Appomattox Raiders senior football player Jonathan Pennix will be the wearing the Burnt Orange and Chicago Maroon uniform colors of the Virginia Tech Hokies beginning in the fall of 2023.

Pennix made the announcement tonight at the Appomattox County High School gymnasium at the conclusion of the Raiders' Senior Night volleyball win over Dan River.

Cupcakes displaying small signs of his prospective universities (including Virginia, Boston College, Penn State and others) were lined up on a table. Pennix teased the home crowd when he picked up the Penn State cupcake but then laid it aside a few seconds later. After looking at the other cupcakes and moving them out of the way, a large cake was brought to the table, which when revealed was decorated in a Virginia Tech design as Pennix made the announcement.

Many fans and fellow students erupted in cheers when the Hokies were revealed, an expected reaction due to Virginia Tech's relatively close proximity to Appomattox.

Pennix said he chose the Hokies in large part because they felt like "family" and "home" to him, as well as his admiration for first-year head coach Brent Pry.

Pennix, who plays halfback and cornerback for the Raiders, said the Hokies recruited him as an "Athlete" which means he can play multiple positions. He said the Hokies' early plans are to use him as an offensive weapon, quite possibly as a slot receiver.

Find out more in the upcoming Oct. 19 issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Pick up a copy or subscribe at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to view the full article in the e-edition version.