Hokie Nation Rejoices: Virginia Tech Secures Commitment from West Virginia LB Transfer Curtis Jones Jr.

Well, Hokie Nation, get ready to feel a bit more optimistic about the defensive side of the ball! There’s some really exciting news brewing in Blacksburg today, as Virginia Tech has officially secured a fantastic commitment from none other than linebacker Curtis Jones Jr., who's making the move from rival West Virginia via the ever-active transfer portal. It’s always a good day when you pick up talent, especially from a regional foe, you know?

Jones Jr., a former highly-touted three-star recruit back in the 2022 class, brings some serious potential to the Hokies. He stands at a solid 6-foot-2 and weighs in around 230 pounds, a frame that just screams 'impact linebacker.' He hails from Crewe, Virginia, which, honestly, makes this whole transfer feel a little bit like coming home for him. Always nice to see a local kid come back, isn't it?

During his time up in Morgantown with the Mountaineers, Jones Jr. didn't necessarily light up the stat sheet with defensive snaps, but he was a consistent and important contributor on special teams. He played in a respectable 12 games just last season, showing his commitment and versatility, and even managed to rack up seven tackles. Towards the end of the year, we saw him get a few more looks on defense, hinting at the potential he was just starting to tap into. He redshirted his true freshman year in 2022, which is pretty standard practice for a lot of guys, allowing them to adjust to the college game.

Now, here's where it gets particularly sweet for Virginia Tech: Curtis Jones Jr. isn't just a one-year rental. Oh no, he comes with a fantastic three years of eligibility remaining. That's huge! It means he’s not just filling a spot for this upcoming season, but he’s a player the coaching staff can develop and rely on for the foreseeable future. He immediately bolsters the linebacker room, adding much-needed depth and competition, which, let's be honest, is always a good thing for any successful program.

Head coach Brent Pry and his staff are really focused on building this program from the ground up, and bringing in experienced, talented players like Jones Jr. through the portal is a critical part of that strategy. This commitment signals a continued effort to strengthen the roster, especially on defense, where smart, athletic players are absolutely essential. It's exciting to imagine the impact he could make in Lane Stadium, and frankly, I can't wait to see him suit up in maroon and orange.