Comparison: VTs DE Classes

The defensive line has been a strength for Virginia Tech for years.

It goes back to

Last month, the Hokies signed another defensive end who could continue in that line of succession, Liberty (Va.) four-star

Tapp signed with Virginia Tech in 2002, the first year of the Rivals.com Rankings. Though he was a modest three-star prospect, Tapp blossomed with the Hokies and was an all-American in 2005.

Unlike Tapp, Teller joins Virginia Tech with impressive accolades already. Teller was an Army all-American and played on the U-19 Team USA team last month.

All season, Teller has drawn praise for his college-ready body (at 6'5" 265 pounds) and his aggressive, high-motor style. He's been on the national radar since his junior season.

"He's a big, physical end and extends his arms well off the line of scrimmage and just rides defenders into the path of the football," Rivals.com national analyst

At the Army all-American game, Teller might have seemed a bit overshadowed by players like LSU signee

VT'S HIGHEST RATED DEFENSIVE BACK SIGNEES

No. 59 in the Rivals100, No. 6 strongside DE, No. 5 in Virginia

No. 21 strongside DE, No. 7 in Virginia

No. 125 in the Rivals250, No. 8 weakside DE, No. 5 in Virginia

Member of Rivals250, No. 7 strongside DE, No. 4 in New Jersey

No. 21 strongside DE, No. 11 in Virginia

No. 10 weakside DE, No. 7 in Virginia

No. 8 weakside DE, No. 2 in Virginia

"The East team at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl was loaded with big combo defensive end/defensive tackle types, and Teller was one of the best," Helmholdt said. "He could project anywhere from a three-technique to a seven-technique on the next level because he has the strength to battle on the interior, but also the athleticism to make plays on the edge.

"What really stood out to me down in San Antonio was his football IQ. One of the best plays I saw all week during practices was Teller sniffing out a screen and intercepting the pass."

It's tough to say where Teller would compare to Smith at the same point in their careers. Smith began his career with the Hokies in 1981. Tapp was an underrated lineman out of high school who took off in college.

Before Teller this year, Virginia Tech's previous highest-rated defensive end signee was

Teller has also drawn praise for his low-key, blue-collar attitude that should make him a good fit for the Hokies' lunchpail mentality. Teller declined to make a big presentation when he committed in August, instead calling assistant coach

While coaches can't comment on recruits until they've received their letter of intent, Foster showed his thoughts on Teller by doing a Cartwheel in a video that's been released online.

Smith and Tapp paved the way before Teller. Now, he's poised to join them in reaching the NFL in a few years, after Teller does his work at Virginia Tech.