Virginia Tech Hokies Wide Receiver Announces Departure: A Look at the Reasons and Implications
The Virginia Tech Hokies football program has been impacted by the departure of wide receiver Chance Fitzgerald, who announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Fitzgerald, a redshirt freshman, had been part of the Hokies’ roster but didn’t see much playing time, leading him to explore other opportunities.
Fitzgerald’s departure is likely due to his limited playing time with the Hokies. Despite being a talented receiver prospect in high school, he struggled to make an impact in Blacksburg. The transfer portal provides Fitzgerald with a chance to find a new program where he can showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success.
The loss of Fitzgerald adds to the Hokies’ recent roster shifts, which have seen several key players depart. Virginia Tech has been active in the transfer portal, with notable departures including safety Mose Phillips and left tackle Xavier Chaplin. Phillips, a starter this year, totaled 65 tackles, 1 sack, 4 PBU, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 FF this season. Chaplin, a dominant player on the offensive line, received an 88.8 PFF grade in one week, the best among left tackles.
Despite these departures, the Hokies have made some notable additions to their roster. They’ve added wide receiver Spencer from Jackson State, who brings size and explosive playmaking ability to the team. Spencer caught 35 passes for 660 yards and four touchdowns last season, averaging 18.8 yards per reception. The Hokies have also added defensive tackles, linebackers, and other players to bolster their roster.
The Virginia Tech coaching staff has undergone changes, with head coach Brent Pry introducing new hires and shifting roles within the team. The additions include Jens Danielsen as assistant offensive line coach, Cannon Montgomery as assistant running backs coach, Bryan Whitehead as nickels coach, and Jireh Wilson as edges coach. These changes aim to strengthen the team’s offense and defense.
The Hokies will need to adapt to the loss of Fitzgerald and other key players, but they have shown resilience in rebuilding their roster. With new additions and returning players, the team is poised to compete in the ACC. The wide receiver room, in particular, shows promise with Spencer and other players vying for playing time. As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how the Hokies perform with their new-look roster.