One of the state's most punishing offensive linemen is completely sold on his future football program.
McMinn County High School senior Bryce Goodner did not waste any time after receiving a highly anticipated phone call Sunday.
"I am all in with Virginia Tech. I told (Virginia Tech offensive line) coach (Vance) Vice that right after he offered me and I took my spot," Goodner told the Times Free Press on Monday. "When I first started looking at recruiting, I made a list of schools I wanted to go after. Virginia Tech was at the top of it. After getting to talk to the coaches, players and seeing the campus, I knew I wanted to be a part of it."
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Goodner, who has posted some unreal workout videos this year on his Twitter account, has helped turn the Cherokees gain respect as a football program.
Goodner stacked up numerous pancake blocks in a record-setting 2019 season that McMinn County started 8-0. He believes the success for himself and the program has come not only from hard work in the weight room and a great group of talented players, but also from some of the off-field life changes they've made.
"I think what has changed the most for McMinn County and what has made us better is being a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes," Goodner said. "We were able to find Christ and started playing as brothers and for each other. A lot of our guys on the program have become leaders in FCA, and I am proud of the culture we have established."
Out of his 27 Division I scholarship offers, the Atlantic Coast Conference's Hokies became the first Power Five program on the list.
Goodner said Hokies coaches have said the plan is to mold him into a center. For now, he is excited to have the chance to play football again in a TSSAA season that is still not fully promised amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"I feel like I have been a real underrated and undervalued prospect, but Virginia Tech sees my potential," Goodner said. "Today is a dream come true. I love to play football, and when I do I lock in. I am excited about the future and will treasure every snap I play."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.