Texas Football: 3 NCAA Transfer Portal S Longhorns targets

Maybe the most proven former three-star safety recruit that is in the transfer portal now and remains uncommitted is the Virginia Tech Hokies rising senior Khalil Ladler. This 5-foot-11 and 190 pound standout made a big impact for Virginia Tech and former defensive coordinator Bud Foster when he got the most playing time of his career thus far, which came during the 2018 season.

In his three-year career at Virginia Tech, Ladler racked up 95 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. That 2018 season saw him post career-highs in most significant stat categories when he registered 66 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles.

Limited playing time and injuries held Ladler to playing in bits and pieces of 14 games in the 2017 and 2019 seasons. He also tore his ACL during his senior season at IMG Academy, which reportedly (247Sports) caused a lot of his previous suitors including the Miami Hurricanes, and LSU Tigers, to back off their offers to him.

What caused the lack in role and playing time last season for Ladler was a slight adaption in secondary schemes by the Virginia Tech coaching staff, and Chamarri Conner beating him out for the starting role. Conner was arguably the biggest breakthrough of any defensive player for the Hokies last season. In effect, Ladler became one of the more skilled and proven safeties in the transfer portal this offseason.