Does Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor Live Up to the Hype?

The Hokies' Tyrod Taylor was one of the top prospects coming out of high school. He was supposed to bring the Hokies a national championship. He was raved about, and most Hokie fans were comparing him to Michael Vick before he ever wore a maroon and orange jersey.

So, does he live up to the hype?

If you talk about this kid's explosiveness and ability, then yes, he does.

If you look at the numbers on the field, he hasn't quite broken through.

Don't get me wrong, Taylor is a great athlete who can make a difference. His ability makes even the best defensive coordinators scratch their heads. We've even seen him juke great defensive players right out of their jockstraps.

Point is, he is the real deal.

He took a mediocre squad that should have had a 6-6 or 7-5 record, and led them to 10-4 with an Orange Bowl victory—Taylor is a difference maker.

Taylor has struggled throwing the ball, though, and even when he was on target, he had young receivers that haven't always helped.

With an offseason of practice, and more time with his receivers, who are now more experienced, Taylor has a chance to improve and show why everyone wanted him on the field.

Taylor started to come into his own at the end of last season, improving his completion percentage and passing yardage. Topped off with a brilliant performance in the Orange Bowl to build upon, he has Hokie fans extremely excited for the upcoming year.

His only downfall, however, is injuries. Taylor has proven he can be a bit injury prone, and with no one with any college experience backing him up, it poses a problem.

All in all, if he can stay healthy, Taylor has the potential to become one of Tech's greats, but he needs to put together an outstanding season.

He has this year and next to prove to the world that he is as great as everyone thought, and to prove to pro scouts that he can play the position at the next level.