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With 10 days left until the Virginia Tech battles Georgia Tech, we turn our attention to one of our true freshmen Mr. Ken Ekanem. While the Hokies are going to be courting a pair of impressive 2014 defensive ends over the next year and a half, if you want to know who’s going to run the show at defensive end in the short term you may want to remember this kid’s name. Ekanem will likely redshirt this fall but that’s not because of his performance. The Hokies are just stacked at defensive end right now. Also, Ekanem is just a few months removed from an ACL injury so an extra six months of recovery time would be helpful.
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The Scoop
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 249 lbs
Position: Defensive End
Year: Freshman
High School: Centreville High School
How Did He Get Here?
The Centreville star was one of Virginia Tech’s top recruits in 2012. Despite that, Ekanem was open to a lot of different schools and eventually settled on a top five consisting of Virginia Tech, UNC, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Pittsburgh. After taking some official visits, Ekanem committed to Virginia Tech on February 1st, 2012.
2011 Season Rewind
Ekanem racked up 72 tackles his senior year, including 18 sacks, to go along with 32 quarterback pressures. Those are some impressive stats, which includes a 4.5 sack game against Hermitage in the playoffs. However, Ekanem then tore his ACL in the state title game and underwent surgery in December.
2012 Prediction
With a torn ACL to recover from and a lot of depth in front of him, a redshirt year is probably in both sides best interest here. I really like Ekanem from a talent standpoint. He has a great frame, good speed, good technique, and lots of raw potential. Give him a few years in Virginia Tech’s strength program and the sky is the limit for him.
As for this fall, Ekanem will likely spend it on the scout team. It’s not glorious but it will give him six months to transform his body and get ready for next spring. There’s a lot of talent developing at defensive end so he needs to be ready to battle next year, especially if James Gayle goes pro after this season.
Completely Made Up Fact
Before deciding on just pulling out a Virginia Tech jersey at his press conference, Ekanem actually contemplated other ways of committing to the Hokies. However, it’s an NCAA violation to have three school mascots show up at your high school and it’s also illegal to set the two losing mascots on fire.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Checking out my second favorite VT 2013 recruit tonight (K. Fuller is in Vegas) up at Pot Falls. W. Teller is a beast and after I stated on your forum in March Justin that WT reminded me of Chris Long I have seen others make that same comparison. His first step in becoming a five star and a future Hokie star…
I’m making the trip to Bealton on the 14th to see Teller. They’re playing Chancellor that night, so also a good chance to see Steven Moss. Anyone know where we stand with Moss? Last I heard he was considered one of the better 2014 linemen in Virginia.
there was a scout.com article saying us and uva are recruiting him the hardest. We stand a shot to say the least
Moss is going to be a big in-state battle in 2014 and I’m not sure who leads. I would say UVA is in good position early but it’s going to be a big battle down to the wire, a lot like Teller this year. There’s also a few OOS programs that he likes so it could be a 4 or 5 team race. But, VT is solidly in the mix and I don’t get the feeling he’s anywhere close to a decision.
Brian, feel free to post your thoughts on both of those guys on our message board after you go. I was going to try to head out and see David Prince play tonight but that hasn’t worked out as planned. I’ll try to make it to one of his games over the next few weeks though.
Will do Justin. Probably wont be until the next day though. Might go see Green play in person on the 7th, Hermitage is playing LeeDavis that night, so that should be good for a laugh.
Really looking forward to watching this game tonight since I won’t be able to make it out to PH. Should be a good game.
Wyatt Teller confirmed for me everything that has been said about him. While Pot Falls double teamed him, rushed everything in the opposite direction and spread the filed with quick throws to keep him off the QB, WT basically did any and everything he wanted to do. Great motor, on a PF punt he came within inches of blocking it and then got back to make a block that got his receiver to the edge, he was everywhere. But while PF tried everything to avoid him when he was on defense he was most impressive on offence. He had a least 10 pancake blocks, a couple of times he had more than one on a single play. Once he gets up a little steam he de-cleats the opposition and anyone under 250lbs. One PF kid took back-to-back snot blocks and WT felt so sorry for the kid he when back to help him up and encourage him to keep playing. He is a monster. His strength comes almost entirely from his upper-body. As he develops and strengthens his lower body …look out, he could be unstoppable with that energy he brings to every play….he a keeper
Wyatt Teller -
Following the game, Potomac Falls head coach said the following about the 6’5″, 272-pound Virginia Tech recruit to FauquierNow.com Sports Editor Mark Trible:
“We were doubling him and even tripling him if we had to,” Gims said.
“We know he’s one of their best. He’s a great player… tough, strong, and has a great motor.”