Starting Hokies tight end Dae’Quan Wright intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Dec. 4, he confirmed to Tech Sideline on Tuesday, the first bit of turnover for Virginia Tech since the end of the regular season.
Evan Watkins at VTScoop.com reported the news first.
Wright, a 6-foot-4, 249-pounder who recently finished his sophomore season, was third on the Hokies in both receptions (28) and receiving yards (366), making starts in seven games and battling nagging injuries for much of the year.
Pro Football Focus gave him the fifth-highest offensive grade of Hokies regulars this season, and he capped the year with a three-catch, 64-yard showing against UVa. In the final three games, he caught 11 passes for 164 yards.
Wright had 47 catches for 574 yards in two seasons at Tech.
A four-star signee in 2022, Wright originally committed to Justin Fuente’s staff and stayed on after Brent Pry was hired. A Perry, Ga., native, Wright said he intends to find a school closer to home.
Wright’s departure could leave the Hokies in the market for a tight end. Benji Gosnell (10 catches, 116 yards, seven starts), Harrison Saint Germain and Zeke Wimbush are scholarship players who return. Injured senior Nick Gallo could take a medical redshirt and come back for what would be a sixth season, although he hasn’t indicated which way he’s leaning.
The Hokies don't currently have a tight end in their 2024 recruiting class.