This week of the signee scout brings intrigue, as every new Hokie mentioned here is fairly raw, a position change, undersized, hard to find film on, and/or regaining his footing after an injury. It’s also a notable class because there are no defensive tackle candidates.

Though there are some uncertainties, there is also some undeniable athleticism. Jason Abbey would run circles around a lot of defensive ends, and someone as fast as cornerback Antonio Cotman Jr. playing a pseudo-linebacker spot could change how offenses attack the field. There also doesn’t seem to be much pressure for immediate results. The defensive end spot is contested, and there’s a tight battle at the inside linebacker spots. The Star position is nominally thin, with Keonta Jenkins the only experienced player listed at the spot, though there’s depth there from the nickel pathway, too, with Derrick Canteen.

Ishmael Findlayter
Defensive End
Clarkson Secondary
Toronto, ON
6’4, 233

Played for Clarkson Secondary, which scheduled mostly Ohio programs along with a few from Pennsylvania and Maryland, including DeMatha High. Had interest from Arizona State and Vanderbilt. Primarily a basketball player until high school. Grew from a safety into a lanky defensive end in his final two years of high school. Unfortunately, he seems to have missed most of his senior season against what would’ve been better competition, which makes film review spotty.

...