That's (Joe) Kane's Music!

Virginia Tech's scholarship offer to Joe Kane was anything but an April Fool. The Heritage HS (Wake Forest, NC) defensive lineman had the Hokies on his mind since Tech offered him a place at the table on April 1.

"Well, ever since that day I've been weighing my options," Kane told The Key Play. "And from what I can see it was easy. The coaches are incredible, the program is great, the school and even the food is outstanding. All checks in my book. It just clicked."

He acted quickly, perhaps fondly remembering the brisket he ate on his unofficial visit, and pledged to the Hokies over ACC offers from Wake Forest and Syracuse less than three weeks later.

"I called coach [Charley] Wiles and he was just excited as I was," Kane said. "He called coach (Justin) Fuente and it was official, and it's been crazy from then on from the V-Tech coaches welcoming me into the family and all the responses. It's a blessing."

Wiles — a North Carolina recruiting veteran — in particular won Kane over in short order.

"Coach Wiles, who is my position coach, kept everything straightforward with me, and just made a general connection with me," said Kane. "He has been with (Virginia Tech) for many years, and I know he is a great coach. And him saying I can play for him is a great honor. As well as coach (Bud) Foster, who is an amazing defensive coordinator. Just getting support from coaches with that kind of reputation definitely helped me in my decision."

The 6-3, 275 pound Kane is rated as a 3-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite and Tech offered him as a 3-technique defensive tackle. As a junior he lined up all across Heritage's defensive line, "played a lot inside", and accounted for 85 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 2 safeties, and 6 batted passes.

He believes his get off, drive, and hands will serve him well landlocked in the trenches of Tech's defense. And he wants to improve upon his leverage and extension against the run.

Kane's verbal cements Virginia Tech's first commitment in its 2018 class from the Tar Heel State — a region of emphasis for the Hokies this cycle. Kane is well aware of the high talent level in North Carolina, including several other marquee prospects Tech's offered that he's trying to sway to Blacksburg.

"There are a lot people around my area that I know personally," said Kane. "Payton Wilson who's a great linebacker, (DT) Alim McNeill a great overall player, and (RB/S) Trent Pennix also a great player. All of whom I've played against and known."