Glad to announce that I'll be taking my talents to Virginia Tech!! #GoHokies pic.twitter.com/NpVFTxYtKk— Houshun Gaines (@HZGduoUno) December 21, 2014
Virginia Tech football landed an important piece of its 2015 recruiting class tonight when defensive end Houshun Gaines made a verbal pledge to the Hokies. The Nash Central (Rocky Mount, North Carolina) product announced after he played in the Shrine Bowl—the annual North Carolina-South Carolina high school football all-star game.
The 247Sports Composite rates Gaines as a 3-star prospect.
Gaines originally tried to commit to Florida in early October, but did not have a committable offer. At the time, he explained to Andrew Ivins of the Rocky Mount Telegram why he picked Florida over Tech.
"Ultimately it came down to where I saw myself wanting to play football and where I would want to be, and I couldn't see myself at Virginia Tech if I wasn't playing football," Gaines said. "I was torn for a while but I love Florida and I just love Gainesville."
Charley Wiles was Gaines' primary recruiter. Houshun said of their relationship in May, "He's a great guy. He seems to really care about me. We have a great relationship. We hit it off immediately. He's a funny guy. He's cool."
Credit Tech's defensive line coach for recruiting him hard throughout the entire process, helping Gaines to see himself at Tech and securing his verbal over Virginia, Vanderbilt as well as a few other Power 5 offers.
Coach wiles is my dude yo.. Frfr — Houshun Gaines (@HZGduoUno) April 30, 2014
Always a pleasure talking to coach Wiles.. #HOKIENATION— Houshun Gaines (@HZGduoUno) October 22, 2014
Coach Wiles on the way for an in home visit. #HokieNation — Houshun Gaines (@HZGduoUno) December 1, 2014
So blessed man. Had an in home visit from coach Thompson from Vandy, then went and had dinner with Coach Wiles. #HokieNation #AnchorDown— Houshun Gaines (@HZGduoUno) December 8, 2014
ESPN's scouting report on Gaines' is as follows.
Gaines shows some positive flashes in all areas, from run defense to rushing the QB to effort, but still has room to improve and be more consistent in all areas as well. Has some limitations in areas, but enough tools to be productive well rounded player at FBS level.
Defensive end is a prime position of need in Tech's 2015 class, and the 6-4, 220 pound Gaines has experience playing both a 5- and 7-technique at Nash Central. To go along with a collegiate frame, he has a freakish wingspan.
"@TweetAtJessaaay: I hate getting my feelings hurt. Wish I ain't have them shits."needa hug? pic.twitter.com/ksVmTqnA3o— Houshun Gaines (@HZGduoUno) July 17, 2014
Gaines' can use those long arms to swat at the football, disrupt passing lanes and create chaos in the backfield. I'd imagine Bud Foster's thought about that once or twice.
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