Virginia Tech football: Hokies land transfer CB from transfer portal

The Virginia Tech Hokies had a need at cornerback after All-American cornerback Caleb Farley became the first college player to opt out of the 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tech flirted with former Iowa cornerback D.J. Johnson, but an academic snafu prevented the Hokies from landing the former Hawkeye.

On Friday, the Hokies finally landed the veteran cornerback they were seeking when Devin Taylor announced his transfer to Virginia Tech.

Taylor, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound cornerback from FCS Illinois State, was named a third-team All-American in 2019 by Phil Steele. He was also a first-team All Missouri Valley Conference selection. Taylor played his high school football at Sexton High in Lansing, Mich.

Taylor recorded 65 tackles in 2019, while picking off five passes. He led the conference in pass breakups and passes defended.

Jermaine Waller has one cornerback spot locked down. He was recently ranked as the ACC’s top cornerback after Farley’s departure. Armani Chatman, Nadir Thompson and Brion Murray will all compete with Taylor to start.

This was a strong addition on the eve of the season for defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton. He finds a talented, battle-tested corner who can step right in and play.

For as much criticism as Virginia Tech received about the transfer portal last year, it has been good to the Hokies this year.