Most times, the NCAA transfer database taketh, especially as it pertained to Virginia Tech’s roster for most of this month. In this particular case, though, it’s looking as if the infamous portal will giveth.
In a span of 24 hours or so a week ago (HERE, HERE and HERE), four Hokie football players, including Deshawn McClease, entered their respective names into the transfer database. As we have consistently noted throughout the Rise of the Portal Machine, a player entering the database doesn’t necessarily mean he is definitely transferring as he could always pull his name out and remain at his current school.
While there’s nothing definitive, that appears to be the case with McClease as 247Sports.com, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, is reporting that the running back has undergone a change of heart and will return to the Hokies for the 2019 season. “McClease is expected to remove his name from the NCAA Transfer Portal in the near future, possibly as soon as [Wednesday],” the website wrote.
Especially given the roster attrition, McClease’s return to Blacksburg would be a welcome one.
This past season, McClease was second on the Hokies in rushing with 433 yards and tied for third with a pair of rushing touchdowns. The year before, his 530 yards on the ground were tops on the team.
Including the 2019 season, McClease, who has already graduated from Tech, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
