Hurricane Helene forces three-star Virginia QB commit Ely Hamrick to transfer mid-season

Three-star quarterback Ely Hamrick is a key prospect in the Virginia Cavaliers' 2026 recruiting class. Having transferred to Reynolds High School during the off-season from IMG Academy White, the quarterback's journey took an unexpected turn due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Hamrick will transfer from Reynolds to Crest High School due to the challenges faced by mountain schools in the aftermath of the hurricane. On Wednesday morning, he announced the news on X, tagging Reynolds head coach Shane Laws:

"Due to hurricane Helene I have transferred to Crest high school. I want to thank @CoachShaneLaws for everything that he has done for me; it made a huge difference. I also want to thank Coach Lloyd and the entire coaching staff for this opportunity! #GoHoos ⚔️."

Hamrick’s move to Crest comes as the Chargers, standing at 4-1 in the Big South 3A conference, are preparing for their upcoming match against North Gaston this Friday. Crest’s only loss this season was a narrow 27-26 defeat against South Point last Friday night.

Hamrick confirmed his eligibility to the Citizen Times, saying that he is ready to contribute immediately to Crest’s success. With him now on the roster, the Chargers look to build momentum as they gear up for a series of important games, including matchups against Forestview (Oct. 18), Huss (Oct. 25), and Kings Mountain (Nov. 1).

Ely Hamrick committed to Virginia last month over scholarship offers from college programs like Kentucky, Appalachian State, Charlotte and East Carolina.

Ely Hamrick's athletic profile

Through the first five games of the season, Ely Hamrick threw for 847 yards and seven touchdowns against just one interception, while also rushing for 141 yards and scoring two touchdowns. In Reynolds' 51-21 win against Shelby in Week 2, he recorded 371 yards and two touchdowns.

In his sophomore season with IMG White, Hamrick led his school to a 9-1 record. He completed 59% of his passes for 1,244 yards and 18 touchdowns on the way to the program's Sunshine State Independent Association state title.

Hamrick remains unranked by On3, 247 Sports, and ESPN, but Rivals places him as the No. 24 prospect in North Carolina.

Ely Hamrick's father, Ryan Hamrick, was a key player for Crest High School’s first NCHSAA state championship team in the 1990s. Ryan alternated between quarterback and wide receiver in high school and then walked on at NC State, leading him to earn a scholarship.