HUGE LOST: Alabama Football Have Lost Key Defensive Star, A Fans Favourite to Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech received their second commitment of the spring transfer portal window this evening, as Alabama defensive line transfer Khurtiss Perry committed to the Hokies.
Perry chose the Hokies over a slew of other offers and interest, including Indiana (who offered him and had visited), Louisville (who reportedly hosted him on a visit), Wisconsin (who were reportedly planning to host him on a visit soon), Houston (offer), California (offer), Tulane (offer), Colorado State (offer), and others. He is the Hokies’ second spring transfer portal window addition, joining UCLA quarterback Collin Schlee.

He has three years of eligibility left after playing two seasons at Alabama, including a redshirt year in 2022.

Perry, who stands 6’2” and weighs 265 pounds, was ranked as a top 110 recruit nationwide by all four major recruiting organizations after graduating from high school. According to MaxPreps, he had 96 tackles in his senior season, including 23 sacks, 35 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and four pass breakups.

Perry, on the other hand, struggled in Tuscaloosa, appearing on only two special teams in his two seasons with the Crimson Tide and falling far down the depth chart, prompting his decision to leave.

Perry has undeniable promise, as seen by his high school performance and strong recruiting record. The fact that numerous Power 4 schools were interested in him, especially because that pool is limited owing to SEC transfers being unable to transfer inside the conference during the spring window, speaks something about Power 4 coaches’ perceptions of his talent and potential.

Nonetheless, Perry poses a significant risk. There’s no doubt that Alabama recruits at an outrageously high level, and competition for playing time is fierce. However, when you only play two special teams snaps in two seasons, it begs the issue of whether you are at the Power 4 level.

Perry will most likely play defensive tackle for the Hokies and appears to be in the mould of Pheldarius Payne. Payne, like Perry, spent the majority of his career working on the edge before transitioning inside and enjoying great success at DT.

Tech is in a position to give him some time to develop, particularly with an All-ACC transfer in Aeneas Peebles and an experienced starter in Josh Fuga heading the defensive line. They also have JUCO standout Kemari Copeland and Oklahoma transfer Kelvin Gilliam Jr set to go as backups, who could challenge Fuga for the second starting spot. Tech also possesses veteran backup Wilfried Pene as a viable fifth option at DT.

Perry also adds youth to a position where the younger side of the room has begun to dwindle, particularly since both Gunner Givens and Lemar Law Jr. went to the offensive line this spring.

This is a tremendous recruitment win for Virginia Tech. According to BadgerNotes.com, the Hokies made an impressive move in landing his pledge after he had planned a visit to Wisconsin. Add in a Louisville team known for its gateway success and an Indiana program led by Curt Cignetti, a former Nick Saban assistant, and the Hokies have another excellent portal recruiting victory.

Khurtiss Perry struggled at Alabama, and the floor is likely pretty low, but the upside is enormous considering the talent he had in high school. We’ll now see if Virginia Tech can help Perry attain his full defensive line potential.