Virginia Tech football: Brent Pry relieved to have a healthy Jaquez White

The last time Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Brent Pry was at the podium discussing cornerback Jaquez White, he was almost heartbroken. White had suffered an injury in the Hokies’ spring game. Not much was known at the time, but afterward, Pry called it “deflating.”

The 5-foot-11, 192-pound White transferred to the Hokies this winter from Troy. Before his one year at Troy, played two seasons at Division II Washburn. It’s a remarkable story considering White had very little attention from colleges coming out of high school in Georgia.

When he entered the transfer portal after last season, White was a wanted man. The Hokies quickly made him a priority, and he became one of Virginia Tech’s most important offseason acquisitions.

Last week, Tech began fall camp, and White was on the field. On Sunday, Pry met with the media again, and he was giddy. After letting out a sigh of excitement, Pry explained why White was so important to his defense.

“I tell ya, he’s a really well-rounded corner,” Pry said. “He’s got all the traits. He’s got size. He’s a physical player. He’s got speed. He’s got length. Really nice feet and hips. Learns well. He’s got a rare combination of corner traits and safety traits. I think he could play any of the positions in the back end.”

Pry revealed that he spoke with some of Troy’s coaches about White, and they showered him with praise.

Virginia Tech feels good about its cornerback depth this season. With returning players like Isaiah Brown-Murray, Joshua Clarke, Jojo Crim and Thomas Williams, combined with newcomers Kenny Woseley Jr., Cam Chadwick, Amauri Polydor and White, the cornerback position again has a chance to be a strength for the Hokies.