BLACKSBURG, Va. - Texas A&M University-Commerce defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Xavier Adibi has been named to the 2021 class of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, as announced by his alma mater on Tuesday.

"When I first got the text message, I thought it was a joke. It is definitely an honor to just be associated with this group," Adibi said. "The memories coming back from my time at Tech have been unbelievable, just the thoughts of going through the tunnel, entering Lane Stadium, hearing Enter Sandman. When I hear the music, I still get goosebumps to this day."

Adibi is one of many in a long line of great Virginia Tech defensive backs, earning All-America honors and All-ACC recognition during an illustrious career from 2003-07. He became just the second linebacker in program history to earn All-America honors when he accomplished the feat as a senior following the 2007 season.

Adibi led the Hokies that fall with 115 tackles, including a team-best 12 for a loss. He also added three sacks and two interceptions on his way to earning first team All-ACC recognition. Behind him, Tech finished near the top of the ACC in virtually every defensive category that season, which was highlighted by a 30-16 win over No. 12 Boston College in the 2007 ACC championship game.

A two-time All-ACC pick, Adibi earned second team distinction in 2006 after finishing second on the team with 82 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, three sacks and three interceptions. The Hampton, Va., product started the final 40 games of his career, and he finished his career with 291 tackles, including 30 for a loss and 11 sacks.

Adibi was a fourth-round draft pick (118th overall) by the Houston Texans in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played five seasons in the NFL – Houston (2008-10), Minnesota (2011) and Tennessee (2012). He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in apparel, housing and resource management.

Adibi enters his third year and second full playing season as the Lions' defensive coordinator in 2021. Adibi's defensive unit was one of the best in the Lone Star Conference in 2019, leading the league in sacks per game and finishing in the top two in total defense, passing yards allowed, rushing defense, red zone defense, defensive touchdowns, and tackles for loss. Safety Dominique Ramsey was named a first team All-American, and the defense earned four all-region and seven all-LSC honors.

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