2022 LB Edwin Wilson Tara Kolenge discusses Recruitment and Virginia Tech

The Hokies became one of eight teams to make the final list in the recruitment of 2022 LB Edwin Wilson Tara Kolenge back in February. Alongside others like Syracuse, Nebraska, Boston College, West Virginia, and Indiana, the Hokies are looking to add another commit to their 2022 class.

Highlighting "exposure" as one of the main factors for leaving his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Edwin found himself coming to the United States to pursue his dream of playing football at a higher level. He wound up in Clearwater, Florida attending the Clearwater Academy International, where he now stays with a host family while he attends the academy. Edwin made it clear how well this move has been for him with his booming recruitment and how he has been able to interact with other international students hoping to achieve similar dreams as him.

"It is nice because there is a lot of other Canadians down here, so it is nice", says Kolenge.

The recruitment process for Edwin has been going great thus far, with him recently dropping his Top 8 schools. He says that the schools that have been recruiting him the hardest have been Virginia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse, West Virginia, and Howard. And with his only college visit so far being Indiana, Edwin has made plans to make official visits this summer to other schools on his Top 8 list. One thing remains certain though with the 2022 prospect, and that is attending a school with great academics.

"I want to study Mechanical Engineering", stated Kolenge when talking about factors in his college decision.

He says that he is very interested in Virginia Tech's high-rated Engineering College, and that is why they are in the running for his commitment. This clear vision for academics has mixed well with the Virginia Tech coaching staff as they push for the commitment of Edwin.

Edwin elaborated on this with, "It is great. I know almost the whole coaching staff and I speak frequently with [Linebackers Coach] Jack Tyler. He is my guy".

The pair talks about everything whether it be football or day-to-day experiences. Edwin said that sometimes Coach Tyler will even check up on him out-of-the-blue to make sure he is doing alright and to share a conversation with him. The relationship between the coaching staff and Edwin seem to be going great.

When discussing his most recent season, Edwin made it known that his team's 3-6 final record was not reflective of the goals the team had hoped for. For next season, the Clearwater Academy International Knights are aiming at a state championship. Edwin has pledged that he wants to do everything he can next year to help his team achieve this level.

"For me, I want to enjoy my last high of high school. Also, I want to have fun [on the field] and go be great with my football team and win the state championship. Also, I want to go out and destroy the league", explained Kolenge.

His close relationship with Head Coach Jesse Chinchar of Clearwater Academy International and his teammate WR Dylan Djete have helped him heighten his game and his recruitment.

When he isn't on the field or in the weight room, Edwin likes to expand his cooking skills and read books. He says he loves to try out new pasta dishes, but prefers cooking spaghetti above all. And in terms of music, Edwin's favorite song at the time is "See Red" by Pooh Shiesty for pregame listens.

Currently, Edwin Wilson Tara Kolenge sits at a .8756 rating, according to 247 Sports. And his current measurements sit at 6-3 and 3/4 for height and 227 for his weight. On the field, Edwin has shown himself to be an important asset to his team. He shows great ability to penetrate the backfield and to make clean, disruptive tackles against opposing players. Gaining a commitment from this Montreal native would be an amazing get for the Virginia Tech Football Program, and would help set a standard for the 2022 class.