Gary Goff has hit Lake Charles running.

In his first full week on the job, the new McNeese State football coach has filled his biggest need.

Friday Goff signed quarterback Knox Kadum from the transfer portal. Kadum is a sophomore who was a backup the last two seasons at Power 5 Virginia Tech of the Atlantic Coast Conference. 

Originally committed to James Madison out of high school, the Rome, Ga., native played a limited role for the Hokies. 

According to sources, Kadum made a formal visit to McNeese Thursday, signing Friday morning. He officially entered the transfer portal December 1 after Virginia Tech made a coaching change.

Over his two seasons at Virginia Tech, Kadum was 16 of 30 for 219 yards and an interception. He also ran for 41 yards but is considered more of a pocket passer.

The 6-foot, 3-inch, 185-pound Kadum has three years of eligibility remaining and will start school Monday at McNeese when the spring semester begins. During his high school career in Georgia Kadum won two state championships and numerous state individual honors.

“Knox is a very good athlete who has a big arm,” said Goff. “We are excited to have him join the program.

“He is a guy who really loves football and will give us more talent in our quarterback room. He is also a somebody who wants to be the guy.”

Kadum is expected to compete for playing time with redshirt sophomore Cade Bartlett and a pair of redshirt freshmen Dillon Simon and Devon Tott. Senior Walker Wood, who moved to wide receiver last fall, could also be in the mix.

Finding experience to replace 3-year starter Cody Orgeron was a top priority of Goff’s heading into the offseason. Orgeron took every meaningful snap during the 18 games of the spring and fall seasons in 2021.  

Goff filled another trouble spot by getting a commitment from kicker CJ Moya from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. The Cowboys were dreadful in the kicking game last year. 

Moya made the announcement on his twitter site earlier in the week.

Moya played two years at Hutchinson, hitting on 8 of 13 field goal tries including a long of 39 yards. He was also 85 of 88 in extra point tries.

The Cowboys used four kickers last season and were just 5-for-11 on field goal tries, all coming from within 39 yards.  

Goff is also bringing with him from Valdosta State a young offensive lineman. Six-foot, three, 297-pound sophomore Richard LeClair will also be a member of the Cowboys moving forward. 

LeClair was a starter on the Blazers’ line, helping VSU to the Division II national title game.

“He is big and strong and has very good feet,” Goff said of LeClair. “He is going to add some depth on that line. He also knows our offense and what we want to do.”

Goff added that he hopes to sign a few more players before the weekend is done, including a pair of safeties.

“You never know with this portal thing until they actually sign,” said Goff. 

He also has one more spot on his coaching staff to add but said he is likely to not fill that spot until after the next national signing day in February.