James Franklin helps Virginia Tech land another in-state four-star recruit

Virginia Tech Hokies' new head coach, James Franklin, is cooking on the recruiting trail in the days leading up to the early signing period. 

He just landed a highly-rated, in-state offensive tackle in four-star Thomas Wilder, and now it's being reported that the Hokies have secured another in-state recruit. Davion Brown, a four-star wide receiver from Richmond, is the No. 38 wide receiver in the country and the No. 6 overall recruit from Virginia. 

In-state recruiting is essential for any program, especially for one like Virginia Tech, which is rebuilding. The Hokies can point to their decision to hire Franklin as the reason Brown has committed to them, because the wide receiver trusts his new head coach's ability to develop a strong team.

"[Franklin] has the opportunity to do it," Brown said, according to 247Sports. "He's proven it in different situations. He did it at Vanderbilt. He changed the program. He did it at Penn State. I was committed there."

Connection with James Franklin leads to commitment for four-star WR Davion Brown 

Brown was a Penn State commitment before the Nittany Lions fired Franklin.

"Coach Franklin, that's my guy," Brown said. "I think going to Virginia Tech, and having Virginia as part of his logo, it hits a little different."

Brown is a big-play receiver who can make an immediate impact. As a senior at Trinity Episcopal High School, he recorded 26 receptions, 638 yards and nine touchdowns, along with 284 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

He is Virginia Tech's 19th 2026 commitment, and notably, Maryland was also in the mix. This is a big recruiting win for the Hokies.