Early Signing Day for the Class of 2025 took place on Wednesday, with most recruits either sticking to their commitments or making late flips in recent months, weeks, or even days. Virginia Tech experienced a notable loss in September when Matthew Outten switched his commitment from the Hokies to Penn State, joining James Franklin, Bret Pry’s former boss before his move to Blacksburg.
There was speculation that South Carolina might succeed in flipping AJ Brand from Virginia Tech, but that effort fell short as Brand officially signed with the Hokies on Wednesday. On a positive note, Pry and his staff managed to secure a significant flip of their own, marking a key win for the program’s future.
Virginia Tech flips Cincinnati four-star commit
On June 17, four-star safety Jahmari DeLoatch committed to the University of Cincinnati, choosing the Bearcats over Virginia Tech just 10 days after visiting Blacksburg. However, on Wednesday morning, the 5-foot-10, 160-pound Chesapeake native flipped his commitment to the Hokies after de-committing from Cincinnati.
This flip is a significant win for Bret Pry and his staff, further strengthening Virginia Tech’s ties with high school coaches and programs across the Commonwealth. DeLoatch, the eighth-ranked player in Virginia, becomes the Hokies’ third four-star commit and their 12th in-state commitment for the Class of 2025. Initially losing him to Cincinnati was a setback, but flipping him back represents a major recruiting victory.
When Pry replaced Justin Fuente, he prioritized rebuilding relationships within Virginia to keep the state’s top talent at home. Virginia Tech coach Fontel Mines played a key role in this effort, persistently recruiting DeLoatch even after his Cincinnati commitment. DeLoatch credited the Hokies’ consistent communication and their clear vision for the program as decisive factors in his last-minute decision to switch.
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