Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The return of wide receiver Ali Jennings this season is an exciting breath of fresh air into Tech’s passing attack. After a leg injury tabled what promised to be a productive first year with the Hokies, Jennings has now become a key component in quarterback Kyron Drones’ passing game, as the Hokies sit at 2-1 thanks to his playmaking ability on offense. Tech fans can watch Jennings in action when the Hokies welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to Blacksburg on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on ACC Network.
Jennings first garnered national attention as a wide receiver at Old Dominion, where his 54 catches for 959 yards earned him All Sun-Belt First Team recognition in 2022. In the same season, Jennings was third in the country with 106.6 yards per game and led the Sun Belt conference with nine touchdowns. The Richmond, Virginia native gave fans a glimpse of what he could do in the 2023 season opener against his alma mater, hauling in five catches for 72 yards alongside a pair of touchdowns.
What makes Jennings so enticing is his ability to corral the long ball. Through three games this season, Jennings has posted an impressive 82.1 Pro Football Focus receiver grade when catching passes of over 20 yards. Jennings also offers unique versatility, which allows wide receivers coach Fontel Mines and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen to utilize him in more ways than one.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wideout has already provided fans with a good look at what he brings to the field this season. Against Vanderbilt in the season opener, Jennings demonstrated his ability to make big plays on a 62-yard touchdown, using his elite quickness to zip past the Commodore defenders and create massive separation. Jennings’ 117 yards this season only trail fellow graduate students Jaylin Lane (209) and Stephen Gosnell (147).