Hokie ClubVirginia Tech football has put in a tremendous amount of effort and dedication to earn its first bowl game appearance under Brent Pry.
Pry has mentioned numerous times throughout the 2023 season that the program's improvement begins in the Commonwealth by recruiting and developing players from the state of Virginia. Wide receiver Da'Quan Felton is a great example of a player.
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound wideout began his football career at Churchland High School. He entered the collegiate scene as a 3-star recruit after being named a first-team All-Region 4A receiver as a senior.
Felton went to Norfolk State to start his college career, and in 23 games as a Spartan, he recorded 67 receptions for 1,065 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. During his final season at Norfolk State, he led the team in every receiving statistical category.
He also tied for the third-longest reception among NCAA FCS receivers during the 2022 season on a 90-yard touchdown catch against James Madison.
On Nov. 21, 2022, Felton decided to enter the transfer portal. One month later, he made the jump from the FCS level and transferred to Virginia Tech.
In his first season in the maroon and orange, the redshirt senior now had the opportunity to showcase his ability against a higher level of competition.
"Resources, great competition and coaching" Felton reflected. "They all helped me become a better player."
When asked about the differences in programs since transferring, it's apparent the system in Blacksburg is working.
As a Hokie, Felton started all 12 regular season games and led Tech in receptions (38), receiving yards (667) and receiving touchdowns (8). Against tougher opponents and more talented defenses, he recorded career highs in yards and touchdowns, while matching his career-high in average yards per reception with 17.6.
"Creating separation on the deep ball and playing fast," Felton said were the areas he improved the most this season. This growth was certainly on display throughout the year, with season-longs of 84, 70, 62, 54, 42 and 39 yards.
Felton's big play ability was showcased by having three different games with two touchdown receptions and six contests with at least 81 receiving yards. As the year progressed, the Norfolk State transfer emerged as one of quarterback Kyron Drones' favorite downfield targets.
Their momentum has continued to build, and as a result, Felton earned Shrine Bowl offensive breakout player of the week honors for his performance in the season finale. In the 55-17 win over Virginia, on just three catches, he scored twice with 133 receiving yards.
Felton has made an impact on Tyler Bowen's offense, and he has another opportunity to shine in the Military Bowl against No. 23 Tulane. Playing in his first bowl game as a Power Five student-athlete is a significant accolade for the talented wideout.
"It feels great, honestly," Felton mentioned about playing in the Military Bowl. "And it's an even better feeling just being able to know that I helped my team get to a bowl game."
Tech will make its way to Annapolis, Maryland to play Tulane Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. ET. Fans interested in attending the Bowl game can find tickets on SeatGeek, the official secondary marketplace of Tech athletics.