Surprise: Virginia Tech lands South Carolina transfer days before season opener

The Virginia Tech Hokies received some unexpected help ahead of Saturday's season opener against the VMI Keydets. On Tuesday, former South Carolina defensive back DQ Smith signed with the Hokies after being granted a temporary restraining order in a Louisiana court last month.

Smith played four seasons at South Carolina, finishing his time with the Gamecocks by appearing in 48 games — 45 starts — and recording 228 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, five interceptions and 11 passes defended. The native of Columbia, South Carolina, entered the transfer portal on Aug. 23 and was tied for the team lead in tackles last season.

Smith brings plenty of experience to an already experienced secondary.

Smith joins a safety room with Quentin Reddish, Tyson Flowers, Sheldon Robinson, Sherrod Covil, and Jordan Bass. He's expected to contribute immediately, as he was at practice on Tuesday.

The Hokies could sign Smith because he never signed an NFL contract. He attended an NFL tryout with the Minnesota Vikings but was never signed. The situation is similar to former JMU linebacker Trent Hendrick, whom the Hokies pursued, but he signed with his former college coach, Bob Chesney, at UCLA.

Head coach James Franklin was recently asked about adding players who had initially had expired eligibility and said he was always open to finding ways to improve his team.