The Virginia Tech Hokies entered spring practice with 85 players on scholarship. The Hokies know they will have to make some tough decisions after spring practice, and those tough decisions began Wednesday.
Four players entered the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday, all of whom were members of Virginia Tech's 2023 recruiting class.
- OL Gabriel Arena: 6-foot-5, 280, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- RB Tralon Mitchell: 6-foot-0. 209, Middlesex, North Carolina
- QB Dylan Witke: 6-foot-1, 201, Buford, Georgia.
- S. Antonio Cotman: 6-foot-2, 193, Richmond, Virginia.
This move means the Hokies now have 84 scholarships available, according to our calculations, and can add players through the portal. Tech companies could look to add a quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker or safety in the spring portal window.
I know it's normal in this day and age for fans to panic and think the worst when a player leaves via the transfer portal. You shouldn't. Remember, this is the new normal and it works both ways. As I said at the beginning, teams and players have to make “difficult decisions.”
I don't know the status of the above players. Maybe it was all their decision. Alternatively, Pry could have met with the players and had an honest conversation about where they stand in 2024. If he tells a player you're not a starter or two deep, that player might prefer a chance elsewhere.
Witke was competing with fellow sophomore William “Pop” Watson for the backup quarterback spot, but Pry confirmed Watson was the lead backup to Kyron Drones. The Hokies will likely be looking to acquire a new quarterback prospect.
We wish the four athletes the best of luck in their next destinations.
