The Hokies bagged a big commitment Sunday when JUCO All-American linebacker James Griffin verbaled to Virginia Tech. Griffin (6-2, 195, 4.5 forty) had over 70 tackles and 40 QB pressures this season for Pasadena City College.

Griffin said one of the main reasons he chose the Hokies was because his best friend from high school and Pasadena, defensive tackle Jimmy Williams, is already on board with the Hokies.

Griffin is a great closer and a great hitter, and he will enroll at VT in January and participate in spring drills. Griffin is being targeted for the rover position at Tech, and his commitment leaves the Hokies in good shape at that position heading into spring drills. Tech recently received a commitment from Hargrave Military Academy's Corey Gordon, also a prime rover candidate. Griffin will have two years of eligibility, and Gordon will have four. Their arrival will help overcome the loss of Billy Hardee to graduation and the uncertainty surrounding Michael Crawford and his lymphoma condition.

Griffin's commitment is a great early Christmas present for the Hokie coaching staff and fans, and he figures to be a key cog in the Virginia Tech defense for the next couple of years. He is Tech's 16th commitment for the 2003 recruiting class.

For Griffin's comments on his commitment, please check out our TSL Extra update.