Virginia Tech lands commitment from four-star TE Sam Faniel

Richmond (Va.) Benedictine tight end Sam Faniel just announced his commitment to Virginia Tech. 

Faniel visited the Hokies over the weekend and decided he was ready to pull the trigger while still on campus. 

“I’m very excited about my decision,” Faniel said. “The biggest reasons why I chose the Hokies is the culture that coach Franklin is bringing in and my fit in the offense. 

“I love the culture and what coach Franklin is trying to do, it really stands out for me. Coach (Ty) Howle is a great coach and his production with tight ends is another huge thing. The love and support I received from the entire coaching staff was great and really showed how much they want me.”

He’s one of the top tight end prospects in the country and checks in as the No. 401 player nationally and the No. 23 ranked tight end in the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.

He’s even higher by Rivals.com and is a four-star prospect and the No. 17 ranked tight end nationally. Faniel chose the Hokies over a host of national programs and had other official visits set to Alabama, Florida State and Texas A&M.

“I’m locked in, no more visits for me,” Faniel said. “I’ve already seen all of these schools and took a lot of unofficial visits, that’s another reason why I was comfortable getting early to Virginia Tech.

“Virginia Tech showed me everything I needed to see and I didn’t think I needed to visit any one else. I have a lot of respect for coach Franklin and the program he’s building so I’m happy to shut it down now.”

We had a chance to see Faniel earlier in the year at the Adidas Polynesian Bowl Combine where he earned an invite to the Polynesian Bowl after a strong camp showing. 

Faniel jumped out for us before we even knew who he was, as his name wasn’t on the initial roster. He made back to back high level jump ball touchdown catches during day one of the Poly Combine before we had a chance to identify him. 

Once we saw the name ‘Sam Faniel,’ it was easy to see why the gifted athlete is a national recruit. He’s a box checker with an ideal tight end frame and athleticism.

He’s a two-sport athlete and basketball was actually his first love and primary sport until a year ago. He has a bouncy 6-4.5, 210 pound frame, is an explosive route runner with soft hands and excellent body control. 

He was a no-brainer invite to the ’27 Polynesian Bowl and will be the second member of his family to play in the game. His older brother Alex played quarterback in the 2017 game.