New Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin isn't wasting any time reshaping the Hokies' roster, and one area he’s clearly keyed in on is the edge. With the transfer portal in full swing, Franklin and his staff have been aggressive in finding players who can bring speed, versatility, and disruptive energy off the edge - and they may have just landed one in Curtis Jones Jr.
Jones, a transfer from West Virginia, brings with him the kind of athletic upside that fits perfectly into what Virginia Tech is trying to build. At 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds, the sophomore out of Cabell Midland High School in Huntington, West Virginia, is a long, rangy defender with a frame that suggests there’s still room to grow - both physically and in terms of production.
His freshman year in Morgantown was quiet - 11 games played, but mostly on special teams, with just a single defensive snap. But this past season, Jones started to flash the kind of potential that makes him an intriguing addition for the Hokies.
He posted 22 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry, and two pass breakups. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they hint at a player who’s beginning to figure things out and has the tools to be more than just a rotational piece.
What makes Jones even more interesting is how West Virginia deployed him in short-yardage situations on offense. He logged 11 carries for 24 yards and punched in three touchdowns, adding a reception for good measure.
That’s not something you often see from an edge rusher, and it speaks to the kind of athleticism and physicality he brings to the field. He’s not just a straight-line pass rusher - he’s a football player, plain and simple.
Coming out of high school, Jones was a three-star recruit who picked WVU over offers from Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, and Toledo. That recruiting profile suggests he flew under the radar a bit, but his development over two seasons in the Big 12 shows there’s more than meets the eye. He’s the kind of player who may not have had the spotlight early, but could thrive in the right system with the right coaching.
For Virginia Tech, this is a calculated pickup. They’re getting a player who’s already tasted Power Five football, has multiple years of eligibility remaining, and brings a blend of athleticism and versatility that fits the modern edge role. If Franklin and his staff can tap into his full potential, Jones could become a key piece of a revamped Hokies defense looking to make noise in the ACC.