Hokies coach James Franklin gets huge win as top 100 QB Peter Bourque commits
Virginia Tech waited and waited and waited. It spoke with other quarterbacks but the coaches made sure Peter Bourque knew they would not take another quarterback until his recruitment was over. It is now, and the Hokies do not need to look for another one.
Bourque, the top 100 quarterback from Marion (Mass.) Tabor Academy, announced his commitment to Virginia Tech, ending a protracted recruitment that became one of the biggest storylines in the spring. The one-time Michigan commit began taking a closer look in late January after the Wolverines fired coach Sherrone Moore. It led to his February decommitment, and a three-team focus of Georgia, Penn State and Virginia Tech.
His relationships with coach James Franklin, quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien and offensive coordinator Ty Howle were what put the Hokies over the top. "I have a great relationship with coach Danny, coach Franklin and those guys," Bourque said recently. "I have known them for a long time. They recruited me a lot when they were at Penn State and I like them a lot. They are going to do great at Virginia Tech."
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bourque took a multi-day visit to Virginia Tech built around the spring game. He already knew about the coaching staff from their days at Penn State, but he wanted to learn about the area, the school and how he would fit in the offense. The recruitment continued and O'Brien made several visits to Tabor, including two in January and two more in the spring. He and Howle were at Tabor on Tuesday to watch Bourque work out. They spoke with Bourque at length and also spent time with Bourque's dad.
"I am super close with Danny O'Brien and loved those guys at Penn State," Bourque said.
In winning the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year last season, Bourque completed 131 of 207 passes for 2,241 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also ran for 688 yards and 15 touchdowns on 80 attempts while leading Tabor to a 9-0 record in the NEPSAC Class B division. "He is one of the three best throwers in the country," Tabor coach Jeff Moore said. "He is one of the best runners of kids with elite arm talent. He has the ability to extend plays with his legs, he has the ability to run the ball in the QB run game and he's got a big, powerful frame where he can be sturdy in the pocket."
What makes this particularly fascinating is that Bourque's commitment creates an interesting quarterback room at Virginia Tech. Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer, who ended last season as the Nittany Lions' starter, has two years of eligibility remaining after this season. North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker will have three years left after the 2026 season and the Hokies signed Troy Huhn of San Marcos (Calif.) Mission Hills in December. The addition of Bourque adds to a highly competitive room, but also will give him time to learn under an experienced starter.
What many people don't realize is that Bourque's recruitment was a three-way battle between Georgia, Penn State and Virginia Tech. Florida and Miami were also in the mix, but both programs had its attention set on other highly-ranked quarterbacks. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a huge win for coach James Franklin and the Hokies. It shows that they can compete for top talent and build relationships that last.
One thing that immediately stands out is that Bourque's commitment is a testament to the Hokies' ability to build trust and relationships with recruits. His close relationship with O'Brien and Franklin, and his visits to Virginia Tech, show that he felt comfortable and confident in his decision. This is a huge step forward for the program and a sign that the Hokies are on the right track.
A detail that I find especially interesting is that Bourque's commitment also highlights the importance of quarterbacks coaches. O'Brien's role in the recruitment and his relationship with Bourque are crucial to the Hokies' success. This is a trend that we are seeing across college football, where quarterbacks coaches are becoming increasingly important in the recruitment and development of top talent.
What this really suggests is that the Hokies are building a strong foundation for the future. With Grunkemeyer, Baker and Huhn already on the roster, and Bourque joining the mix, the Hokies have a strong group of quarterbacks that can compete for a spot in the starting lineup. This is a positive sign for the program and a testament to the work of coach Franklin and his staff.
In my opinion, this commitment is a huge win for Virginia Tech and a sign that the program is on the rise. It shows that the Hokies can attract top talent and build relationships that last. I am excited to see how Bourque fits into the offense and how he develops under the guidance of coach Franklin and his staff. This is a positive development for the program and a sign that the Hokies are on the right track.
