BLACKSBURG – Taking the next step in their respective careers, four former Virginia Tech football players are closer to fulfilling their dream of playing in the NFL.
Following the NFL Draft this past weekend, two Hokies signed as free agents, including defensive tackle Pheldarius Payne inking with the Houston Texans, while fellow defensive tackle Norell Pollard did the same with the Washington Commanders. Both will compete at each teams' rookie minicamp May 10-13.
Two other Hokies will be participating in rookie minicamp, too, as defensive tackle Mario Kendricks was invited to the Kansas City Chiefs' camp and will go at it this weekend, while receiver and returner Cole Beck was extended an invite to both the New York Jets (May 3-6) and Atlanta Falcons (May 10-13).
There are two weekends NFL teams can conduct their rookie minicamps, with those dates taking place May 3-6 and May 10-13. Mandatory minicamp is the following month and takes places between two dates, as well (June 4-6; June 11-13). For more information on the NFL offseason key dates.
Payne played in 13 games for the Hokies last season, making two starts. The Portsmouth, Virginia native tallied 31 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss. Payne registered four sacks, five quarterback hurries and forced a fumble.
Pollard played in 61 career games for Tech over the last five seasons, making 48 starts. He recorded 118 career tackles, including 12 sacks. The Apopka, Florida product also had 19 career quarterback hurries to go along with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Kendricks started 20 of the 56 games he played in for the Hokies over the past five seasons. He registered 67 career tackles, including seven sacks. The Kissimmee, Florida native also had eight quarterback hurries and three breakups in his career.
Beck played in 14 career games, making his mark on special teams in 2022 and 2023. The speedster, who had a decorated track career for the Hokies, averaged just over 22 yards per kick return the last two seasons and also made two special teams tackles.