Virginia Tech football: Raheem Blackshear’s eligibility waiver denied

The Virginia Tech Hokies were hoping to have Raheem Blackshear on the field this fall. Unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen as the NCAA made the decision to deny Blackshear’s appeal for instant eligibility, per Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente.

This marks the second consecutive year the NCAA denied a Virginia Tech player immediate eligibility. Last season, it was offensive lineman Brock Hoffman who transferred to Virginia Tech to be closer to his mother who was battling a brain tumor.

There is truly no words to describe the NCAA. Hoffman had the best case for any player in recent memory last season, yet the NCAA inexplicably denied his request, yet allowed Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields to play immediately.

Why? Because Fields was transferring to Ohio State.

Blackshear was expected to be a major impact player for the Hokies this fall. He could move back and forth between running back and slot receiver, giving quarterback Hendon Hooker a unique weapon as the Hokies look to replace the production of Damon Hazelton and Dalton Keene from the 2019 team.

Fuente could not hide his angst toward the NCAA and the eligibility process and did say the Hokies are appealing the decision and he felt good about the appeal.

If there is a season this fall, Blackshear could be a pivotal player for the 2020 Hokies.