McMinn County star offensive lineman Goodner selects Virginia Tech

One of the state’s most punishing offensive linemen is completely sold on his future collegiate football program.

McMinn County High School senior Bryce Goodner did not waste any time after receiving a highly anticipated phone call on Sunday.

“I am all in with Virginia Tech. I told 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 page, has been a major driving force in helping turn the Cherokees’ football program into a respected power.

Goodner stacked up numerous pancake blocks in a record-setting 2019 season as his blocking helped ignite an 8-0 start. The success he believes for himself and the football program has come not only from hard work in the weight room and a great group of talent, but from off the field life changes as well.

“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 football scholarship offers, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Hokies became Goodner’s first Power Five conference offer.

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 season that is still not fully promised.

“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.”