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[dougroberson]

Roberts chooses Hokies

By Jason Jordan
jjordan@dailypress.com | 247-4648

SMITHFIELD - Dyrell Roberts sat down Monday evening with a pen and a notebook and wrote down the names of two schools -

Virginia Tech and Penn State.

A visit to State College, Pa. last Friday knocked Virginia out of the three-man race for Smithfield High’s all-purpose offensive threat by process of elimination, and as he listed the pros and cons of the final two contenders, Roberts began to worry if the decision would ever become clear.

But just after midnight on Tuesday, the Hokies won out over Nittany Lions when he factored in the "gut feeling."

"It was very close, but I had to go with my gut," he said. "When all was said and done it came down to the positions they wanted me to play and the playing time that would be available."

Penn State wanted Roberts, a senior, to play running back and Tech envisioned him as a receiver.

Roberts, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 188 pounds, currently plays both for the Packers along with defensive back.

But on Sunday, Roberts learned that Brandon Beachum, a senior running back from Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio, committed to Penn State.

"There aren’t too many schools that run a four-back set, with four different backs," Roberts said. "But at receiver you can run four or five sets, and at Tech that’s almost the base formation. And Tech also has four starters graduating, so it was that and the atmosphere there at Tech. I’ve got friends like Tyrod (Taylor) there too. It was just a lot of things that started adding up when I really got down to listing things."

Last season, Roberts was named to the Daily Press' first-team and second-team all-state after posting 997 rushing yards, 356 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns, eight interceptions and leading the Packers to an 8-3 record.

He’s been an important reason why the Packers turned their program around, going 16-6 over the last two years after finishing 1-9 in 2004 without Roberts.

That’s the type of impact Rivals.com recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said that Roberts could have at Tech.

"I don't think there's any doubt he can make an impact at Virginia Tech," said Farrell, who rates Roberts as the No. 14 prospect in the state, which makes him the highest rated football prospect in the area. "The Hokies want athletes first and foremost and this kid is just that. He could impact on either side of the ball in college."

Now with the decision out of the way, Roberts is relieved that he can focus on his final season.

"I’ve been wanting to focus on my team, and I haven’t had time for that all summer," Roberts said. "I’ve been going here and there, but I’m relieved that it’s over. Honestly, I wish I could play for both schools because I liked them both so much, but in the end I had to go with my gut. It was the right decision for me and I’m very happy with it."

[Eyecandy]

Congratulations Prime Time you know who gave you this name first. Best Luck and keep your head in the game.

[cheermom]

Never Been Prouder Dyrell!!!!!

[ProudPackerDad]

Good luck to Dyrell Roberts at Virginia Tech. This young man is a class act. He should do well both athletically and academically with the Hokies. Tech is getting a good one here. But before the Hokies comes the Packers, it's time to get down to business. GO PACK!

[observer]

Congrats Dyrell. I am going to be at homecoming, no matter what.

[Packer Smithfield]

Good fit for Dyrell

Figured he'd go to VT. Good choice!