When Matt Moore was hired as Virginia Tech‘s offensive line coach in the offseason, it had major implications for Washington (D.C.) St. John’s offensive lineman Adrian Hamilton. Hamilton’s first offer was from West Virginia, which is where Moore was coaching. The Hokies offered in February 2024, and Hamilton began building a relationship with coach Brent Pry.
So when Moore joined Pry’s staff and put Hamilton high on the offensive lineman recruiting board, the Hokies were in a very good spot that ended with his commitment.
The 6-foot-2 1/2, 290-pound Hamilton, who was recruited to play center, committed to the Hokies on Saturday.
“It came down to relationships,” he said. “I felt like I built a great relationship with Virginia Tech, and all the coaches there. They have been recruiting me since my freshman year going into my sophomore year, and I really built a strong relationship with (assistant) coach (Elijah) Brooks, coach Moore, coach Pry.
“I had a good relationship with UVA and with Michigan State. But the relationship I had with Virginia Tech was a really special one.”
Hamilton committed to the Hokies shortly after his June 20-22 official visit but waited to announce decision so he could celebrate it with family.
“The feeling I’ve always had when I am in Blacksburg, it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s a great town. Everyone there is good people. They really care about everyone there, especially with coach Pry.
“He’s a very authentic person. He’s very impressive to be around and he cares a lot about the players and treats them like his son.”
Moore, who already had a relationship with Hamilton from West Virginia, was another important part of the equation.
“Coach Moore is a great person, and a great family guy,” Hamilton said. “He gets a lot of players involved and he treats them like they are his own family. He’s a great genuine person, and I felt that way since he’s been recruiting since my sophomore year.”
Hamilton said one of the motivating parts about going to Virginia Tech is helping rebuild the program.
“I see a great program and they are building something really good, and they can get back to what they used to be in a few years,” he said. “That is what they really want to be, and when I talked to coach Pry about that, he said they want to get back to being the powerhouse they used to be, and I can see them doing it.”
Here is what you need to know:
WHAT ADRIAN HAMILTON SAYS ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
“I get a feeling like I am home,” he said. “Everyone there is a great person. Nice, kind and it’s a small town so everybody knows each other. Everybody is close. Everybody supports Virginia Tech. Nobody is bad. Everything has a good vibe. It’s homey.”
WHO ELSE WAS IN THE MIX?
Hamilton made official visits to Michigan State, Virginia and Virginia Tech. At various times each seemed to be in strong contention for his commitment.
However, the Hokies were able to gain separation thanks to the feel that Hamilton got while on campus not only during his official visit but also on a spring unofficial.
WHERE ADRIAN HAMILTON RANKS AS A RECRUIT
Hamilton has a 247Sports grade of 87, which makes the nation’s No. 67 interior offensive lineman and District of Columbia’s No. 5 player. In the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, Hamilton is the nation’s No. 86 interior offensive lineman and D.C.’s No. 5 player for the 2026 class.
HOW ADRIAN HAMILTON FITS WITH VIRGINIA TECH
Hamilton is the second offensive lineman to commit to Virginia Tech in three days. Four-star offensive tackle Thomas Wilder of Virginia Beach (Va.) Green Run committed to the Hokies Thursday. The Hokies have nine commitments, and four are offensive lineman.
In addition to Wilder and Hamilton, Woodberry Forest (Va.) School offensive tackle Buddy Wegdam and Leland (N.C.) North Brunswick offensive tackle Tyrell Simpson are committed to the Hokies.
