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Virginia Tech football: Freshman DT Cam Goode released from his scholarship

The Hokies lose another body at an already thin position.

By Bryan D. Manning
Former VT commit Cam Goode
Scooter Waller, 247Sports

On Tuesday morning, the official Virginia Tech football Twitter page released a statement from head coach Justin Fuente in which he said the Hokies had released incoming freshman defensive tackle Cam Goode from his scholarship and there would be no restrictions.

This is another punch to the gut of Bud Foster’s defense. After losing numerous starters from last year’s starting defense to either graduation or the NFL, the offseason saw the Hokies lose both Adonis Alexander and Mook Reynolds. Alexander’s issue was allegedly an academic one, according to Adonis himself, while Reynolds appeared to be for off-field conduct.

Goode, a 6’0”, 330-pound defensive tackle from Washington, D.C., had some believing he could come in and compete for a spot in the two-deep as a true freshman. While that was always a bit presumptuous considering he needed time in a college weight room, it’s still a blow to VT’s depth moving forward. The Hokies have a stud in Ricky Walker and another very good senior in Vinny Mihota at defensive tackle, but little else.

That’s a major issue if injuries hit.

You rarely hear of incoming players being released from scholarship just before fall camp starts. So there’s likely more to the story that probably won’t be released and we aren’t going to comment on rumors. However, according to Goode himself, this wasn’t a mutual decision and could cause the Hokies problems in recruiting future players from his alma mater, St. Johns in D.C.

One thing we’ve learned about Fuente in his short time in Blacksburg is that he isn’t afraid to make tough decisions. That is a good thing, but can also ruffle the feathers of some. He runs a tight ship, especially in comparison to Coach Beamer’s later years.

Goode’s loss probably doesn’t impact the 2018 Hokies, however, it is a blow for future seasons as the defensive tackle position is extremely barren beyond this season.

Best of luck to Cam Goode as he looks to continue his academic and athletic career elsewhere.

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