Another Commitment For Tech

The Virginia Tech Hokies were rumored to be receiving two verbal commitments over the last couple of days. Jacksonville (Fla.) Andrew Jackson offensive guard Tripp Carroll is the first. Who's the second?

"John committed to Virginia Tech yesterday," said Robinson High School Head Coach Mark Bendorf, whose team has produced a ton of D1A talent over the last few years, of his star tight end John Kinzer. "Virginia Tech got on him very early which helped and Coach (Frank) Beamer got personally involved which was important. He and Coach (Bud) Foster, who handles this school, did a terrific job recruiting John."

Kinzer, a 6-foot-4, 255-pounder and ranked No. 12 on the pre-season Farrell 14 for Virginia, had offers from Tech, Virginia, Ohio State, Penn State, Syracuse and many others.

"To use a cliche, I think he just felt more comfortable at Virginia Tech," Bendorf said. "They've been to the school here many times to see him when they could and he just seemed to have a better feel for Tech."

Having a couple of teammates from last season's successful Robinson team doesn't hurt as well.

"I don't want to make it a big factor, because he chose Tech for all the right reasons," said Bendorf. "But having Cary (Wade) and Mike (Imoh) there already and seeing the success they've already had as true freshmen is just a bonus. It never hurts to have people you know there, but he didn't pick Virginia Tech because there are Robinson guys there or it's a Robinson school. He chose them because it was the best fit for him."

Kinzer, who has played some defensive end but not much, is being recruited as a tight end.

"That's where he'll start out anyhow," said Bendorf. "He's only played defense for us in spots. I try to avoid that unless there's an injury situation where we have to move a guy. John is a very good athlete and could play many different places, but he's a tight end in my book."

As a junior, Kinzer made 12 catches for 112 yards and two scores.