Which Redshirt or True freshman do you most look forward to seeing in action next year?

Looking at all of the returning talent on defense I am excited about what the season holds, and I am equally as excited to see which redshirt and true freshman are ready to step in and lend a hand.
I feel like our D-line with all the starters returning will be a force to be reckoned with, and I also feel like our depth with the likes of Williams, Walker, and Baron will be solid. That being said I am quite curious to see what Vinny Mihota and Tim Settle bring to the tackle position.
As far as DE I am curious about Darius Fullwood, Trevon Hill, and Yosuah Nijman (If he plays there) I am hoping that Seth Dooley or Dewayne Alford can take a step forward also, but due to DT depth if not, I would not be surprised if Baron or Mihota were sent over to DE, but if they aren't I expect Melvin Keihn to stay and not return to LB.
Speaking of LB after Motuapuaka and Clark I am curious as to what McKinnon and Minor bring to the table, I feel like our depth here is also pretty solid, and some of the weaker teams we play should give us a chance to see what the future Defense will look like.
Safety and Cornerback concern me, I hope that Facyson can play alongside Fuller from start to finish this season, if not I cannot help but think Riley will be the other CB unless Mook Reynolds can outperform him which from his size seems doubtful, but I do think he sees the field, if mostly on special teams, I know as a highly touted 4 star that Clemson tried to steal away he is not bench material, and the fact he enrolled early only further proves this point.
Safety I believe Chuck Clark is the only player set in stone, I think Reavis will be beside him and Holland Fisher will be in a rover type role, but I could be completely wrong. But Reavis and Fisher will bring a lot to the table and Clark may be used as a 3rd corner, who knows what kind of good friendly violent fun Bud is scheming, but I am sure it will be extremely fun to watch with a whole summer to prepare for OSU and the talent returning and coming in, it looks like the injuries on D last year were a blessing is disguise for us and a nightmare in disguise for every team we face, not only are we fast and well coached, but also deep and talented, this gives me much hope!

For the Offense we need to start with the line, I believe Teller, Conte, and McLaughlin are good starting points and like most fans I believe Clark and Gallo will fill the other 2 holes, and being that our O-line coach will be in his 2nd year things should start to improve. I do not expect Billy Ray Mitchell, Wade Hansen, Colt Pettit, Braxton Pfaff and others to stand still and let this happen though we should be deep on first and second string, though I do not wish for any injuries!
The starting qb will have more than enough weapons at TE, WR, and RB aside from Ford, Phillips, Knowles, Hodges, Malleck, Williams, McKenzie, Edmunds, Coleman, Wright, Rodgers, and Caleb. The newcomers McMillian, Reid at RB, Bradshaw and Holland at WR, and Cline returning at TE and possibly Burke or Cunningham getting a shot means more weapons at all 3 positions that seem to be promising along with a better O-line.
QB is the biggest issue, Brewer is a tough starter that can win, but would be an awesome backup and to see him get challenged or beat in training camp would show hope that the QB position is doing better than thought. Like everyone else I am hoping Dwayne Lawson can be that guy, he is tall, fast, strong, good arm, and mobility you could not ask for more in a qb and if he is the real deal and can win I have a lot of hope for this team, if not, then I still believe we will win games due to our D and the weapons we do have on the offense.
I imagine Durkin can run the wild turkey, Ford can play if we have a good lead, and Motley if he was not too late in his college career could go to safety but at this point who knows, it'd be unfortunate but realistic to see him as another Leal unless he beats out Brewer and Lawson redshirts but according to his twitter page it appears Lawson has a chip on his shoulder after seeing himself written off as a project qb, all the more reason to hope he is more than advertised. I want to see Chris Durkin run the ball as an RB though haha.
Kicker I believe Hughes and Slye will give us good continuity as long as these freshman, like last years can contribute to special teams, and nothing I see seems to say otherwise. Santamaria I believe will be interesting to see what he can do, anyways Hokie nation give me your opinion, football is a ways away, it is Super Bowl Sunday almost and we have a bright future ahead with a lot of talent, tell me who you are excited to see next year play and who you have high hopes for, I think we can get a fun discussion going! =D

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Comments

I think Greg Stroman sees time at WR due to the loss of Josh Stanford and also Adonis Williamson and Jahque Alleyne in our defensive backfield this class aside from Reynolds, and his performance against Cincy did not hurt. Of course he is not a freshman or redshirt though.

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!

IMO, the availability of Kendrick Holland and Jaylen Bradford plus having three legit receiving threats at TE keeps Strohman on D.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Yeah that is a good point, and there will be more players lost in the secondary than skill positions after this season.

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!

No joke - Durkin looks more like a TE than a RB to me.

I can't see Lawson coming in as a true freshman and overtaking guys with experience or that have been in the program for awhile. There is a pretty steep learning curve even for a talented guy.

VT Genes

Which Redshirt or True freshman do you most look forward to seeing in action next year?

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Fingers, toes and anything else I have multiple of crossed that this young man qualifies.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

How did you cross your ears?

Very carefully

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

do your ears hang low?

do they wobble to and fro?

...

Onward and upward

Maybe he had gauges in so they are all droopy now. Never understood that look.

"Give me a fu¢king beer", Anonymous Genius

There are worse things he could be trying to cross. Best to stick to the low hanging fruit...

... wait, no. Don't cross those.

Defense - Holland Fisher
Offense - Kendrick Holland (big WR, ball hawk, nice stride). We should be salivating at our 3 WR sets next year.

Tyrod did it Mikey, Tyrod did it!!

Imagine if Holland Fisher comes in and plays as well he was hyped to be... Our defense would be filthy.

Unless he makes a big jump during Spring Practice, Fisher is a year away.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

Why do you think that? I thought he was supposed to be a monster...

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!

yeah, wasn't he the #1 rated prep player and the "most ready to play"

Physically he is as ready to play as any of our DB's. Mentally he is not there yet. Head is tying up his feet. Not uncommon for freshmen, regardless of recruiting hype.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

Agreed. I have heard nothing from Bud or Wiles or Torrian that would lead me to believe that Fisher plays any significant roll this year. That is not to say it can't happen, that would be amazing. Just reading in between the lines he's not ready. He does not even have a specific position yet for one thing.

If I were a betting man, I'd wager Mook sees the field before Fisher.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Kendrick Holland was hurt during the season (shoulder?). So not sure how much he will contribute next season. I think he needs to add some serious lb's. I would love to see him contribute though. Dude has some good height (not Bucky height though, but who does? am i right?) and we need some WRs to step up with Stanford outtie 500.

"Give me a fu¢king beer", Anonymous Genius

2015 - the year of Holland

I think Fisher does mainly special teams next year.

What makes you think that?

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!

Austin Clark on offense. I think Clark and Teller are gonna be NASTY on a Stacy Searels line.

Mook on defense. I think he finds the field and become heir apparent to Kendall Fuller as our next great defensive back.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

I hope Conte can be what Teller is and McLaughlin can come back strong from his injury, I really have high hopes for this line!

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!

Conte, Teller, Osterloh, Clark and McGlock could be something special.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Always excited about a brawler on the O/D line

Stroman is staying at corner, without a doubt. He may get a touch or two on offense, but depth is much more dire at corner and Stroman's ability to impact a game is greater at corner.

Durkin will be the wildcat QB next year, regardless of who wins the starting job UNLESS Lawson comes in and wins the job. The staff seriously considered not redshirting Durkin in order to use him in that role. I am very eager to see how the young QBs perform this spring, along with Travon McMillian at tailback.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

If Lawson wins the job, his talent is going to be something to see.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

After reading Lawson thread, the QB comp will be intense this fall. Lots of freshman n redshirt freshman in that competition.

Pain is Temporary, Chicks Dig Scars
Glory is Forever, Let's Go Hokies!!

Agreed. Durkin will have a role if Brewer remains the starter. His running ability in short yardage situations will be great - excited to see how he develops this spring. If Lawson wins the job, then maybe Durkin would consider a position change (TE, H-Back)? Really excited about McMillian too. The coaches considered not redshirting him too early in the season. He could be an explosive home run threat and possibly help with return duties too.

I still think Durkin has a chance to win the starting job. His athleticism and physicality could add a bunch to the offense. I just have no idea how he progressed as a passer, and I have no idea where he was in the fall because we didn't get to see him (or Ford) play in fall camp.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

Spring will be very interesting to watch the QB battle. I wonder if they coaches will narrow anything down coming out of spring to the point we see a transfer?

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders via Ricky Bobby

If Durkin doesn't pan out at QB i would love to see him as a tight end! I personally think he could be special there!

I just hope Strohman stays on punt returns. That guy... a true freshman...kicking it like that?
I was hopeful, but blown away kind of like Dad here, only in a good way:
Dadkidwind

A picture is worth a thousand words. A gif is worth a million.

The freshman WR mostly. Holland adds some size and it'll be fun to see if Bradshaw can stretch the field from the slot. Byrn was great at running the underneath stuff, but go routes from the slot have become such a big part of effective spread attacks-would love to see a lot more of it.

Always excited to see which young bucks contribute on defense. There are always a couple.

I'm more focused on watching for us to have a credible offensive line. If a r/t-freshman is the best option, fine, but I'm kinda hoping the upperclassmen assert themselves and gel into a successful unit. Give the young guys some time to develop.

+1 because I agree, but I think the reality is that our best team next year is going to be filled with redshirt freshman

Maybe so... but it feels like the skill positions are full of 2014 freshmen. Will 2015 freshmen take over along the line?

On second look, you said redshirt freshmen. At least they'd have a year in the program.

I don't see a wholesale replacement of upperclassmen by freshmen like we saw this season, just because all the freshmen that earned starting spots this season are gonna be that much better.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

yeah, sorry, I meant under-classmen, not redshirt freshman. I blame the superbowl on that mistake.

Oh yeah, we're gonna be a sophomore-laden team next season. We've even found a way to make our senior QB effectively a sophomore.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Zohn Burden.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Its almost a given that McKenzie and Williams will be (medically) reshirted next year. No way they will be ready for the first game and no need to waste a year of eligibility for a couple of games. Let them get a full year of recovery

Bleeding burnt orange and chicago maroon

Mook Reynolds

Well, for Spring, it would be QBs Durkin & Ford, RBs McMillian & Reid, WRs Holland & Bradshaw, OL Clark, T Smith, & Mitchell, on D it would be DE Nijman, LB Minor, and DBs Fisher, Reynolds, Edmunds, & Payne. In Fall, I would add Lawson, Hill, Fullwood, & Gaines to this list. I know a long list, but this is mostly based on high profile position (QB) or what I consider our positions of immediate need due to lack of 2-deep depth or unknown injury timetables for existing players.

HH4455

Raymon Minor. I've known his Dad for many years so it will be cool to see his Son playing for VT.

Nijman. I want no mercy for opposing QBs

@VTimHokie85

Kerry Blackshear. He has the rumblings to be what Montrezl Harrell has been for Louisville. It will also be nice to have another solid big body that is a true post player. His senior year this season at Evans, he finished averaging 20.6 points, 13.8 rebounds and an awesome 4.6 assists per game. Think 6'9, 230 lbs with the ball handling skills of a shooting guard. He learned to play basketball in Europe due to his father playing professionally over there. European coaching staffs focused much more on the basics of footwork, ball handling, passing, and shot selection than he may have seen here in the states. Think how Dirk Nowitzki handles the ball in the pros, Blackshear is much in that model.

Oh you meant football, I want to see how the QB competition plays out. Really hope that one of these freshmen have the talent to unseat Brewer. Ideally I would like to see alot of Ford to Ford highlights.

Rob Peterson
VTCC
Charlie/Hotel Company
Class of 1999

How about Devin Wilson.....as a WR?

how about isaiah ford as a 2 guard?

oh wait.. that ship has sailed

twitter @smithey_daniel
head scout BSP scouting specializing in north florida/ southern GA highschool football scouting

My top 5 freshmen / redshirt freshmen.

Eric Gallo - projected #1 Center (he played in 3 games but I think he will still be a r-FR next year)
Travon McMillian (r-FR) & DJ Reid (r-FR) - Running Backs. This season is their chance to shine with Williams and McKenzie recovering.

Tim Settle (FR) 5-star DT, need I say more?
Carson Lydon (FR), big LB (6-2 235) seems like a beast, and by enrolling early has given himself a chance to beat out Moto and Moss at Mike.

Note that CJ Reavis and Greg Stroman will be sophmores so I didn't count them.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

Eric Gallo will be a True Sophomore. Playing in a game burns the redshirt.

GIVE IT TO ME ROSCOE!

For some reason I thought was taking a medical redshirt, since he barely played early in the season, and didn't play at all later in the year. But I don't see any injury reports for him. So I guess he was really just the #3 Center behind Wang & Farris once Teller moved into the starting lineup.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

I just want to see everyone healthy.

After that, it's all gravy.

If you play it, they will win.

"How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know. Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used." -The BoD

Gravy, or Bourbon?

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

I honestly would love a solid QB competition, but I don't know how I feel about a freshman, redshirt or not, starting their career with Ohio State. We saw how well that worked for Ohio State last year.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

Well we did have I. Ford, Phillips, Hodges, Shai, Juice, and I feel like someone on the OL was a RS-Fr. (I might be wrong on that), so it worked out.

"We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior" Stephen M.R. Covey

“When life knocks you down plan to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up, if you fall flat on your face it can kill your spirit” David Wilson

Va Tech and OSU were breaking in new QB's it worked for us haha and their D is not coached by Bud Foster...

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!

Tim Settle should make an immediate impact. The QB competition will be awesome. Brewer with experience vs. Ford, Lawson, Motley. Spring needs to get here.

Settle should make an impact.... if he qualifies

That being said, he would still have some very talented players to beat out if he wanted to get serious playing time this season.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

With Lawson signing, I'm excited to see the QB competition open up in the spring. By all accounts we have a somewhat decent returner (Brewer), redshirt potential (Ford), and now a 4* prospect. This should push the very best out of our QBs