Virginia Tech football: Hokies land Keli Lawson

The Virginia Tech Hokies continue to reel in commitments for their 2021 recruiting class. On Thursday, three-star Keli Lawson made his pledge to the Hokies official.

There is a lot to like about Lawson. He is a versatile 6-foot-4, 200-pound athlete from Sherando High in Stephens City. That is the same school that produced former four-star linebacker Dylan Rivers.

A terrific athlete, Lawson can play a variety of positions. For Virginia Tech, he is expected to line up on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton and his staff can see Lawson at defensive end, linebacker or safety. He is talented and athletic enough to play each of those positions. His position could depend on how much size he adds to his frame once he arrives in Blacksburg.

At the time, Lawson had only five offers, one of which was from Virginia. His exposure has been limited due to an injury-shorted season in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic increasing the dead periods. That played in Virginia Tech’s favor. Lawson is a player who would’ve opened eyes had this offseason been a normal one.

247Sports director of recruiting, Steve Wiltfong, had high praise for Lawson.

Lawson could prove to be a good get for the Hokies. His athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. Virginia Tech didn’t offer him until June 2, however, they were monitoring him for quite a while.

Lawson went in-depth on his commitment to Brian Dohn of 247Sports.

They see it as I am versatile, so if need be, I will drop back. I can play man. I can come off the edge. It is wherever fits the best with them. I feel like it’s good because of my combination of size and speed and the fact that I am fortunate to be this big and also I can move a little.

Lawson is Virginia Tech’s 11th commitment for the 2021 class and the second in two days after New Jersey QB Tahj Bullock picked the Hokies on Wednesday.