Virginia Tech Football: Ranking the 5 Most Consistent Players on the Hokies

During Virginia Tech's current run of 22 consecutive seasons appearing in a bowl game, consistency became the trademark of the Hokies' program. Defense, special teams and a strong running game powered the Hokies to multiple 10-win seasons and BCS appearances.

However, the Hokies have struggled a bit over the last three seasons. Sure, Tech has reached a bowl game in each of those seasons, but it hasn't been easy. The Hokies needed a win over hated rival Virginia in the season finale to keep their streak alive in 2014. 

The biggest problem facing the Hokies over that time? A lack of consistency.

Bud Foster's defense has done its part and is annually among the best in the country. Unfortunately, the Hokies have struggled to find consistency under center, and the once-dominant special teams units have been outplayed. 

Can the Hokies return to the top of the ACC in 2015? If so, it will be because Tech finds consistency in all three phases. Here's a look at VT's five most consistent—not necessarily the best—players on the 2015 roster. 

Sam Rogers

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Sam Rogers

Sam Rogers is probably not a name familiar to most college football fans. After all, he is a fullback—a position that's been phased out in recent years. 

But ask Virginia Tech fans about Rogers, and you'll likely gain a new appreciation for the junior from Mechanicsville, Virginia. A former high school quarterback, Rogers came to the Hokies as a walk-on in 2013. From the moment he stepped on campus, he became an impact player. 

He's played in all 26 games of his career and is a punishing blocker out of the backfield. He can run and catch the ball, too. Rogers rushed for 140 yards last season while also catching 20 passes for 230 yards. Rogers is the type of player who helped build the Virginia Tech program—he has a strong, blue-collar work ethic and a team-first attitude. 

While his stats may not blow you away, Rogers is one of VT's most important players on offense. Running backs coach Shane Beamer is a big fan of Rogers, per Brittany Keup of the Collegiate Times:

“He’s just a great football player,” Beamer said. “He’s athletic, he’s strong, he’s physical, he’s smart—all the attributes you want in a football player. That’s what he is and because of that, he is able to excel.”

Rogers often lined up as the single back behind quarterback Michael Brewer last season. While Rogers is mostly known for his blocking ability, expect him to be more involved in the offense this fall. 

Isaiah Ford

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Isaiah Ford

Look no further than his outstanding freshman season, and you'll see that Isaiah Ford is not only talented, but extremely consistent, too. 

Ford led the Hokies in virtually every major receiving category last year. He caught 56 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Ford caught at least two passes in every game as a freshman and caught at least four passes in eight games. He was often Brewer's top third-down target.

When you look at Ford's stats, it's easy to think of him as a possession receiver. However, Ford possesses game-breaking speed and will likely be utilized more as a downfield threat in 2015. The offensive coaching staff did a good job of bringing Ford along slowly last year as it pertained to route running. 

Ford has a very good chance of becoming Tech's first-ever 1,000-yard receiver. 

Luther Maddy

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Luther Maddy

Senior defensive tackle Luther Maddy was supposed to be in the NFL in 2015. However, a knee injury last September ruined his plans and allowed him to return to Tech for one more season. 

The pillar of consistency, Maddy became a full-time starter midway through his true freshman campaign in 2011. A rather unheralded recruit, Maddy forced his way onto the field with his ability to stop the run. In his career, Maddy has amassed 118 career tackles from the defensive tackle position—a rather impressive feat.

For as good as Maddy is at stopping the run, he's an underrated rusher, too. He has 11.5 career sacks, including 6.5 in 2013. 

The Hokies' defense could return to elite status this fall if Maddy returns to the field at 100 percent. 

Dadi Nicolas

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Nicolas

Dadi Nicolas didn't become a full-time starter until the 2014 season, but he made his presence known each time out. In 10 of Tech's 13 games last season, Nicolas recorded at least one tackle for loss. He got to the quarterback in seven of VT's games, too. 

Overall, Nicolas finished the 2014 campaign with 72 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Nicolas deserved to be named first-team All-ACC. Instead, he finished on the conference's second team. 

As a part-time player in 2013, Nicolas played the role of pass-rush specialist. He would come in on third downs and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He finished that season with four sacks and 13 quarterback knockdowns. 

Nicolas could be in store for even bigger honors if healthy in 2015. 

Kendall Fuller

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Fuller

Kendall Fuller is not only Tech's best player, but he's the Hokies' most consistent player, too. In his two years in Blacksburg, Fuller has played in all 26 games, starting 25. He has 112 career tackles, eight interceptions, seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. 

Fuller has received All-American and All-ACC honors in each of his first two seasons. He is arguably the nation's top corner entering the 2015 season. 

The junior from Baltimore, Maryland, routinely draws the opposition's top receiver and makes him a non-factor for 60 minutes. Unfortunately for VT head coach Frank Beamer, Fuller is the last of four brothers to play their college ball in Blacksburg, and this season could be his last as a collegian.