Virginia Tech football: Defensive end Cole Nelson commits to the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies picked up another big piece to their 2021 recruiting class on Friday when three-star defensive end Cole Nelson officially picked the Hokies.

Nelson, a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder from Johns Creek High in Alpharetta, Ga., has long been favored to the Hokies and is close to co-defensive line coaches Bill Teerlinck and Darryl Tapp.

As we’ve said on more than a few players, ignore the star rating here. Yes, we know Virginia Tech needs more four-star players, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, some rankings haven’t changed because the players aren’t getting the opportunity to visit schools and attend camps.

Nelson is another example of this for the Hokies.

Nelson boasted 35 offers and is also a track standout in high school. His athleticism jumps out on tape. He has long arms and is fast off the edge. He is quite reminiscent scent of another promising player in this class in Mattheus Carroll.

Nelson opened up even more about his decision on Twitter, personally thanking head coach Justin Fuente, defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton, Teerlinck and Tapp.

The Hokies need to finish strong over the next few months by closing on some of their top uncommitted prospects like Jordan Poole Tyleik Williams. Winning some big games on the field would help, too. Of course, we need football to actually happen first.

Welcome to Blacksburg, Cole.