Virginia Tech football: Hokies pick up big commitment on Sunday

The Virginia Tech Hokies picked up another commitment on Sunday when three-star defensive end Mattheus Carroll picked the Hokies over Duke and Maryland.

Carroll, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end from Gilman High in Baltimore, was a major priority for the coaching staff, especially tandem defensive line coaches Bill Teerlinck and Darryl Tapp.

We’ve noted new defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton’s preference for more size along the defensive front. Carroll continues that trend.

The first thing you notice about Carroll is his arm length and frame. He has long arms, which is an outstanding advantage for edge rushers. And, his frame is capable of easily adding 15-30 pounds of muscle without losing a step of athleticism.

Carroll will thrive under strength and conditioning coach Ben Hilgart once he arrives in Blacksburg.

This is a commitment Hokie fans should be excited about. Tapp and Teerlinck focused on Carroll immediately upon arriving in their new roles. Of all the defensive end targets Virginia Tech has been linked to, Carroll was the one the defensive staff wanted the most.

Carroll is commitment No. 9 in Virginia Tech’s 2021 class. And he is also the fourth commitment to jump on board in the last 16 days.

Getting Carroll in the boat also helps the Hokies in the sense they do not have to wait out other players at defensive end. Carroll — and Kelvin Gilliam of Highland Springs High School — are Tech’s top priorities at defensive end. The Hokies are expected to take three, possibly four, defensive ends in this class.