Virginia Tech bolstered its defensive backfield with two key additions from the transfer portal this week, alleviating concerns among Hokies fans. Panic had set in when several players left via the NCAA transfer portal, and nearly two weeks passed without any incoming transfers, despite numerous official visits.

The tide turned with the addition of Virginia native and former Clemson safety Sherrod Covil. This momentum continued as the Hokies secured commitments from running backs Terion Stewart (Bowling Green) and Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri), along with defensive lineman Jahzari Priester (Hampton).

On Saturday, head coach Brent Pry added two defensive backs expected to make an immediate impact. The first was former East Carolina cornerback Isaiah Brown-Murray. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 191 pounds, Brown-Murray hails from Cornelius, North Carolina. A former three-star recruit, he redshirted in 2022 and started 21 games over the past two seasons. His tenure with the Pirates included 69 tackles, an interception, and eight passes defended. With starting cornerbacks Mansoor Delane (transfer portal/LSU) and Dorian Strong (NFL draft) departing, Brown-Murray is a leading candidate to start alongside Dante Lovett in 2025. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Later the same day, Rice safety Tyson Flowers announced his commitment to Virginia Tech. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound Fort Worth, Texas native played in three games as a freshman in 2022 before redshirting. Flowers appeared in 11 games in 2023, notching 25 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. In 2024, he started all 10 games he played, recording 38 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two interceptions, including a pick-six.

With safeties Jalen Stroman (transfer portal), Jaylen Jones (graduation), and Mose Phillips (transfer portal/Vanderbilt) departing, Flowers and Covil will compete for starting roles alongside rising sophomore Quentin Reddish.

Welcome to the Hokies family, Isaiah and Tyson!