Defensive Lineman Robert Porcher IV commits to the Hokies

Yawn. Another day, another commitment. What is this, four in a row? Why yes, yes it is. Following three fellow defensive commitments (S Devon Hunter, CB Bryce Watts, and MLB Dylan Rivers), Tech has added a defender on the line, a Floridian named Robert Porcher. If that sounds familiar to anyone, his father, Robert Porcher III, was an NFL player for the Lions- a former first round pick and owner of 95.5 sacks over a 12 year career, with three Pro-Bowl appearances. That’s not a bad career. And now, his son will be a Hokie (his father went to SC State).

Porcher is, by the way, the Hokies’ twenty-sixth commitment, and the second pure defensive lineman, following J’Bril Glaze (though Proctor is likely to be at defensive end, and both Glaze and Porcher might end up at DT). He’s also the third Floridian, along with Glaze and LB Aundre Kearney. His primary recruiter of record is Galen Scott, though this Orlando Sentinel article obviously includes Charley Wiles (as the position coach). He’s rated as a three-star recruit by all the major recruiting services. I’ve heard he’s either going to be at Stud end or at defensive tackle. That will depend on how his development goes.

Tape time!

Robert Porcher IV (Orlando, FL. 6’-3”, 245lbs. Defensive lineman)

…Uh. What. 104 tackles, 40tfl, and 17 sacks? I know he went to the championship game for his particular school population level so he had more time to gather that kind of production, but that kind of production from a defensive lineman is huge. I know that ESPN doesn’t have him particularly high up there on 40 times, but as a defensive lineman you just have to have that initial burst, which Porcher seems to flash. His body build is kinda interesting, because he’s long but still kind of on the wide side- meaning he’s built like either a Woody Baron or Vinny Mihota type. Makes sense as to where they plan to put him as either of those. He’s got a pretty solid bull rush, and he’s actually pretty good at shedding blocks and getting on to the passer or runner. The big thing is that it doesn’t seem like it matters who or how many people are blocking him; he gets through blocks like a hot knife through butter if he does it at all. You can see some rough outlines of moves, too. This kid is not a WOW from an athletic standpoint- I’m more impressed by his hand-work and moves. He’s just an uber-productive prospect that you stick somewhere and make them a solid starter or backup for years.

Welcome to the Hokies, Robert, enjoy your stay!