that he really wasn't interested in coming to Tech despite the family connection.

This is not unusual. Not sure why everyone assumes kids will follow in parents' footsteps.

I grew up in a Penn State family that knew nothing of VT. I picked VT. Zero regrets.

My daughter grew up in a VT family (probably as VT a family as you can find) and had next to no interest in going to VT...and didn't, and I 100% agree with her decision (and, in fact, would strongly discouraged her from going to VT).