Virginia Tech lands commitment from DL Xavier Perkins

Versatile defensive lineman chooses Hokies after multiple campus visits

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the movements and actions of a football defensive lineman, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue, maroon, and gold colors.A new defensive force joins the Hokies, as Xavier Perkins' commitment adds versatility and energy to Virginia Tech's front line.Blacksburg Today

Xavier Perkins, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman from Durham, North Carolina, has committed to play for Virginia Tech. Perkins, known for his ability to play across the defensive front and get after the quarterback, had several programs in the mix late, including Miami, Duke, and Louisville, but ultimately chose the Hokies after multiple visits to Blacksburg.

Why it matters

Perkins' commitment is a key addition for Virginia Tech's defensive line, as the Hokies look to bolster their pass rush and interior defensive line depth. The versatile lineman had drawn interest from several ACC programs, making his decision to join Virginia Tech a significant recruiting win for the program.

The details

Perkins said the feeling he got at Virginia Tech, particularly during his Junior Day visit in January and subsequent trips in the spring, was the deciding factor in his commitment. He was impressed by the coaching staff, the energy of the program, and the overall community atmosphere in Blacksburg. The Hokies' approach in recruiting Perkins, including how they showed him his fit in their system and their plans for his development, also played a major role in his decision.

  • Perkins visited Virginia Tech for a Junior Day event in January 2026.
  • Perkins made additional visits to Blacksburg about a month ago and this past weekend.
  • Perkins announced his commitment to Virginia Tech on April 14, 2026.

The players

Xavier Perkins

A 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman from Durham, North Carolina, known for his versatility and ability to get after the quarterback.

Virginia Tech

The college football program located in Blacksburg, Virginia, that has landed a commitment from defensive lineman Xavier Perkins.

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What they’re saying

“It came down to that feeling, and I felt it the most at Virginia Tech. It goes back to that Junior Day in January. I felt great around the staff. Then I went back to about a month ago and loved it. It was great seeing the coaches, then on this past visit over the weekend, I knew it.”

— Xavier Perkins, Defensive Lineman

“Virginia Tech just felt like home. The culture, the energy and how the coaches treated me — it all stood out.”

— Xavier Perkins, Defensive Lineman

What’s next

Perkins will now focus on his senior season at Durham Jordan High School before enrolling at Virginia Tech in 2027.

The takeaway

Perkins' commitment is a significant recruiting win for Virginia Tech, as they were able to fend off interest from several other ACC programs to land a versatile and talented defensive lineman. The Hokies' ability to make Perkins feel at home in Blacksburg and showcase their plans for his development were key factors in his decision.