Collegiate Times

The Virginia Tech football team has had its share of big time recruits over the past decade.

Former Hokie stars such as Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams and David Wilson were all highly ranked and hotly recruited coming out of high school, but none of them were as highly ranked or desperately sought after than five-star cornerback Kendall Fuller.

Turning down offers from 22 schools including Alabama, Ohio State and Notre Dame, Fuller committed to the Hokies in July. Upon his commitment, Fuller — ranked by Rivals.com as the ninth best high school player in the country — became the highest-rated recruit to come to Blacksburg since running back Kevin Jones in 2002.

The younger brother of current Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller, Kendall had some obvious ties to the school. Not only does Kyle currently suit up for the Hokies, but older brothers Vincent and Corey also donned maroon and orange.

Despite his family’s affinity for the program, Kendall’s decision came down to a very close call between the Hokies and Clemson, one that many recruiting analysts declared to be 50/50.

Listed at just under six feet tall, Fuller has average size for a corner. What really sets him apart is his technique, explosiveness and ball skills. This has garnered him comparisons to multiple cornerbacks, from former LSU standout and current Dallas Cowboy Morris Claiborne to former Heisman winner and future Hall-of-Famer Charles Woodson.

With that very impressive skill set, Fuller was expected to contribute immediately as the team’s third or fourth corner. With the recent knee injury to starting corner Antone Exum, however, Fuller could see much more of the field, potentially as the starter heading into the season opener against Alabama.

If this is the case, it seriously raises the expectations for an already highly-regarded player. Fuller, however, seems to have the ability to fit right in and contribute, whatever the situation.

A version of this article appeared in the Feb 7 issue of the Collegiate Times.