Photo Credit: Jake Roth
With National Signing Day coming and going, and the Hokies only adding three-star WR Dallan Wright over the past month, Virginia Tech has a few scholarships to use on the grad transfer market. One name to watch appears to be Youngstown State DE transfer Justus Reed.
Reed announced earlier today his intentions to enter the transfer portal which he told us will happen within the next 48 hours. Once he's officially in, it appears clear that Virginia Tech will be targeting one of the best defensive ends at the FCS level during the 2019 season.
Talented Youngstown State DE Justus Reed enters the transfer portal. Had 19 TFLs including 12.5 sacks this past season. First Team All Missouri Valley. Started his career at Florida.
— The Tech Lunch Pail (@techlunchpaild) February 5, 2020
Followed by lots of Virginia Tech staffers including Teerlinck, Tapp, Smith, & Claeys #Hokies https://t.co/aU3Qj3ajdW
Overall, Tech has around 8-10 staffers following Reed including most of the defensive staff and both defensive line coaches, showing the Hokies' clear intent in pursuing the talented FCS defensive end.
Reed has proven that he is a defensive end that is more than capable at competing at the highest level of college football. He had 42 tackles including 19 tackles for loss, 13 of which were sacks, plus 5 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 pass breakups. Additionally, Reed did well against the toughest competition on Youngstown State's schedule with at least 1 tackle for loss against North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Northern Iowa including 2 sacks against the Jackrabbits.
Those things earned Reed a spot on the All-Missouri Valley First Team honors, an impressive honor in a conference that includes major FCS powers like North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
Before his time at Youngstown State from 2017-2019, Reed started his career at Florida but was unable to gain traction there. However, that experience at a major program like Florida should help him adapt as he likely moves back to the top level of college football upon entering and exiting the transfer portal.
Defensive end was a weakness for Virginia Tech this past season especially with the Hokies being undersized at defensive end. Reed would help solve that problem in the short term at 6'3'' and 270 pounds. He's also proven to be a more than capable pass rusher at that size and would definitely be a top candidate to start in Blacksburg this upcoming fall.
Keep an eye on Justus Reed as Virginia Tech looks to improve a weakness of theirs at defensive end ahead of a season where the Hokies have their expectations set on 10+ wins and an ACC Coastal title.
