James Franklin's rebuild at Virginia Tech is starting to take shape-not just on the field, but behind the scenes, where the foundation of any successful program is laid. After signing the No. 24 recruiting class in the country during the Early Signing Period with a lean coaching staff, Franklin has wasted no time filling out his team. One of his latest moves brings a familiar face back to Blacksburg: former Hokie offensive lineman Tyrell Smith is returning to the program as the Director of Player Development.
For Virginia Tech fans, the name Tyrell Smith carries weight. He wasn’t just a player-he was a presence.
Smith spent an incredible seven seasons in Blacksburg, a tenure that speaks to his resilience, leadership, and love for the program. He was a team captain for three of those years, a rare distinction that underlines just how much he meant to the locker room.
And his impact wasn’t limited to the field. While anchoring the offensive line and contributing on special teams, Smith also earned not one, but two Master’s degrees from Virginia Tech-one in Instructional Technology (2019) and another in Agriculture and Life Sciences (2021).
That kind of academic and athletic commitment is exactly the model Franklin wants to build around.
Smith’s return comes after stints in player development roles at Rutgers and Boise State. Most recently, he served as Assistant Director of Player Development under Greg Schiano at Rutgers, a position that gave him valuable experience in mentoring student-athletes and helping them navigate the demands of college football.
Before that, he worked in strength and conditioning at Boise State, where he served under Ben Hilgart-another name with ties to the Virginia Tech strength program. That blend of hands-on development, academic mentorship, and personal experience as a former player makes Smith a strong cultural fit for what Franklin is building.
This hire is more than just a feel-good reunion. It’s a strategic move.
In the modern college football landscape, the Director of Player Development plays a crucial role. It’s about more than keeping players eligible or helping them lift weights-it’s about guiding young men through one of the most important stretches of their lives.
Smith knows what it means to wear the maroon and orange. He’s lived the grind, felt the highs and lows, and now he’s coming back to help the next generation do the same.
Smith’s story is one of perseverance and leadership. After redshirting his first year, he went on to play in 67 games for the Hokies, including a stretch of 34 straight before a season-ending injury in 2019.
Along the way, he picked up accolades like the Black Male Excellence Network's leadership award in 2018, which recognized his impact on the lives of Black male students at Virginia Tech. That kind of recognition doesn’t come easily-it’s earned through consistent, meaningful engagement.
Originally from New Jersey, Smith was a three-star recruit out of Don Bosco Prep before spending a post-grad year at Cushing Academy. Now, he’s coming full circle-returning to the place that shaped him, ready to help shape others.
For Franklin, this is another building block in a broader vision. It’s not just about stacking talent on the roster-it’s about creating an environment where players can thrive, on and off the field.
With Tyrell Smith back in the fold, Virginia Tech is adding more than just a staffer. They’re adding a Hokie who knows what it takes to succeed in Blacksburg-and who’s ready to help others do the same.