Hokies land sleeper OL

Bealton (Va.) Liberty offensive lineman Kory Gough was a longshot to get an offer from his dream school -- the Virginia Tech Hokies. After all, the Hokies were supposed to be taking only one offensive lineman this recruiting year and Gough is considered a late bloomer. However, Gough got surprising news today and jumped all over it.

"Kory committed to Virginia Tech today," said Liberty head coach Tommy Buzzo. "I never thought he'd get this offer but he stayed patient and Virginia Tech really did its homework. Kory wasn't a BCS-caliber player at this time last year but he's developed more in one year than any other player I've ever had."

The 6-foot-6, 262-pounder chose the Hokies over offers from Arkansas, East Carolina, Marshall and others. His senior film and an in-person evaluation this past weekend sold the Hokies.

"We sent out film like we always do and they were interested enough to come and see him play," said Buzzo. "They came this past weekend and had a meeting today on him and decided to offer. This is where Kory wanted to go all along so he's thrilled and I'm thrilled for him. He might be a January 2010 enrollee depending on how things shake out or he might enroll next summer, we're not sure yet. He's just happy to be a part of the class."

Gough has a great frame and room to grow.

"He's a guy who can really add weight and still maintain his ability to run," Buzzo said. "That's what Virginia Tech had to determine. How quickly can he get to 300 pounds and can he stay as quick as he is. They thought so and I do too. Kory is a big, tall kid who can run really well and he'll fill out."

Gough joins Andrew Miller as an offensive line commitment in this class for Tech.