Virginia Tech Football: Ranking the 5 Best Redshirt Freshmen for the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies finished 7-6 for the second time in three seasons in 2014. Not exactly the record that longtime head coach Frank Beamer had in mind before this season began.

However, there is reason for optimism in Blacksburg. Some of Tech's top contributors in the recently completed season were freshmen. Names like Isaiah Ford, Marshawn Williams and Greg Stroman immediately come to mind. But, they were true freshmen in 2014.

The Hokies also received outstanding contributions from a few redshirt freshmen, too, such as tight end Bucky Hodges, but was he their top redshirt freshman in 2014?

Here is a look at Virginia Tech's top redshirt freshmen from this past season and a look at how they could impact 2015. 

5. Seth Dooley

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Seth Dooley

Seth Dooley, a 6'5", 248-pound reserve defensive end from nearby Salem, Virginia, played in all 13 games this season for Virginia Tech. Despite the defensive end position having little depth behind outstanding starters Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem, Dooley made most of his impact on special teams. 

Dooley saw snaps at defensive end, but he was primarily a regular on all special teams units. 

Dooley has great size and is also a good athlete. He should be in line for more playing time in 2015.

4. Deon Newsome

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Deon Newsome in action versus Ohio State

Wide receiver Deon Newsome played in Virginia Tech's first 12 games and quietly made an impact. His season ended, however, when he was suspended for the Military Bowl, per Norm Wood of the Daily Press. 

In the win over Ohio State, Newsome led the Hokies in rushing with 38 yards on just four carries. They struggled early on offense, but he got things going for Tech. 

On the season, Newsome caught seven passes and rushed for 93 yards. He averaged 20 yards per kick return, but participated in only 81 plays on offense.

Newsome is in store for a much bigger role in 2015.

3. Andrew Motuapuaka

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Andrew Motuapuaka

Motuapuaka was pressed into action earlier than coaches anticipated when senior Chase Williams went down with a knee injury versus Pittsburgh. Motuapuaka stepped in, starting the next four games and showing Virginia Tech fans that the middle linebacker position will be in capable hands the next three seasons. 

In his first start against Miami, the freshman from Virginia Beach made 11 tackles. He followed that up with 14 tackles against Boston College and 10 tackles each in games against Duke and Wake Forest. Motuapuaka also had two sacks against the Demon Deacons.

He finished the year with 54 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and fumble return for a touchdown. 

You can essentially pencil him in as the mike linebacker in spring practice.

2. Wyatt Teller

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Wyatt Teller

When Wyatt Teller stepped on campus in Blacksburg, he was supposed to be a dominant defensive lineman. However, with shortages on the offensive line, he agreed to switch to the offensive side of the ball, and the rest is history.

While Teller originally switched to offensive tackle, he moved to guard in the spring. At 6'6", 301 pounds, he possesses brute strength and very surprising athleticism. He started the season's final six games, and to no one's surprise, the running game improved. 

Teller has the potential to be a dominant guard at the college level. He will open the 2015 season as Virginia Tech's top returning lineman, and he'll undoubtedly be even better next season.

1. Bucky Hodges

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Bucky Hodges catching a touchdown

As good as Teller was, Hodges was easily Virginia Tech's top redshirt freshman in 2014. A former quarterback who moved to tight end last season, the 6'6", 244-pound Hodges became a matchup nightmare for opponents. 

Not only was he terrific in the red zone, but he also proved to be a capable deep threat, too. On the season, he caught 45 passes for 526 yards and seven touchdowns. He was third on the team in receptions, second in yards and first in touchdowns. 

After the season, he was named a freshman All-American and third-team All-ACC. 

The best thing about Hodges is he realizes that he has a long way to go, according to David Hale of ESPN.com.

“This was just the beginning,” Hodges said. “I feel like I had a good season, but I can’t do anything but get better. I’m not even close to my ceiling. I’m still raw at the position.” 

With so many talented young players on offense in 2015, Virginia Tech is poised to challenge for ACC supremacy. And Bucky Hodges is a major reason why.