I probably should have started this thread at the beginning of the week, but I'm interested in what everyone has to say.
Offense: Logan Thomas. This doesn't need much explanation. LT3 started slow, but has been a machine since the Georgia Tech win. He's compensated for the lack of a running game both with his legs and improved short passes.
I'll say something nice about Jonathan McLaughlin too. He's started every game at left tackle and while he's definitely made his share of mistakes, he's been more solid than I anticipated going into the season. He'll be a cornerstone of the offense for at least two more season.
Defense: J.R. Collins. Based on where he was at going into the bowl game last season, he deserves and gets my vote. He found his love for football and has been an animal rushing the passer and defending the run. His performance against Georgia Tech is one I will always remember when discussing the series.
Special Teams: A.J. Hughes. The 4th down QB has been deadly accurate with his leg, and has helped the Hokies flip field position all year.
Comments
Offense: Logan Thomas for sure. He's been the center piece of the offense and has sown vast improvement each week (maybe not for Pitt). Honorable mention, Willie Byrn. Logan trusts him and he plays with a lot of thoughness.
Defense: Derrick Hopkins or JR Collins, I can't pick one. I also can't pick just one guy from the secondary, but those guys have been absolutely fantastic.
Special Teams: Hughes for sure.
Offense: SAM ROGERS
Defense: SAM ROGERS
Special Teams: AJ Hughes.
No, being super cereal, the offensive MVP has to be Logan "I Got This, Guys" Thomas. No one around the country carries his team on his back like Logan does. But I'd also say the top newcomer on offense needs to be Kalvin "Watch My Pass Catchin' Style" Cline, if only because I don't know how to judge the impact of Jonathan "You Ain't Gettin' By" McLaughlin at tackle.
The defensive MVP, I think, is probably "ManBearPig" Derrick Hopkins, but I could also go Kyle "Swiss Army Knife" Fuller. Both are the rock around which the rest of their units are built, enabling others to get the headlines. Kyle showed what he could do if put in a playmaking position against GT, and responded. Best newcomer on defense, I think, would be Brandon "My Ball!" Facyson if only because the stats put him above Kendall "They Just Don't Throw My Way" Fuller.
Special Teams is still AJ "I'ma Send This Thing Into Orbit" Hughes.
*Kendall "They Can't Throw My Way" Fuller
Yes, all-around.
Offense: Obviously Logan Thomas. He's been carrying an offense through the air and, unfortunately, on the ground. Without him this offense would be one of the worst we've ever had.
Defense: I'm gonna go with Kyle Fuller because he's been a leader too. Our defense has a ton of talent, but you need leaders on the field still. Around the line of scrimmage that's Jack Tyler, but with so many young guys in the secondary Kyle has had to take that role for them. Obviously I'm not in the locker room so I don't know exactly how much of a leader he is, but I do love how he's the one running in on every scuffle when Facyson or Kendall are involved. And he's been damn good in coverage this year.
Special Teams: AJ Hughes. I hate to have to say this though. I want the punter to be the guy that you lose and nobody notices. But our return game sucks and Cody had his well noted struggles. Plus, AJ is really good.
One thing about AJ Hughes: Regardless of how good your offense is, eventually you'll have to punt. Having an elite punter is a huge luxury, and not one that should be taken for granted. #PunterSwag.
Offensive MVP: Logan is without a doubt. However, I want to give some props to Demetri Knowles. I, for one, was very critical of him at the end/beginning of last/this season and it really seems like he is turning in to a solid WR.
Defensive MVP: It is hard not to give this to a guy on the D-line, but I really think that the center-piece to this defense and one of the best leaders on this team is Mr. Tyler. I call him Mr. Tyler because I imagine that is what opposing offenses call him after he shows them who their daddy is game in and game out.
Special Teams MVP: Has to be Hughes, without question.
Offensive MVP: LT3, no question.
Offensive most improved player: Demitri Knowles
Offensive newcomer of the (mid)year: Jonathan McLaughlin - I love this guy's effort
Defensive MVP: Derrick Hopkins
Defensive most improved player: J.R. Collins
Defensive newcomer of the (mid)year: Brandon Facyson and Kendall Fuller (both are too good to recognize one without the other)
Special teams MVP: Hughes, no question
Offense: Definitely Logan. For all the criticism he gets, he's been carrying that offense all season.
Defense: Derrick Hopkins. The interior D-lineman almost never get recognized, and they're argueably some of the most important players on a dominant defense (Remember, games are won and lost in the trenches!) And since Hopkins has been getting a lot of attention, that should let everyone know just how well he's playing.
Special Teams: Hughes for Heisman.
Offense: Logan for sure. He's developed back into the form we thought we'd have last year (kind of a weird concept). Receivers stepped it up, he's become more decisive, and most importantly no interceptions in the last three games. The run game has to improve, a lot.
Defense: All of em?
We all agree the offensive MVP is Logan, but runner-up is DJ Coles. Sure his first game was forgettable (I've repressed it from my memory at least), but he since has caught 5 of Logan's 9 touchdowns.
Defensively it's got to be Kyle. The whole D-line could make their case, but when the rest of the secondary has struggled in coverage, Kyle has very rarely slipped and has made up for any other weakness the defense has. Great in run support (see GT), great in coverage (see Bama) and he deserves defensive MVP thus far.
I completely agree except for DJ being runner up on O. Yes Coles looks great in the box score, but he has had a minimal role outside of the red zone. His injury and shape have limited how many snaps he gets. What has been keeping this offence's head above water is the dink and dunk game. I'd rather give runner up to Willy or Kalvin for keeping drives alive.
I suppose if you take into account production-per-play, DJ is much more valuable. His problem is that because of the shape he is in, he only gets in on red zone plays.
Agree. He's looked really good on the plays he's been in (- Bama). I wish we could get him more attempts. There must still be some lingering issues.
logan and aj are no brainers.
as far as defense goes, i thought who would be the player on d that would be the most irreplaceable? i think that player is derrick hopkins. how many times have we lost a big game and the next day hokienation is bemoaning the fact that we dont have an elite dline? dont get me wrong, tyler, the ends, the secondary, all terrific; but i feel like i would go into panic mode if on november 8th i was told manbearpig wasnt gonna play.
* knock. on wood* ftfy
Offense: Sam Rogers. I realize the kid only touches the ball 3-4 times a game. But when the coaches were concerned going into PITT week that he may not play due to a hurt ankle, that tells you of his intrinsic value to the squad. True freshman, arguably the hardest worker on the team, selfless, leads by example, plays beyond his years....oh, and eats hobbits for breakfast.
Defense: Kysheon Jarrett (forgive spelling if wrong ). Saved our rear ends against Marshall, carries a heavy shoulder, dynamic athleticism in both return game and defending the pass, and acts as an emotional leader for the nations #2 defense.
Special: Joe St. Germaine (LS). That's right. I'm actually concerned he may not dress for Duke. Every snap has been consistent and on the money for Hughes...he was quoted as giving Joe credit for making his job easier. Long Snapper's are often regular "Joe's" like you and me, often unrecognizable in street clothes. But the moment you take this position for granted, you're in a mess and the game can change. Props to Joe, my specialist MVP.
Offense: LT3, but I like how Kalvin Cline has played (catching, not so much blocking), as well as Willie Byrn.
Special Teams: Tried to think out of the box on this one, but else deserves it more than Hughes? Obvious pick.
Defense: Bud Foster. Yes I just made a coach a MVP. I make my own rules.
Willie Byrn
Brandon Facyson
Hughes, of course.
Offense: Logan Thomas
Defense: Hopkins Derrick
Special Teams: A.J. Hughes
Coach: Frank Beamer
I'm going with Frank as my MVP b/c of the coaching changes he made in the offseason. It took allot for coach to make those changes and without them we probably have one or two more losses. Instead, our offense now actually looks like one and it's only going to get better.
Special teams MVP: AJ Hughes, of course
Offensive MVP: Logan Thomas, all 6'6", 254 lbs of him
Defensive MVP: Yes.
Offense: Willie Byrn (Kalvin Cline with the Honorable Mention). He has brought a consistent target for Logan to throw to and he actually CATCHES the ball. Before his break out, our passing game/overall offense was abysmal at best. HE is the reincarnation of Danny Cole and he has been great. Love what McLaughlin is doing up front as well.
Defensive Line: Tie J.R. Collins and Derrick Hopkins: Collins has dramatically changed our pass rush. His intensity has brought life to a unit that was disappointing last year. Also, I feel like he is pushing James Gayle to reach that next gear. What can I say about Hopkins; he may be 6' (maybe), but he is controlling the line of scrimmage. Even though the stat line doesnt reflect how much of an impact he has had, he is playing out of his mind.
Linebacker: Jack Tyler (Tariq wins Comeback POY). Jack Tyler is my favorite type of player. He might not run a 4.4 (I doubt he runs a 4.7), but he is the smartest player on the field and he gives 110% on every play. He is reacting before the QB makes a decision. He is the leader and a great story. Former Walk-On, now the starting Middle Linebacker of POSSIBLY the best defense ever at VT.
Defensive Back: Kyle Fuller (Facyson and Kendall for Newcomer of the Year). Without Antone, this secondary had to STEP UP and Kyle has lead the charge. He is the most improved player on this team and might be the best Corner in the Country. His performances against Bama, GT, Pitt, UNC have been legendary, not to mention the block punt against Marshal. It is a privilege to watch this guy play.
Special Teams: #PUNTERSWAG, need I say more.