Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a surprise emerges in the world of recruiting. Virginia Tech scored a surprise tonight by receiving a verbal commitment from senior quarterback Chris Durkin, a prospect out of Ohio and a Michigan State pledge since March.
Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times first reported Durkin’s decision.
The Ursuline (Youngstown) product is Virginia Tech’s second quarterback commitment of the class, joining Cedar Cliff (Camp Hill, PA) prospect Andrew Ford. Ford will be enrolling at Virginia Tech next month.
Durkin, who is rated a 4-star prospect by 247Sports and Scout and a 3-star player by Rivals and ESPN, features impressive size at 6’4″, 220 pounds. He is considered a pro-style quarterback but can run, boasting a 4.68 time in the 40. His junior season highlights can be seen below. To check out senior year footage, click here.
With Durkin in the fold, Virginia Tech now has 23 verbal commitments in the class of 2014. The Hokies are back to two commitments in the class of 2015 after receiving a pledge last Thursday from Friendship Collegiate (Washington, D.C.) defensive back Ashton White. The 5’11”, 175-pound junior chose Tech over Ohio State and Maryland. He joins heralded defensive end Michael Barnett in Tech’s 2015 Class.
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This kid has TE written all over him… Loeffler loves his TEs
Bye bye to the run/pass qbs of past. Loeffler is changing us to a pro style qb. I like it and think we will be a much more consistent team on offense. Watch out for us in two years!
Chris, I only see 22 commits for the 2014 class. Using 247 as my check, we have 25 listed with 3 being 2013 commits preping. Pfaff is also a 2013 commit grayshirting.
In response to BraggHokie’s comments on our recruiting really picking up and taking it up a notch – I think you’re absolutely correct. According to 247 we have ten 4 stars on board, according to the stars on the right of the page. I’m guessing those are the 247 rankings as opposed to the first row of stars which are composite rankings? Is that correct? Anyway if we get McKenzie and Nnadi that would make 12 four stars….I don’t ever remember a class with that many four star kids.
http://virginiatech.247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/Commits
This kid is not scared of Andrew Ford! I kike that! But it sucks one of them will have to ride the bench since they are in the same class. maybe we can turn him into a TE if Ford beats him out
Epic spelling fail…
Well since Ford is enrolling in January, the kid can always redshirt and they coudl be a year inbetween. Also, you can never have too many QBs if one doesn’t pan out, as long as the coaches don’t stick with an underperforming QB as was done over the past couple of years here.
Dude does not look like he’s 220 lbs. More like 235/240. Good size. He better get here quick b/c Ford enrolls next month. Good QB competition. Haven’t had that in a long time.
Right handed Tim Tebow?
MH
As a QB he probably doesn’t want to hear this – looks like a TE in the making when he runs with the ball.
I don’t know it it’s anything or not or if numbers are increasing or quality of recruits has increased but I feel that ever since we got Grimes, CSL, and Moorehead our recruiting has picked up a notch and we’re scoring more commitments. I feel like we’ve added more 4 stars than we typically do. I could be completely wrong as I haven’t compared this year to previous years but that’s what if feels like. Feels like there is a ton of new energy in recruiting offensive players with them.
Looks like we’re seeing an improvement in recruiting that was supposed to happen when Shane came aboard a few years ago. This is not a knock on Shane’s abilities. The previous offensive coaching staff was still in place when Shane was hired. The new offensive coaches seem to be making a difference. Safe to say the old staff and the previous offense was holding us back?
You should have more energy when you are 20 years younger than the guys you replaced!
If our Coaching Staff likes him, I like Him…..Two True QBS coming in , Why should we not like this.
Alabama had 5 scholly OB’s before Cornwell committed.
Typo earlier. I was gonna say he is actually ranked higher than Ford according to Rivals.com. I don’t get why Ford isn’t ranked higher in general.
H
Dang he runs hard! He does look more like a FB in the making. Alot of other interviews and Elite 11 stuff says he’s a work in progress as a QB. Especially his footing and release. Doesn’t seem as polished as Ford but a SERIOUS competitor with the ball in his hands! Glad to have him!
Sounds like he has potential. I like that he’s not scared of competition, too. Bring it on,
Welcome to Blacksburg!
Looks like a fullback to me
Welcome aboard Chris Durkin. Watch the video closely. I believe this young man has a great blend of speed, toughness, and arm strength. A great addition to the class