Virginia Tech Football: Predicting Hokies Stat Leaders for 2012 Season

For the 2012 season, this much is sure: Logan Thomas will lead the Hokies in passing yards.

After that, saying for sure which Hokies will lead the team in individual statistics is almost a toss-up.

Virginia Tech will have new starters at running back and wide receiver. Michael Holmes and J.C. Coleman, both freshmen, are expected to receive the lion’s share of carries at running back.

The top two receivers in school history graduated. Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale were both starters for the majority of their four years on campus. Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles and Dyrell Roberts are all seniors; Davis in particular is being counted upon to have a breakthrough season.

Here is a look at the players who will lead the Hokies in major statistical categories in 2012.

Passing

Logan Thomas, a junior, is entering his second season as starter in 2012.

Thomas is expected to make major strides in his development this upcoming season. Not only will Thomas lead the Hokies in all passing categories, he could lead the team in rushing touchdowns as well. 

Rushing

Michael Holmes almost played in 2011 as a true freshman. However, head coach Frank Beamer believed it was in the best interest of not only Holmes, but also the team as well to redshirt.

The redshirt season helped Holmes tremendously. Playing behind Wilson, Holmes not only got stronger, but quicker as well. 

While J.C. Coleman will see plenty of action, Holmes will get the majority of carries and lead the team in rushing yards. 

Receiving

Marcus Davis entered Virginia Tech in 2008 as a quarterback; but, possessing outstanding size, speed and athletic ability, Davis wanted to get on the field as soon as possible. So he moved to wide receiver.

In each of his three previous seasons, Davis’ playing time gradually increased. In 2011, Davis finished fourth on the team in receptions, third in receiving yards and tied for the team lead with five touchdown catches.

Davis will lead the Hokies in all major receiving categories in 2012. D.J. Coles could compete with Davis for most receptions, but Davis will likely dominate most receiving categories.

Sacks

Juniors James Gayle and J.R. Collins are the latest pair of talented defensive ends for Virginia Tech.

In 2011, the pair combined for 13 sacks, with Gayle leading the way with seven.

Collins will benefit from the extra attention Gayle receives, but Gayle is a rare player. He will lead the team in sacks—look for him to approach double-digit totals in 2012.

Interceptions

Kyle Fuller will get most of the acclaim. But fellow junior, Antone Exum, will lead the team in interceptions in 2012.

Fuller is a known commodity at cornerback, while Exum has played safety for the past two years.

Many teams will avoid throwing at Fuller, instead wanting to test Exum and his inexperience. Exum will make opposing quarterbacks pay.

Scoring

Thankfully for Beamer, junior kicker Cody Journell has put his legal troubles behind him.

Journell was well on his way to becoming the ACC’s best kicker in 2011 before his December arrest.

The Hokies could have trouble scoring early in the season with so many new starters on offense, therefore putting Journell in a position to attempt a lot of field goals. Look for Journell to bounce back strong and lead the team in scoring.