#8 Virginia Tech Hokies

(R.I.P.)

The Virginia Tech Hokies had one of the top defenses in the country last year; this will again be the case this season. The Hokies have been lead by their defense before, but if they want to be considered one of the very best then their offense will also have to step up.

They have some capable guys on offense, but did have a key player go out for the year due to injury.

Let’s take a look at what the Hokies need to do to be considered one of the nation’s elite…

Ok, let’s face the facts; VT is not as good of a team without star running back Darren Evans who is out for the season. He will be a handful to replace and their offense is not as good without him. The Hokies have to move on from this and be effective without him.

The main cog in this offense is QB Tyrod Taylor. He is a dual threat QB who has shown that he can run the ball very effectively. Passing wise he leaves a lot to be desired. Last season he threw 7 interceptions and only 2 touchdowns.

The Hokies are a run first offense, and with the right players are very effective. But without Evans, Taylor is really going to have to step up. Taylor will need to create some sort of passing game to keep the defense at bay whilst they find someone to replace Evans.

Jarrett Boykin, and Danny Coale will be the top targets for Taylor at WR, they need to make improvements and get open to help Taylor stay out of trouble. At TE they also have some talent in Greg Boone.

Now we can look at the better half of this team.

Virginia Tech’s defense is capable of stopping anyone. Last season they were the 7th best defense in college football and this year they are not planning on taking a step backwards.

LB Purnell Sturdivant will be missed, as will dual threat CB/WR and one of my favorite players Victor “Macho” Harris. Defensive end Orion Martin is also gone.

Jason Worilds will be replacing Martin on the front line, and has showed that he can do the job. Worilds had a great season last year recording 21 QB hurries and two forced fumbles. He is a monster up front and will require a double team at times.

Cam Martin will be the LB needing to step up this season, he we be joined by Cody Grimm to form a very nice combo at whip LB. Grimm led the team in tackles last season.

Stephan Virgil will replace Macho Harris at boundary corner, Virgil has talent for days. He led the team in picks last season and also recorded a blocked punt. Virgil will be spearheading a very dangerous secondary.
Kam Chancellor will be helping Virgil in the secondary; Chancellor is a returning starter and will be bringing a lot of experience to the table.


Key Players: Tyrod Taylor, Stephan Virgil, Cody Grimm

Projected Record: 9-3 (tough schedule)

Key Matchups: Sept 5th Alabama, Sept 19th Nebraska, Oct 17th Georgia Tech, Oct 29th North Carolina…also Miami and East Carolina


(vthokiefan195)


(number1hokie13)


(draftwarriors)

Stats and info from ESPN, collegesports-fan, hokiesports(great site)