Jordan Stout will kick for the Hokies

A couple months after receiving a preferred walk-on opportunity from Virginia Tech, kicker Jordan Stout of Honaker (Va.) High School has accepted it, and he will become a Hokies in the Fall.

The 6-3, 180-pounder passed up a scholarship opportunity from Morehead State to be part of the football program he grew up cheering for.

Stout was the first-team All-State kicker in Group 1A, a consistent force both kicking field goals and punting for a Honaker team that finished 3-8 in 2016. He kicked three field goals in the Virginia High School Coaches' Association All-Star Game last weekend, including a last-second attempt that resulted in the final 27-27 tie score.

Starting kicker Joey Slye and punter Mitchell Ludwig both had junior eligibility in 2016, and should return for 2017 (pending a decision from Ludwig on whether to return for fifth-year eligibility or graduate, with a pro career unlikely). That should give Stout the opportunity to redshirt the season while preparing to compete for either starting position - or both of them - in 2018 and beyond.

He is the third known preferred walk-on commitment in 2017, joining running back Orlando Jones and offensive lineman Brennon Garrison.