The state's top-ranked senior quarterback has decided where he'll take his talents next year.
St. Thomas More's Cole Bergeron, who verbally committed to Virginia Tech on Thursday, was also the top uncommitted quarterback in the country, according to Rivals recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman.
"I've known ever since I went up there in June and got to bond with the players and coaching staff at dinner," said the 6-foot-4½, 215-pounder, who is ranked as the No. 19 player in Louisiana.
"I knew they were great people from the start. I've always known about (Hokies coach Brent) Pry's family. He has family here in Lafayette. His brother used to coach here at the school. My dad knows him really well."
Bergeron, who chose the Hokies over Colorado and Georgia Tech, took an unofficial visit during the summer. He'll visit officially this season and is leaning toward the home opener against Vanderbilt on Sept. 6.
"When I went up to Blacksburg, I met coach (Brian) Christ and coach (Philip) Montgomery," Bergeron said of the Hokies quarterbacks coach and the offensive coordinator. "They're great people who know what they're doing. They showed me I was a priority."
The Virginia Tech staff did a deep dive when it came to the due diligence conducted on Bergeron, taking a similar approach as the NFL's pre-draft research.
"They called people down here," Bergeron said. "They called coaches down here. They wanted to know, 'Who is this guy?' "
The Hokies loved what they heard about Bergeron, who led STM to the District 4-4A title and a quarterfinal appearance against state champion Edna Kar.
"They knew I was the guy they wanted in their locker room," he said. "That's really exciting. Ever since I left there (on the unofficial visit), they've told me I was their priority. They said that I was their guy.
Bergeron, likewise, did his research on Virginia Tech and came away impressed with the fan base, campus and program. With a population of 45,000, Blacksburg has a rural feel and an elevation above 2,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The closest city, Roanoke (population 97,000), is located an hour away.
"They're famous for their 'Enter Sandman' walkout," Bergeron said of Virginia Tech's pregame ritual, set to the backdrop of the famous song by the hard rock band Metallica.
"It's definitely electric at Lane Stadium. They have a great fan base that shows out. They'll pack the stadium for any game, no matter the opponent or time of day. I love that."
Bergeron and the Cougars overcame a slow start in 2024 by winning eight straight games until the quarterfinals, where they held an early 14-0 lead. He passed for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while earning first team all-district honors.
"We have the same tough schedule," he said. "Obviously, none of us were satisfied (with last year's results). We put our heads down in December and went to work every day. This team is taking it very seriously, which is good. We're coming along as one. I think this year, you'll see a different outcome."
Bergeron greatly reduced his previous time of 4.7-to-4.8 in the 40-yard dash. This summer, he ran a 4.51 and a 4.57 in the Silver Cougar Testing Session for a 4.54 average, good for fourth-best on the team.
"It takes a lot of extra work," he said of the speed increase. "Twice a week, right after team workouts, I would train with Tyler Harrington. We worked on speed, agility, explosion and the 40-yard dash. I've worked with him for years — since the eighth grade. He helped put me where I am today."