had a 71.4 overall grade by Pro Football Focus, earning first-team All-Big South honors.
His addition could fill a major need, with head coach Brent Pry repeatedly saying after spring that the Hokies needed help on the offensive line, particularly at right guard, where Bob Schick and Jesse Hanson were battling for the top spot.
Five of Frady’s starts last year came at right guard, though he’s played more tackle in his career. If he’s capable of winning a starting tackle job, Tech could move projected left tackle Xavier Chaplin inside to guard. Either way, Frady provides critical depth at tackle, where Parker Clements is the only experienced returner on the roster.
A Sylva, N.C. product from Smoky Mountain High, Frady has earned all-conference honors all three seasons he’s played in college. He was a Hero Sports Freshman All-American in the COVID-shortened, four-game FCS spring season in 2021, then was a second-team All-Big South pick from Phil Steele Football after starting 11 games at right tackle 2021.
Frady’s addition puts the Hokies at 84 scholarship players, one below the NCAA limit. For a full breakdown of the program’s offseason roster movement, click here.
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Leave Chaplin at LT. Clayton will be one of the guards. With his wrestling background and enormous size, Chaplin will be gone in the first round in 2 more years.
Now can we get a defensive tackle?.
The list of scholarship players does not include the VMI linebacker
He’s not coming on scholarship.
Congrats & welcome, Mr. Frady! Go Hokies!
Time for Clayton kicking butt time. Lets go!
Welcome Clayton. Go get em.
Very nice pickup at area of high need OT!
Great pick up. Another recruit that will help the team get better.
Kind of surprising he only got interest from Duke, VA and non-power 5 programs?
I think he got in to the portal a little late after a lot of P5 programs already picked up ‘bigger name’ transfer candidates.
Agreed..but Duke rebuilt their line last yr with portal guys and identified them well. This was a good move..we needed bodies, abd he is experienced.
First thing I thought! Duke kicked ass last year i.d.ing OLine guys off of portal. If they
Though he would cut it he will be helpful here for next two years! Start jumping!
Great pick-up – zactly what we needed!