Virginia Tech Football: 5 Players Poised to Break out in 2015

The 2014 season was a disappointing one for the Virginia Tech Hokies—by their standards. The Hokies were 5-6 entering the season finale against Virginia and needed a victory just to become bowl-eligible. The Hokies won and went bowling for a 22nd consecutive season.

So, while 2014 ended on a positive note, 2015 could be much better.

Tech had several young players starting at various positions in 2014. At times, they struggled, and on other occasions, the youngsters gave the Hokies a big lift. While there's still plenty of questions surrounding the quarterback position entering 2015, there are plenty of reasons for optimism in the new year.

Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges were freshmen who stood out in 2014. Here are five players poised for a breakout year in 2015.

C.J. Reavis

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Safety C.J. Reavis

Rising sophomore safety C.J. Reavis was a big part of Virginia Tech's class of 2014. Fortunately for Reavis and the Hokies, he didn't have to play too much on the defensive side as a freshman with Detrick Bonner and Kyshoen Jarrett in front of him.

Bonner and Jarrett are now gone, and Reavis is poised to move into the starting lineup at free safety in 2015. 

Reavis played mostly on special teams in 2014 and did well. His blocked punt in the win over Virginia led to an easy touchdown for Tech.

With outstanding size and athleticism, Reavis is a natural at free safety. He has a nose for the ball and could be an upgrade over Bonner because he's better in run support.

Holland Fisher

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Holland Fisher

Fisher, like Reavis, was also a big part of Tech's recruiting class last year. However, Fisher redshirted as he learned the rover position. 

Fisher will be two years removed from high school when the 2015 season kicks off. He spent a year at postgraduate academy Fork Union before enrolling at Tech in 2014.

Ideally, he's the guy defensive coordinator Bud Foster wants at the rover position. He's a tremendous athlete, loves contact and is always around the ball. If Fisher has a strong grasp of the defense next fall, he'll likely start.

Fisher could play some whip linebacker, too. 

Greg Stroman

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Greg Stroman

If you hadn't heard of Greg Stroman before, you likely did in Tech's Military Bowl win over Cincinnati.

Stroman was literally everywhere.

The rising sophomore cornerback should make a major impact in 2015. He's an outstanding athlete who could use a full offseason in Tech's strength program. Stroman is a bit on the slight side (6'0", 165), but makes plays no matter where he lines up. He should compete with Donovan Riley to be VT's No. 3 cornerback in 2015. 

Due to Tech's shortage at wide receiver in the weeks leading up to the Military Bowl, Stroman played some offense. He acquitted himself nicely, catching one pass and also rushing for 17 yards. That was in addition to his duties as the Hokies' top punt returner and his role on defense. 

He certainly made quite the impression on Virginia Tech assistant coach Shane Beamer, per Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times:

"

Greg’s a talented guy, I don’t know if we knew he was quite that. He’s a talented punt returner, he’s a talented guy on offense. He’s going to be a big-time player on defense. I think he’s got a really bright future and he showed that today.

"

Andrew Motuapuaka

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Andrew Motuapuaka

Virginia Tech has a strong reputation for good linebacker play. Rising sophomore Andrew Motuapuaka may be the next great Hokie linebacker.

Filling in for injured starter Chase Williams during a four-game stretch in 2014, Motuapuaka excelled. He recorded at least 10 tackles in all four of his starts. And the best part was Motuapuaka looked like he had a strong grasp of Foster's defense. 

At 6'0", 231 pounds, Motuapuaka has decent size and is a good athlete. He attacks the line of scrimmage and runs well from sideline to sideline. 

Fortunately for the Hokies, he got some experience under his belt in 2014. 

Cam Phillips

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Cam Phillips with an acrobatic catch along the sideline in a win at North Carolina

Cam Phillips had a solid freshman season for the Hokies. He hauled in 40 catches for 498 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately for Phillips, Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges received most of the attention.

Phillips doesn't possess quite as much speed as Ford, but he's fast enough and runs tremendous routes for such a young player. 

Stuck behind the enigmatic Joshua Stanford early in the season, Phillips moved past him and ended up starting nine games for the Hokies. 

Virginia Tech's passing offense should be much improved in 2015. They'll have another year in Scot Loeffler's offense, and the attention Ford and Hodges draw on each play should give Phillips plenty of opportunities next fall.