Virginia Tech Football: Hokies May Be Even Better at Wide Receiver

Rarely does a team lose the two top wide receivers in school history and actually have a chance to be better. At Virginia Tech, that is quite possible.

Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale, first and second in school history in receptions and receiving yards respectively, have graduated. But, with seniors Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles and Dyrell Roberts returning, the Hokies are in good shape.

Davis is one of the more physically impressive athletes in school history. At 6’4” and 230 pounds, Davis is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He has been timed at 4.4 and under in the 40 while possessing a 43” vertical leap.

Davis isn’t an athlete only, though. In 2011, Davis was quarterback Logan Thomas’ favorite downfield target. He finished the year with 30 receptions for 510 yards, an impressive 17 yards-per-catch. His five touchdown receptions tied Boykin for the team lead.

If Davis can continue to improve his concentration, the sky will be the limit. He showed a propensity to drop easy passes at times. Thomas will lean heavily on Davis in 2012.

Coles also had an impressive 2011 campaign. He finished the season with 36 catches for 480 yards. Coles has impressive size as well (6’3”, 216), but he isn’t the overall athlete Davis is.

Coles was strong as a third-down threat and was good after-the-catch. While not possessing elite speed, Coles is adept at breaking tackles. He is also an impressive blocker, a must for Virginia Tech WRs.

Roberts could be the wild card of the three. As a freshman and sophomore, Roberts was impressive. He was the team’s best deep-threat and an excellent kick-returner. But injuries have cost Roberts much of the past two seasons.

Will he return as the same player?

Coles, recovering from offseason knee surgery, will not participate in spring practice. His absence is giving others a chance to make an impression on coach Frank Beamer and his offensive staff.

The most intriguing young talent the Hokies have is redshirt freshman Demitri Knowles, a native of the Bahamas. Knowles, a bit of a late bloomer as it pertains to football, may be the fastest player on the team. A high school track star, he didn’t pick up football until his first year of high school.

The game is still fairly new for Knowles. Possessing a slight frame (6’0”, 180), Knowles has to get stronger, but his big-play potential as a receiver and on special teams will get him on the field in 2012.

Senior Corey Fuller, brother of Vincent, Kendall and Kyle, is an impressive athlete. Standing 6’2”, Fuller has been timed at less than 4.4 seconds in the 40. As a redshirt senior, Fuller will compete with Knowles to be the No. 4 receiver.

Last, but not least, the Hokies’ wide receivers will be better because Thomas is a year older. Having Boykin and Coale at receiver in his first year as a starter was perfect for Thomas and the Hokies. He gained valuable experience while having reliable veteran targets.

In that time he also showed an ability to spread the ball around.

The Hokies’ offensive staff spent time at the University of Texas with co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin. Harsin used to work for Boise State, a team that employs a prolific spread offense. This is certainly a sign the Hokies plan on taking advantage of Thomas’ ability as a passer and the depth of the team’s wide receiver position.

The Hokies will have a new starter at tailback and four new starters on the offensive line. Relying on a quarterback as talented as Thomas is a smart strategy. Beamer has always leaned heavily on the running game, but this season may be very different.

So, don’t feel bad for the Hokies losing so many starters. With a potential All-American at quarterback and a host of talented receivers, they will be just fine.