Freshmen Files: The Wofford Game
Virginia Tech fans saw plenty of new faces in the Hokies’ 27-7 win over Wofford on Saturday. Six true freshmen and 12 redshirt freshmen saw the field in the Hokie victory – the most this season. Brent Pry probably wishes he could have pulled the starters out sooner than he did, but a lack of offensive success (not scoring touchdowns) forced him to keep the ones in. On the flip side, defensive play remains solid – especially against the run. With that being said, let's take a look at the freshman who impressed the most in the third edition of Freshmen Files:
In The Run Game…
#28 Chance Black - r-Fr, RB
Chance Black once again received much playing time, especially in the absence of Keshawn King. Black had 15 carries for 45 yards – both season highs.
#22 Bryce Duke - Fr., RB
Bryce Duke, the true freshman Hokies have been raving about, made his debut at running back on Saturday morning. Duke looked quick and explosive on the ground, as he finished with six carries for 25 yards – good for 4.2 yards a pop. In the air, Duke caught a 27 yard touchdown pass from Grant Wells, marking his first reception and touchdown as a Hokie. The Leesburg native looks the part.
Sam
@SamStro757
Bryce Duke - TD
Through The Air…
#85 Christian Moss, r-Fr, WR
This staff has had many good things to say about Christian Moss, but where has Christian Moss been this year? Well, finally we were able to see the redshirt freshman get some receptions at wideout. Moss looked confident and reliable, making five catches for 50 yards. Moss is a guy you will see more of throughout the year – at least you should.
Sam
@SamStro757
Christian Moss - Rec.
On Defense…
CB DJ Harvey (r-Fr.), CB Elijah Howard (r-Fr.), WLB/SLB Keli Lawson (r-Fr.), DT Malachi Madison (Fr.), and WLB Jayden McDonald (r-Fr.) each registered a tackle.
Harvey and Howard both let up big gainers to Wofford's Landon Parker through the air. Parker got the best of our DB’s throughout the game – something a bit concerning.
The converted running back, Howard, recorded his first tackle of the season, as did the 6’3” 288 pound Malachi Madison – a true freshman from Chester, Va.
Keli Lawson finally saw some snaps at linebacker. Brent Pry and Chris Marve will continue to try and utilize the redshirt freshman the most they can.
Jayden McDonald once again got the start at the Will position, but only saw 15 total snaps.
On Special Teams…
Chance Black returned two kicks for 22 yards. Black continues to protect the ball well.
DJ Harvey returned three punts for 11 yards. Harvey seems to be gaining confidence back there, as he did not let any punts roll. Harvey additionally had no muffs.
Who Else and What’s Next?
The following redshirt freshmen all saw the field, but did not record any stats: WLB Jaden Keller, S/CB Nyke Johnson, S Jaylen Hoyle, OL Tyler Smedley, OL Jack Hollifield, and OL Chris Boyd.
The following true freshmen also saw the field in some capacity: DE Keyshawn Burgos, WR Tucker Holloway, DE Kyree Moyston, and TE Harrison Saint Germain.
Virginia Tech is back in action on Thursday night vs. West Virginia. WVU is 1-2 coming off of a 65-7 win over Towson. Virginia Tech has confirmed that the game is a sellout.
