Virginia Tech Head Coach Brent Pry Praises the Emergence of Surprise Wide Receiver Devin Alves
The Virginia Tech Hokies’ football program has often been defined by stories of resilience, adaptation, and players finding new ways to contribute. One of the latest examples comes in the form of Devin Alves, a player whose journey with the Hokies has been anything but straightforward. Originally arriving in Blacksburg as part of the 2022 recruiting class, Alves has endured setbacks, positional changes, and injury challenges before recently drawing notable praise from head coach Brent Pry for his impressive work at wide receiver.
Alves, a 6-foot-3 athlete out of Melbourne, Florida, wasn’t a highly touted recruit from the start. In fact, his path to Virginia Tech was unconventional. The Hokies extended their scholarship offer to him on February 1, 2022—just one day before National Signing Day. Alves did not hesitate. He committed and signed almost immediately, becoming one of the final additions to Pry’s inaugural recruiting class. While many late signees sometimes struggle to make an impact, Alves’ determination and adaptability have kept him in the mix, even amid significant obstacles.
He began his collegiate career at cornerback, a position that seemed to suit his length and athleticism. However, adversity struck early. Alves suffered a torn ACL, sidelining him for a crucial stretch of development and forcing him into the difficult process of rehabilitation. Injuries of that magnitude are often career-defining, but Alves continued to persevere. After recovery, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff shifted him to safety, looking to maximize his skill set in the defensive backfield.
Over the course of three seasons, Alves appeared in 16 games, recording six total tackles and earning one career start. While those numbers might not jump off the stat sheet, they reflect his persistence in fighting through injury setbacks and adapting to different roles on the roster. Still, playing time remained limited, and his path to a more impactful role seemed uncertain.
That uncertainty began to change this spring. Virginia Tech’s staff approached Alves about yet another positional change—this time moving him from the defensive side of the ball to wide receiver. For many players, such a transition might be daunting, but Alves embraced the opportunity. At 6-foot-3, with speed and athletic ability, the coaching staff believed he could provide depth and potentially surprise at a position where Virginia Tech has been seeking consistent playmakers.
At first, his adjustment to wide receiver was relatively quiet. Learning new routes, timing, and offensive schemes can be a steep learning curve for a player who had previously focused on defense. However, this week, Alves’ hard work finally came into the spotlight. Following a recent practice session, head coach Brent Pry singled him out for praise, signaling that the experiment of shifting Alves to receiver may already be paying dividends.
“I think there’s some guys emerging at wide receiver that are making it interesting,” Pry told reporters. “I gave Devin Alves a shoutout after practice. Had maybe one of the best days a wideout has had around here in a while.”
Those words carry significant weight, considering the competition at the receiver position and Virginia Tech’s need for reliable contributors in the passing game. Pry’s acknowledgment not only validates Alves’ decision to embrace the position change but also provides a morale boost for a player whose career has been defined by resilience and adaptability.
For the Hokies, Alves’ development as a wide receiver could add much-needed depth and versatility to the offense. With his size and background as a defensive back, Alves brings a unique perspective to the position. His knowledge of how defensive players think and react could give him an edge in route running and separation. Moreover, his 6-foot-3 frame could make him a valuable red-zone target, something Virginia Tech has been searching for in recent years.
Alves’ story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football. Not every player makes an immediate impact or follows a straight path from high school stardom to college success. Sometimes, it takes years of perseverance, multiple role changes, and a willingness to adapt before a player finds his niche. For Alves, the journey has included an ACL tear, a move from cornerback to safety, and now a shift to wide receiver. Through it all, he has remained committed to contributing to his team in any way possible.
As the Hokies prepare for the upcoming season, Alves’ continued development will be a storyline to watch. If he can build on the momentum from his standout practice performances, he could emerge as a surprise contributor in Virginia Tech’s offense. More importantly, his journey serves as inspiration to teammates and fans alike—a testament to resilience, hard work, and the belief that no matter how winding the road may be, opportunities will come for those willing to seize them.
In sum, what began as a quiet transition has now transformed into one of the more intriguing storylines of Virginia Tech’s spring camp. With head coach Brent Pry’s endorsement, Devin Alves is proving that sometimes the most impactful players come from unexpected places. His story is not just about overcoming injuries and positional changes, but about making the most of every opportunity—a quality that defines true Hokies spirit.
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