North Carolina Central football coach Trei Oliver recently shared an unusual experience he had while coaching on the sidelines. Last season, Oliver noticed a Virginia Tech assistant coach trying to recruit one of his standout players during a game. This alleged attempt to recruit a running back was seen as a push to get the player to enter the transfer portal.
Oliver recounted the incident, saying, “Virginia Tech was actually on my sideline recruiting our running back,” according to WRAL News. He found the move audacious and couldn’t believe it happened. Although he didn’t reveal the player’s name, the running back he’s referring to later transferred to Virginia.
Running back J’Mari Taylor, who made a name for himself with first-team All-MEAC honors at NCCU, is now on the roster at UVA. Oliver seemed to understand the assistant coach’s intentions at the time. “I knew what it was,” he stated, hinting at the recruiting effort.
Virginia Tech responded to these allegations with a statement, asserting they were unaware of the situation until Oliver brought it up. They expressed a firm commitment to NCAA rules and planned to investigate the claims. “This is the first time the issue has been brought to our attention,” they said, emphasizing their dedication to integrity.
The Hokies also mentioned their plan to review the situation internally. They assured they would address any findings properly. Meanwhile, Oliver remains supportive of his former player at UVA.
Looking ahead to the future, Oliver is already excited about a particular game on the calendar. When Virginia Tech plays at Charlottesville on November 29, 2025, he plans to cheer for the Cavaliers. His confidence in UVA’s performance is clear.
Oliver was quoted saying, “Thank God he went to UVA,” showing his support for the player’s decision. He also confidently predicted, “UVA is going to beat the smoke out of them other folks.” The coach’s remarks reflect his unwavering belief in his former player’s new team.
Chantz Martin, a sports writer for Fox News Digital, covered this intriguing sports story. The situation shines a light on the competitive world of college football recruiting. Fox News Digital continues to follow these developments closely.
