Virginia Tech’s defense line received a substantial boost on Tuesday when Khurtiss Perry, an Alabama transfer, declared his commitment to the Hokies.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 265 pounds, Perry made his decision public via social media after his visit to Virginia Tech, which took place last week. His recruitment saw significant interest from other notable programs, including Wisconsin and Louisville.
Perry, hailing from Pike Road, Alabama, was part of the Alabama Crimson Tide for two seasons. He redshirted in 2022 and saw limited action in a single game in 2023.
Despite his limited college playing time so far, Perry comes with an impressive high school pedigree. He was ranked as the No. 65 overall player and the No. 11 defensive lineman in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite rankings for the class of 2022.
As a four-star recruit in high school, he notched 76 tackles, including a remarkable 22 sacks, during his senior year, choosing Alabama over other powerhouse schools such as Auburn, Clemson, and Texas.
Perry brings a versatile skill set to the Hokies, capable of playing at the end but likely to settle into an interior position as a three-technique. Despite Virginia Tech not currently viewing defensive tackle as a pressing need for 2024, having added three transfers—Aeneas Peebles, Kemari Copeland, and Kelvin Gilliam—the previous winter, Perry’s commitment is timely. The team will lose three senior defensive tackles, Peebles, Josh Fuga, and Wilfried Pene, after this season.
With three years of eligibility left, Perry’s future at Virginia Tech looks promising. Head Coach Brent Pry, speaking from the ACC’s spring meetings in Amelia Island, Florida, drew comparisons between Perry and another player Pry had coached at Penn State, Kevin Givens, who is currently with the 49ers. Praising Perry’s explosiveness and potential, Pry anticipates Perry will have the requisite size and impact for the Hokies.
Following Perry’s commitment, Virginia Tech’s scholarship count reaches 84, leaving one more slot available before the 2024 season kicks off. According to Pry, the team is exploring options in the defensive backfield, looking for a versatile player similar to Derrick Canteen from the previous year. Perry’s addition marks a significant moment for the Hokies as they continue to bolster their defensive lineup in preparation for the upcoming seasons.