Virginia Tech Football: Hokies Secure Commitment from Three-Star CB Zaevion Cleveland, Second Green Run Player in 2026 Class
The pipeline from Green Run High School to Virginia Tech continues to flourish, with the Hokies securing their fifth commitment for the 2026 class. Zaevion Cleveland, a standout cornerback from the 757 area, is the latest to join the Hokies, following in the footsteps of his teammate, EDGE Kameron Johnson. Cleveland made the announcement on his Instagram Sunday.
He’ll be joining other recent commitments, including LB Joshua Pittman (Kings Fork), DL Kamdon Gillespie (Mooresville), OT Buddy Wedgam (Woodberry Forest), and Will Love (Spartanburg), as Virginia Tech builds its future roster.
Cleveland is a highly regarded three-star cornerback in the 2026 class. He’ll have familiar faces in the locker room, including Keylen “Brodie” Adams, Knahlij Harrell, and Zeke Chinwike, all of whom are part of Virginia Tech’s recent recruiting efforts.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Cleveland’s length provides him with versatility in the secondary. He’s often asked to cover in man-to-man situations, where he holds his own. His height, paired with his ball skills, makes him a constant threat—though he can sometimes get caught up in one-on-one matchups.
However, his potential shines in other areas. Cleveland has consistently shown strong zone coverage skills, making him a candidate to excel for the Hokies in this role. Should Virginia Tech decide to move him from cornerback to safety, his ability to track the ball and cover ground quickly could make him an effective free safety.
His tape demonstrates his top-tier speed and ability to recover quickly on deep passes, making him difficult to beat downfield. His size and athleticism also make him a formidable presence, particularly in coverage against mid-to-deep throws. Additionally, his offensive tape as a wide receiver showcases his overall athleticism, providing context to his ability to score pick-sixes during his junior season.
Kameron Johnson, Cleveland’s future teammate, spoke highly of his commitment to Virginia Tech. He praised the family-like atmosphere in Blacksburg, noting, “It felt like a family barbeque. I’ve got like five teammates up there, so it’s really home now.” Johnson also highlighted the impact of new defensive coordinator Sam Seifkes, stating, “He implemented a lot of things that the league does, so it’s going to prepare me for when I get to the NFL.”
While Cleveland has yet to comment publicly on his commitment, it’s clear that Virginia Tech’s success with Green Run players is having a significant impact on its recruiting efforts.
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