Photo Credit: Jake Roth
Virginia Tech sent out a few 2021 offensive line offers recently including one to rising three-star OL Kimo Makaneole out of Niceville, Florida.
Blessed and thankful to receive an offer from @VanceVice @HokiesFB @larryblustein @FLgridironpreps @AD_Nice3 @FLCoachT @Niceville_FB @Coach_Hedges pic.twitter.com/dgF1rDLimi
— primetimefasho (@KimoMakaneole) May 8, 2020
Makaneole was unsurprisingly excited to receive an offer from the Hokies.
"I was shocked and happy that VT offered me and just was filled with joy and happiness," Makaneole said.
Makaneole received the offer during a call with offensive line coach Vance Vice who made it quite clear that the Hokies were more than sold on what Makaneole brings to the table.
"I was informed by (offensive line) coach (Vance) Vice. I got a call from him and he told me that I got an offer from VT, and the reason why was because he loved the way I played, how athletic I am, playing nasty, and also my quick feet," Makaneole said.
Hokies recruiting assistant Lino Lupinetti was leading the charge for VT prior to offering Makaneole with that foundation likely helping VT become one of the "top colleges" for Makaneole and impacting his recruitment "a lot."
Additionally, Makaneole told us that Virginia Tech is among six programs currently standing out for him along with Arizona State, Boston College, Kansas, BYU, and South Alabama. This comes as Makaneole has an offer list that also includes the likes of Colorado, Duke, Pittsburgh, East Carolina, USF, Tulane, and more. His long offer list could also grow soon with Auburn and UCF showing lots of interest in him.
So why are the Hokies currently standing out for Kimo Makaneole?
"They play competitive teams. Also, the academics are the most important and the football team," Makaneole said.
Another likely reason as to why is the solid relationship that Makaneole has quickly built with OL coach Vance Vice.
"We both love football and he also wants me to be successful and do well in college," Makaneole said.
Tech is recruiting Makaneole at tackle which shouldn't be a surprise given his size at 6'5'' and 280 pounds, and the reasons why Vice told Makaneole that Tech was offering him including his athleticism and "quick feet", something that is vital at offensive tackle.
Virginia Tech made a big impact on Kimo Makaneole when they offered him as the Hokies have quickly emerged as a serious contender for the Gulf Coast offensive tackle.
