CJ Carroll awarded a scholarship

After managing to be the fifth-most productive receiver for Virginia Tech a year ago, CJ Carroll won't have to worry about how he's paying his tuition: the redshirt junior was placed on scholarship yesterday by the Virginia Tech coaches:

The 5-8, 167-pounder played in 13 of 14 games, starting once when fellow slot Cam Phillips was out of commission. He caught 18 passes for 258 yards (14.3 per grab), though he didn't manage to find the endzone. He also ran nine times for 46 yards (5.1 per carry) and returned 11 punts for 98 yards (8.9 per return).

With the departure of starting outside receivers Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges - and Phillips's subsequent move to the outside to fill that void - it's likely that Carroll will start in the slot in 2017. The final receiver spot is up for grabs, with juniors Henri Murphy and Jaylen Bradshaw the most experienced, but plenty of younger options (including freshmen) available. It's also possible that a tight end-heavy class in 2017 opens the door for more two tight end sets in 2017.

Carroll's honor brings VT to 84 total scholarships committed for the 2017 season, one off the roster maximum of 85. Defensive end target Zion Debose announces his college commitment this afternoon at 4 p.m., with the Hokies presumed to be in the lead. Even if he does pick Virginia Tech, it's likely that more attrition over the Spring and Summer will see the Hokies enter Fall with a couple more scholarships to have to walk-ons.