Virginia Tech Football 2011: 5 Impact True Freshmen for the Hokies

The 2011-2012 Virginia Tech Football Season is two games in and already the newest class of Hokies is making its presence known on the field. 

The tendency is to redshirt most first-year players under the Frank Beamer regime unless depth is an issue or the talent is too eye-popping to have on the bench (i.e. David Wilson, Tyrod Taylor, Kyle Fuller just to name a few).

In 2011, however, several true freshmen have already seen action for the Hokies due to depth issues on the defensive line and an assortment of talented newcomers in the secondary.

Here are five true freshmen still to make their mark for Virginia Tech this season.  

Corey Marshall-Defensive Tackle No. 96

A glaring weakness for Bud Foster's defense going into the season was the lack of depth on the defensive line. 

Fortunately, the Hokies found this gem.

Marshall was rated as the seventh-best recruit coming out of Virginia in the 2011 class and one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. He recorded 13.5 sacks as a senior in high school and looks to transfer that pass-rushing prowess to his first season in Blacksburg.

Making his impact early in the season, Marshall already got his first career sack against East Carolina and has three tackles in the first two games.

Even if the defensive front stays healthy, Marshall will receive significant minutes. He is the best option behind the Hopkins brothers in the middle and promises to play a key role as the season rolls on.  

 

AdeBoye Aromire-Safety No. 23

If things go to plan in the secondary, AdeBoye (At-a-boy) Aromire will not see significant snaps on defense for Virginia Tech this season. However, should starter Eddie Whitley need a breather, Aromire is a capable talent ready to step in.

Aromire had to battle fellow freshman Ronny Vandyke for the No. 2 position on the depth chart behind Whitley. Aromire earned the backup rover position and will be expected to make plays on special teams.

The Washington D.C. prospect is lightning quick, running a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, bringing more quickness to the strength of the Hokie defense. He has recorded one tackle this season but will likely see more playing time in non-pressure situations going forward. 

Coach Torrian Gray likes his young safeties surrounding the veteran Whitley. And Aromire will get the opportunity to showcase his abilities the rest of the season. Plus, he gets to learn firsthand about the difficult rover position from the experienced Whitley.   

Michael Branthover-Punter No. 82

The punter position has been uncharacteristically poor for the Hokies through the first two games this season. With an inexperienced quarterback at the helm, Virginia Tech can ill-afford to lose valuable field position due to inconsistent punting.

Thus far this season, starting punter Scott Demler has averaged a mere 35.1 yards per punt in 10 attempts.

Wide receiver Danny Coale practiced punting in training camp, but his practice time and skills are better served on offense with his young quarterback Logan Thomas.

The most likely solution is to take the redshirt off Michael Branthover, which seems more inevitable by the day. Branthover will suit up for the game against Arkansas State on Saturday. The freshman punter averaged 49.5 yards in two punts in Virginia Tech's last scrimmage before the regular season. 

If Branthover can maintain any semblance of consistency, expect the young punter to become a mainstay on special teams.     

Luther Maddy-Defensive Tackle No. 92

Remember the depth issue at defensive tackle? The second defensive tackle on this list, Luther Maddy, will play an important role alongside Corey Marshall in backing up the Hopkins brothers.

Ironically, Maddy was one of the lowest rated recruits in the 2011 class according to Rivals. Maddy came in a package deal with high school teammate and fellow lineman Wedley Estime.

The 6'1", 283-pound lineman has accrued two assisted tackles and a quarterback hurry so far this season for the Hokies.


Maddy was not a heralded commitment for the Hokies. However, the coaching staff has its own rating systems, and Maddy's ascension onto the two-deep roster in his first year confirms the staff's high opinion of the young defensive tackle.

There is a long list of underrated players that became stars under Bud Foster. The next in line could be this defensive tackle. This player is one to watch for years to come, Tech fans. 

Caleb Farris-Center No. 79

A player that is getting a surprising amount of snaps thus far is center Caleb Farris. Featured Bleacher Report columnist Justin Cocchiola correctly predicted Farris's potential role in the offense this season. 

However, no one predicted that the freshman recruit from Lexington, VA would get playing time so early in the going. Harris played 17 snaps against Appalachian State and is currently the backup to starting center Andrew Miller.

For Virginia Tech's sake, Miller needs to stay healthy. An inexperienced center/quarterback combo usually is a recipe for disaster. However, the experience Harris gains reading blitzes and making calls at the line of scrimmage this year in backup duty will be invaluable in future seasons.