Virginia Tech Football: 3 Commits Who Will Start a Game in 2015 for the Hokies

Starting as a true freshman in college football is incredibly difficult. Sometimes, there is this special athlete that takes the nation by storm and forces his way onto the field. For the Virginia Tech Hokies, such players have been rare in recent years.

However, in the past two seasons, cornerback Kendall Fuller and wide receiver Isaiah Ford became first-year starters. 

Fuller made All-American teams in both of his first two years on campus while Ford led the Hokies with 56 receptions and 709 receiving yards in 2014. 

Does any such player exist in 2015? Here are three incoming true freshmen that could start for Virginia Tech in 2015. 

Offensive Tackle Austin Clark

Credit: 247Sports

Austin Clark

Left tackle Laurence Gibson's eligibility expired and there's an opening at offensive tackle for Virginia Tech. Jonathan McLaughlin, who started last season at right tackle, could shift back to left tackle where he played his freshman season in 2013.

Enter Austin Clark. 

A 6'6", 293-pound offensive tackle from Lexington, Virginia, Clark committed to Virginia Tech on November 2 after previously being committed to South Carolina. A 4-star recruit, Clark could make an impact next season for the Hokies. 

Tech doesn't have a lot of returning depth at offensive tackle, opening a door for the talented Clark. A bonus for Clark, he enrolled in January so he'll be competing in spring practice. 

Defensive Tackle Yosuah Nijman

Credit: 247Sports

Yosuah Nijman

Virginia Tech's defensive line was one of the strengths of the team in 2014. And that was without All-ACC defensive tackle Luther Maddy, who missed most of the season with an injury and looks to return in 2015 with a medical redshirt. 

Maddy's return, along with the return of Corey Marshall, gives the Hokies a very good pair of starters next season. Also returning are Nigel Williams, Woody Baron and Ricky Walker, all solid and productive players. 

However, the most talented defensive tackle in Blacksburg next season may be Yosuah Nijman. Nijman, who enrolled earlier this month, spent last season at Fork Union Military Academy. At 6'7" and almost 280 pounds, Nijman is massive, athletic and could end up playing any number of positions for the Hokies. 

Enrolling in January will benefit Nijman in the spring. It gives coaches a chance to see him compete and gets him in Tech's weight program even sooner. Don't be surprised if he finds himself in the two-deep much sooner than anyone expected and perhaps even in the starting lineup if Marshall plays some defensive end. 

Quarterback Dwayne Lawson

If there's any position that's unsettled for Virginia Tech heading into 2015, it's quarterback. Michael Brewer, last year's starter, returns, but he didn't exactly light it up in 2014.

Brenden Motley, who played briefly at the end of the season, also returns. Motley is big (6'4", 214 lbs), fast and has a strong arm. He's just not the most seasoned passer. Therefore, there are questions about how he'd hold up as a full-time starter.

Andrew Ford and Chris Durkin, who both redshirted last season, will also be in the mix.

But keep an eye on 6'6", 207-pound Dwayne Lawson from Tampa, Florida. Lawson is a terrific athlete with a good feel for the passing game. He possesses a strong arm and is accurate. 

Virginia Tech coaches likely won't start out fall practice with Lawson atop the depth chart. But, if he's the best option and those ahead of him aren't playing well, Lawson could quickly rise.

Remember the impact Deshaun Watson had on Clemson's offense last season? Lawson could give the Hokies a similar lift in 2015 if he has a good grasp of the offense. 

Measurements and information courtesy of 247Sports. Statistics courtesy of hokiesports.com.