BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech’s season could be up for grabs depending on the success of the running backs.
What if Malachi Thomas was the real deal?
The best stretch for the Tech offense didn’t come under Jerod Evans. It was the first four games of 2020 when Khalil Herbert rushed for 592 yards (9.7 touchdowns) and five touchdowns. The Hokies’ total rushing numbers during that stretch are also worth returning: an average of 312 rushing yards, 6.9 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns.
That’s just one less touchdown than the offense had on the ground all of last season.
That’s the kind of offense new Tech coach Brent Pry wants to have, but the key is finding a running back that can carry the heavy workload while showing some explosiveness.
Is it Thomas? It’s a lot to ask of a true secondary with just 93 career carries.
There were some encouraging signs last year — he had an impressive two-game stretch midway through the season when he carried the ball 46 times and averaged a run of 10-yards or more every 7.2 carries. By comparison, Tech running back Raheem Blackshear averaged a run of 10-yards or more every 7.8 carries.
A coaching change did nothing to slow him down either.
Tech’s new staff, from Pryor to offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen to running backs coach Stu Holt, has pegged Thomas as the starter since late spring.
The question for fall camp is more how productive Thomas can be.
traffic jam
Keshaun King, Chance Black and Bryce Duke have similar skill sets to build a hybrid running back-slot receiver role. King and Black had some sort of tryout at receiver during spring camp.
It makes sense as there is no room for three identical backs to get consistent playing time.
Duke’s redshirt cuts down on some log jams.
Since the rules now allow redshirt student-athletes to play up to four games, the staff may find some work in that situation, but that decision won’t come until the staff sees how the freshman builds on his strengths. The beginning of spring.
There are also special teams to consider as Holt requires athleticism in the return and coverage units, making him difficult to sit down.
Could the solution be a king or black moving permanently to the receiver? maybe Tech is already thin on receivers numbers-wise, so an injury would increase that chance.
For now, all will be fighting for a spot on the two-deep in the coming weeks.
Pledge of Allegiance
Jalen Holston’s career path is unique in the current era of college football.
In the year As a true freshman out of Stockbridge High School in Georgia in 2017, Holston started playing right off the bat. He had four games with double-digit carries and finished the season with 226 yards and three touchdowns.
He had five double-digit carries and five touchdowns in the four years since. In the year He was sidelined with an injury in 2019, but was healthy the rest of the season. The carriers were hard to come by.
Holston’s main frustration at the time was not knowing what to expect from his role from week to week. The lack of communication bothered him more than the lack of playing time.
Instead of seeking a bigger role elsewhere — the transfer portal has made it easier for student-athletes to find better opportunities in recent years — he returned to Blacksburg and fought for playing time even after a coaching change.
Running backs coach Stu Holmes spoke highly of Holston in June.
“I think his strength is that he does everything so well,” Holt said. “He’s good with the ball in his hands. He’s good in pass protection. Holds the ball well. He knows what to do. He learns his fault. There are many positive things he brings to the table.
It will be rare for a player to sit out a six-year season, but Holston deserves some opportunities for his dedication to the Hokies throughout his college career.
Proposed depth chart
- Malachi Thomas
- Jalen Holston
- Luck black
