Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
Virginia Tech is looking to re-assert themselves in recruiting in Virginia with three-star DE Rashaud Pernell being among those top targets. So far, those efforts are paying off for the Hokies in their recruitment of Pernell as he shared with us.
Virginia Tech is among four standing our for Rashaud Pernell along with Wake Forest, Minnesota, and Coastal Carolina. Pernell added this on why the Hokies are currently standing out for him.
"In-state program that’s now making a big push to keep athletes like me in-state," Pernell said.
Defensive line coaches Darryl Tapp and Bill Teerlinck are both taking on significant roles in recruiting Pernell, making it clear that he is a priority target for the Hokies in the 2022 cycle. Pernell added that he chats with Teerlinck weekly on Wednesdays via FaceTime while also being periodically in contact with Tapp.
So far, his Wednesday conversations with Bill Teerlinck have helped him build a strong relationship with him as he told us.
"Real cool guy. When we talk, it’s always good vibes. Love the fact that he coached in the NFL, and brings that next level experience and teaching to the DL room," Pernell said.
Pernell has also built a strong relationship with Darryl Tapp as he shared with us.
"He's my guy! Good vibes whenever we talk. He keeps it 100 about everything and is always upbeat, never a dull moment. Wouldn't mind playing under him," Pernell said.
Those conversations have also made Pernell confident that he can fit into Virginia Tech's defense quite well should he choose the Hokies as he described to us.
"They have versatile athletes on the defensive line that can play inside and out which I feel like I can do and do well," Pernell said.
Looking ahead, Pernell told us that he is planning to trim down his list after his spring season though did say he could even consider making a commitment by then. Whenever he does decide to make a commitment, he has a good idea about what the key factors will be.
"Top tier education; can I get a degree that I can fall back on 20 years from now, family atmosphere, and the chance to compete for early playing time," Pernell said.
While Rashaud Pernell's primary focus is currently on winning a state championship at Richmond area powerhouse Highland Springs this spring, it's clear that the Hokies are in a great position early on as defensive line coaches Bill Teerlinck make a massive push to land one of VA's best defensive linemen.
