Luther Maddy Brings Air Of Confidence To ACC Kickoff Weekend

GREENSBORO, NC — Virginia Tech defensive tackle Luther Maddy looked uncomfortable at the ACC Kickoff Weekend interview table.

When he spoke about his final team in Blacksburg, Maddy's confidence glowed through a soft-spoken demeanor.

He repeatedly praised the team's secondary in his media session. Then, he went one further.

"I think it's the best secondary in the country," he said before mention of a second-weekend matchup with Ohio State. "It would be good for the ACC and our team . . . .I think we're going to pull out that game. I think we'll win."

He cited himself as a leader of the defense in his senior season.

Maddy believes Coach Frank Beamer's emphasis that the little things are what will help the Hokies in close games.

"I can't put my hand on what's changed," he said. "I just know what we need to do."

The 6-foot-1, 291-pound lineman expressed confidence in more than just the secondary.

New linebackers? They all know the game, he said.

Smaller front seven?

"We have a real fast defensive line," Maddy explained. "You'll see us in the backfield a lot, a lot, a lot."

He noted no new implementations in the defense to accommodate the smaller line. Although, he hinted at last year's game against Pittsburgh for a minor tweak to this year's strategy.

Dadi Nicolas spent time as a stand-up rusher during that game.

Maddy said the team has used a bit of the formation in spring.

On the other side of the ball, the Florida native didn't express any concern despite admitting, "we need to find out who the quarterback is so we can get going."

When prompted to name a possible standout in 2014-15, he pointed to freshman tailback Marshawn Williams.

"The running game has gotten a lot better," Maddy relayed "(Williams) shows a lot of star potential when i watch him play."

Two consecutive down years haven't gone unnoticed by the 2013-14 third-team all-ACC player.

He can easily sympathize with the fans.

"If it was me, I'd be disappointed," he said.

The words resounded infinitely louder than Maddy's voice.

He succinctly answered the media swarm's questions. For the fall of 2014, the newfound leader is a company man.

What's more, Maddy alluded to the fact the rest of the team is too.

"I think it has to do with leadership," he said. "These guys understand we're not where we need to be.

"Last year after practice, I might see a couple guys staying after to get some work in. Nearly half the team is getting extra workouts. It gives me a lot of confidence."