Virginia Tech largely held on to what I think is a promising defensive line group after the coaching change, with only Rashaud Pernell gone for what appear to be behavioral reasons. That the Hokies could do this is probably a testament to JC Price’s ability to build relationships. I like the athleticism and potential of all the Hokies’ DL signees, and in terms of depth and talent, they might be the best haul of the recruiting class. I’m excited to see who gets early snaps this season.

Gunner Givens
DE/DT
6’5, 270
Daleville, VA
Lord Botetourt High

Givens was introduced to Hokie fans as a must-get blue chipper Tech needed to wrest away from Nick Saban and the like. Then he came down to earth a little as clips of him getting worked in camps were released, and it seemed uncertain what position he would play. As a blocker, there’s a lot of grabbing and slinging, and a lot of him bulldogging guys after the whistle, along with the usual drive-block pancakes on hapless safeties and OLBs. I’d be a hypocrite to criticize dirty play, but “fun” in high school usually equals “dumb” in college, and he won’t get away with that stuff at Tech.

I also wonder if he was wasted a little bit blocking low-threat defenders in the second level. He was also split wide some, but he didn’t have a ton of catches on his reel from either in the box or on the edge. The highlights weren’t much help, so I went to a full-game recording of a game against Blacksburg. In summation, the Bruins couldn’t stop him. He caved in the backside of running plays, and was unblockable as a pass-rusher, where his inside move blew past people. Sometimes he’d set it up with a deke outside, but most of the time he just streaked by whoever blocked him. Double-teams didn’t even stop him. You could hear the right guard sigh with relief whenever Givens subbed out.

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