Virginia Tech may have missed out on in-state defensive tackle Eric Crosby, who committed to Tennessee over the Hokies, but Providence High School (Charlotte, N.C.) class of 2017 prospect Drake DeIuliis gave head coach Justin Fuente and company reason to “start jumping” Friday afternoon.
After much consideration I am excited to say that I have committed to Virginia Tech!!! #Statement17 pic.twitter.com/rNlsvARwr6
— Drake DeIuliis (@drakedeiu) April 22, 2016
DeIuliis, a 6’6″, 215-pound junior, has played quarterback and wide receiver for his high school team but projects to play tight end at Virginia Tech. He last visited Blacksburg on April 2, telling TechSideline.com in an April 6 article that he had developed a close relationship with coach Fuente.
“I’m in constant communication with coach Fuente and coach Shibest. They are really outgoing. That’s an awesome trait to have and they do a great job,” DeIuliis said.
Of Fuente, DeIuliis said: “He just wanted to talk to my parents one day, so he spent 30 minutes with them on the phone. He gave his background, answered my parents’ questions… it was really cool. Last Saturday, he came over and talked to me during lunch. He spent pretty much the whole day with me. Watching him run practice, he is really hands on. He’s outgoing for a head coach.”
The 247Sports 3-star prospect chose the Hokies over Boston College, Duke, Minnesota, South Carolina and Wake Forest. DeIuliis and Colorado native Dalton Keene give Virginia Tech two tall, athletic tight end prospects in this class. Quarterback Hendon Hooker, quarterback/athlete Caleb Farley, defensive end TyJuan Garbutt, linebackers Rayshard Ashby and Aundre Kearney, and safety Devante Smith round out Tech’s 2017 Class at this point.
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All told, we need new TEs in the program right now more than we need mew DTs. So while I would have loved to have gotten Crosby too, I’m very happy with this commitment.
Welcome to the Hokie Nation. You won’t be disappointed!!! GO HOKIES!!!!!