You will have problems if the reel seat is too big for the blank. You will have problems if you use other than a fuji deluxe seat for a VS. Yes feel in hand is another factor but feel in hand goes along with what blank its on.
Building the 11 footer at the same time as the 10 footer. That's a good way to apply what you learn. If I were you though , I would at least have the other rod a full week behind the class rod. That way after you do something on the class rod , I get to check it out and correct any errors before you repeat them on the second rod. Feel free to bounce your 11 foot rod selection etc off of me for suggestions. Its a different blank and therefore a different build , most of the details will change some but the basic steps in building it will be the same.
So it sounds like Chris is psyched to build rods now!!!