Virginia Tech football: Texas DE Robert Wooten commits to the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies picked up their third commitment in three days on Tuesday when three-star defensive end Robert Wooten revealed his pledge via Twitter.

Wooten, a 6’3”, 230-pounder from Stafford High in Stafford, Texas, chose the Hokies over Missouri and SMU. A one-time Missouri pledge, Wooten has been recruited by Virginia Tech all year and once he backed off his commitment to Missouri after Barry Odom’s firing, it was clear the Hokies were his leader.

Wooten’s commitment continues the new trend of the Hokies going after bigger defensive linemen. Wooten joins Justin Beadles—who committed on Sunday—and Derrell Bailey, Jr. as defensive line commitments for the class of 2020. Remember, the Hokies may not be done as four-star defensive Alec Bryant, also of Texas, is scheduled to announce his intentions tomorrow and sign during the Early Signing Period.

So, what are the Hokies getting in Wooten?

Tech is getting a great athlete with outstanding size. Wooten can easily gain 25-30 pounds at the college level without sacrificing too much of his athleticism. At the high school level, Wooten has shown impressive pass-rushing skills due to his explosiveness off the edge. He will certainly need to add to his frame to be a force against the run at the next level.

Like the majority of high school players, Wooten will need to be coached up on his technique. That’s normal. He could make an impact early in his career for the Hokies due to the lack of depth in front of him.

This is another big get for Virginia Tech. The Hokies are establishing a presence in Texas, in addition to their longtime presence in Florida. Those are two of the best places in the United States for high school football.

The Virginia Tech brand currently means more to Texas kids than it does to the ones here in Virginia. And, wisely, the Hokies are realizing they can get good players all over the place.

Welcome to Blacksburg, Robert Wooten.

We’ll keep you posted on any new commitments tomorrow, and, I do expect two more. We will also give you a list of everyone who signs tomorrow.