Willenbrock A Tough, Athletic Lineman

Downingtown East (Exton, PA) head coach Mike Matta didn’t mince words when praising offensive lineman Jack Willenbrock , who is the latest high school junior to verbally commit to Virginia Tech.

“Virginia Tech is getting a hard-working, strong, athletic kid that is nails tough,” Matta said, referring to the 6-4, 250-pound Willenbrock. “He played the latter part of last season with a broken [fibula]. He put on an air cast and played through it. He’s an aggressive, strong, tough kid. Virginia Tech is also getting a high character kid. I visited Virginia Tech with a couple of my coaches a few years ago, so I know Coach Beamer puts a lot of stock in character.”

Tech, led by primary recruiter Shane Beamer, initially noticed Willenbrock while watching video of junior running back Drew Harris.

“We have a top [junior] halfback, Drew Harris, who Virginia Tech saw film on and offered,” Matta recalled. “They saw another kid running downfield, crushing a defensive back. They asked who number 51 was. They said if they come up and eyeball him and he’s at least 6-3, then they could have something. He is at least 6-3, 250-plus pounds, and I think he can carry a lot more.”

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