2015 TE/DE Chris Cunningham Chooses Tech Over Louisville

The Hokies earned a surprising recruiting win over Louisville on Friday when tight end/defensive end Chris Cunningham committed to the Hokies.

Cunningham — a rising senior at Jacksonville's Atlantic Coast High School — was giving serious consideration to Tech's new ACC rivals but chose the Hokies for their continuity in the coaching staff.

"It was really about knowing the staff has been together for awhile," Cunningham said. "Coach Beamer has been there for a long time, and I knew I'd have a chance to win there."

Cunningham, rated a 3-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, announced his decision Friday afternoon on Twitter after the Hokies offered him in March.

OFFICIALLY COMMITTED TO VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY! #hokies #blessed pic.twitter.com/Om1zh968p2— Chris (@Chrvs_85) August 8, 2014

Since then, he's spoken with both defensive line coach Charley Wiles and recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring.

"I called them early Friday morning before I ever said anything on Twitter and talked to Coach Wiles," Cunningham said.

He's had a chance to see Blacksburg twice now, visiting Tech once on April 19 and once on July 27. However, he still plans to make his way back for an official visit.

"I'll probably go up for an official," he said. "I'm not sure which game yet, but I do want to go back."

Cunningham has heard from more than just the coaches about the Hokies during the recruitment process — incoming freshman wide receiver Isaiah Ford hails from Jacksonville as well, and he's spoken with Cunningham a couple times about his experiences at Tech.

"I talked with him on Tuesday, and he was telling me how it was there, how he liked it," Cunningham said. "He said there were other people up there from Jacksonville too, so it definitely affected my decision."

Cunningham's situation is unusual in that the Hokies haven't narrowed down the position he'll play in college quite yet. He played both tight end and defensive end for Atlantic Coast, and Tech's personnel needs in 2015 will probably determine where he ends up when he gets on campus.

"They told me I could play on both sides of the ball," he said. "They said they'll have to see about the personnel when I get up there, who they have. I could play either one, really."

While he is willing to be flexible, Cunningham feels his greatest strengths lie in his abilities on offense.

"I can really bring versatility to the offense," he said. "I can create mismatches. I think I've got the speed and agility to get past linebackers."

With a crowded depth chart at tight end and a thin defensive line, he might be bound for the defense instead, but the Hokies have to be glad to have him the fold regardless of where he ends up playing.