Hokies flip DL Garrett Witherington from Kentucky

Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin did it four times on Monday. First, Franklin brought two of his former Penn State commitments to Blacksburg, then landed 4-star offensive tackle Thomas Wilder before flipping an SEC commit to finish off Monday evening.

Garrett Witherington committed to the Kentucky Wildcats back in the summer, but Franklin kept tabs on Witherington. And when he took over as Virginia Tech’s coach, he wanted Witherington to visit Blacksburg. He did this past weekend on an official visit, and that’s all it took. Witherington made it official: he’s a Hokie.

Franklin offered Witherington while he was at Penn State, and he visited Happy Valley in June. However, despite his bond with Franklin, Witherington chose Kentucky, which was closer to his Alabama home. While Witherington was in Blacksburg over the weekend, the Wildcats fired head coach Mark Stoops, and his path to Virginia Tech became clear.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder plays at Briarwood Christian in Birmingham, Alabama. While he’s listed as an edge rusher, his future will be at defensive tackle. Can you imagine Witherington, with outstanding size already, adding about 10-15 pounds and playing in the middle of Virginia Tech’s defense?

Franklin’s immediate priority was to make the Hokies bigger and stronger in the trenches. That’s exactly what he’s done.

Witherington is another example of the James Franklin effect. He would have never visited Blacksburg if not for Franklin. Now, it’s his future home. More are coming.

Welcome home, Garrett.