Bryce Thompson Opts to Go Public With Commitment to Virginia Tech

Bryce Thompson knew he was going to commit to Virginia Tech before he even hit the road to Blacksburg. His only indecision was whether or not to make his intention public on Saturday.

"I knew I was going to commit," Thompson told The Key Play. "I was just deciding if I was going to do it publicly or a silent commit. I talked to my mom and my coach, and that's when I decided I would just do it publicly.

"My mom loves the campus, and she's a Mike Vick fan. She's kind of in love with VT anyway. She was just saying, 'It's up to you, just make sure it's what you want,' and I told her it is, and that's what made me decide to do it publicly."

Excited and beyond blessed to say I have committed to Virginia Tech!! #HokieNation pic.twitter.com/T0sL9wkoND— Bryce Thompson (@thommybry) July 24, 2016

Frank Beamer's staff had Thompson on the Hokies' radar during his freshman year at Dutch Fork HS (SC), but Tech's recruitment did not begin in earnest until Justin Fuente offered a scholarship during a camp at Tech on July 17.

Thompson credits special teams coordinator and TEs coach James Shibest along with WRs coach Holmon Wiggins for recruiting him the hardest before his offer. After Thompson's camp workout, Fuente's involvement grew.

"(Fuente) doesn't just care about football," Thompson said. "He cares about his players. He wasn't just talking about football. He was talking about how he wanted to build character, and I liked that. The fact that he wants to make Virginia Tech a powerhouse again, and his demeanor, he is really passionate, and I figured he'd be the best fit for me."

Connections with some current Hokies also eased Thompson into his decision.

"I was just in love with Virginia Tech from the start, once I first visited up there," Thompson said. "My old teammate (Tech long snapper) Wright Bynum, he goes there, and he's been telling me nothing but good things about Virginia Tech. I have a great relationship with the players there. I am so comfortable, and they barely even know me."

Over the course of a few visits, Thompson has begun to forge friendships with Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds, DuWayne Johnson, Deshawn McClease, and Isaiah Ford.

"They were excited for me committing," Thompson said. "They were saying Tech's about to be a powerhouse again, and I was like, 'I can't wait. I want to join the family now,' and that's what made me commit."

The 6-0, 180 pound rising junior still has two seasons of high school ball to play before donning the maroon and orange, but after a year off the field Thompson is set to strap it up at running back, wide receiver and safety for Ben Lippen HS. Thompson transferred to Ben Lippen from Dutch Fork HS.

"I wasn't doing good at Dutch Fork, and I felt like Ben Lippen was a better (academic) fit for me," Thompson said. "Help me get my GPA up."

Thompson's prowess on both sides of the ball led Fuente to offer him as an athlete, and he is open to playing offense or defense at the next level.

"Wherever the team needs me the most, wherever I benefit the team," Thompson said. "I love offense. I love having the ball in my hands and scoring, but I also love tackling people and stopping the offense from scoring."

There are 563 days until national signing day in 2018. Until then, Fuente and company will likely have to fend off additional suitors for the multitalented South Carolina product.

"I am 100% committed to VT right now," Thompson said. "I am just going to try to focus this year on high school."