As we wrap up the Brent Pry era for the first time at Virginia Tech, we begin our season preview predictions with our picks for players on both offense and defense.
Both sides of football have plenty of intriguing candidates to choose from among our writers, so if that’s the case, here’s our player pick.
Tim Thomas: Da’Wayne Lofton, Josh Fuga
Da’Wayne Lofton had plenty of encouragement from coaches and players leading up to last season believing he would play a big role. Instead, Lofton had to wait until late in the season to get a bigger role and opportunity, but when he did, he caught on and showed a lot of promise.
Now, Lofton has spent an entire offseason with a new staff and a new quarterback, but knowing that this will be one of the worst for the Hokies leading the WR corps. There may not be a more upside-down WR on this Tech team than Lofton, and it’s fair to expect this could be a particularly healthy rookie year with plenty of time to build on his relationship with Grant Wells. Don’t be surprised if Lofton has a big year.
Meanwhile, Josh Fuga got significant playing time in his first season and some starting experience last season, which the other 2 parts of the DT trio (Norrell Pollard, Mario Kendricks) have gotten in the past and more in 2021.
Fuga has shown plenty of potential and has built on a strong season this spring, including winning two of the staff’s most improved awards. Combine that with his growth, size, and his experience and fugue look like a prime candidate to develop into Tech’s best DT this season.
Carter Hill: Da’Wain Lofton, Jaden Keller
In the year Looking at this Virginia Tech offense in 2022, there’s still a lot to digest. Who can help Grant Wells start at quarterback? Who will emerge in the backfield in a fierce running back competition? Who could be the key receiver to go with Caleb Smith and Temple transfer Jadan Blue? It should be D’Wain Lofton.
The Fort Worth, Texas native hauled in seven receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown in his true freshman campaign in 2021, and is poised to play a much bigger role in Tyler Bowen’s offense with leading receivers Trey Turner and Tyveon Robinson down. An athletic explosion, Lofton is highly regarded by the likes of Smith, Bowen, head coach Brent Pry and wide receivers coach Fontelle Mines. So there are certainly some expectations placed on the 5-foot-11, 193-pounder.
On the defensive side of the ball, that honor goes to Jaden Keller.
A redshirt freshman from Bristol, Tennessee, Keller will likely start over Dax Holifield at linebacker, leapfrogging proven starter Alan Tisdale in the process. Keller, who was excited by much of Virginia Tech’s entire coaching staff during fall camp, is determined to contribute after appearing in just four games a season ago. And for young Tech fans looking to break out of the developmental phase, they should be excited for someone who has given Chris Marv high praise for being ready to help the defensive unit early in his amateur career.
Peyton Seay: Malachi Thomas, Jaden Keller
This pick could be another player I’m excited to see this season, 6’0”, 205 pound cornerback Malachi Thomas.
The sophomore was named to the Athlone Sports Preseason All-ACC third team this preseason, and while Hockey Nation wished for more starting time from him in the backcourt last season, hopefully he’ll get it this year. In the year
Thomas appears to be in contention for the starting cornerback spot with Jalen Holston heading into a week the coaches are excited about the type of year. Unfortunately, if he continues to miss time week after week with injuries, coaches and fans will have to wait and see.
Here’s hoping Bristol native Jayden Keller figures in more playing time this year. Tech Lunch Pail’s own Tim Thomas writes about how the freshman impressed coaches and teammates at camp this spring. Apparently, he is in competition with redshirt senior Alan Tisdale for Will Lelinebacker’s spot.
Virginia Tech 247 sports writer Matej Sis wrote that the Will linebacker position is more about being able to make plays on the field, and it’s the combination of speed and tackling ability that will allow Keller to share some of the attention with Tisdale. This fall.
