Virginia Tech Football: Final 2015 Positional Grades for the Hokies

Virginia Tech entered the 2015 season with great expectations, and some people expected a return to the top of the ACC Coastal Division. 

However, that wasn't to be, as the Hokies finished the season with a 6-6 record for the second consecutive year. 

Why did the Hokies finish 6-6? And who stood out for them in 2015?

Let's take a look at each positional group and see who starred—and who didn't—for Virginia Tech in 2015. 

The quarterback position was in good hands entering the 2015 season with senior Michael Brewer under center. Brewer, who started every game for the Hokies in 2014, had his ups and downs as a first-year starter last fall. However, in his first full offseason as starting quarterback, he was prepared to take a major step forward this season. 

Unfortunately for Brewer—and the Hokies—things don't always go as planned. 

In the third quarter against defending national champion Ohio State, Brewer was driven to the ground, suffering a broken collarbone that would keep him out for several weeks. The Hokies led the game at halftime but struggled to compete once Brewer went down.

Junior Brenden Motley took over for Brewer and started six games. He had his share of struggles but seemed to improve the more he played. Motley, an athletic but inexperienced passer, had some issues with turnovers during his time under center. He also made some big plays both with his arm and with his legs. 

Brewer returned to the starting lineup against Duke in late October and strung together a few strong performances.

Both quarterbacks finished with a record of 3-3 under center. So, obviously the Hokies' struggles weren't just about the quarterback but the result of Tech being an average team. 

Overall, the Hokies didn't get enough from their quarterbacks, and in certain games that cost them.

Grade: C

Virginia Tech began the season with a stable of talented and experienced running backs. Trey Edmunds and J.C. Coleman each led the Hokies in rushing the last two seasons, respectively. Two sophomores, Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie, were both coming off knee injuries but were expected to be back in the rotation this fall.

And, of course, there was do-everything fullback Sam Rogers.

Well, Coleman and Edmunds struggled, McKenzie was slow to recover from his knee injury, and Williams re-injured his knee. 

Enter freshman Travon McMillian.

The 6'0", 196-pound McMillian took over the starting job in early October and never looked back. In the last seven games of the season, McMillian never ran for less than 80 yards, and he finished his rookie campaign with 961 rushing yards, averaging more than five yards per carry.

The former high school quarterback proved he was more than just a big-play back. McMillian went over 20 carries on four separate occasions and became Tech's most consistent runner since David Wilson back in 2011. 

Rogers had another strong season too, finishing second on the team in rushing and fifth in receiving. 

Grade: B+

There was some concern about Virginia Tech's wide receiver depth entering 2015. Who was going to be the No. 3 wide receiver?

Well, the Hokies never exactly found that guy, but overall this may have been the team's top unit. 

Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Ford ended up being VT's MVP and a first-team All-ACC selection. He caught 63 passes for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ford also led the ACC in receiving yards and touchdowns. 

Across from Ford was fellow sophomore Cam Phillips, who was second on the team with 46 receptions.

The Hokies also had an outstanding pair of tight ends. Everyone knows about Bucky Hodges, but senior Ryan Malleck was quietly one of the better tight ends in the ACC.

The pair combined for 56 catches, 769 yards and eight scores. Hodges caught six of those touchdowns. 

Outside of Ford and Phillips, other Tech receivers combined to catch just two passes.

Grade: A-

Virginia Tech's offensive line was supposed to be much better in 2015. The Hokies returned three starters, including left tackle Jonathan McLaughlin. 

However, as in past seasons, Tech had its share of struggles up front. Over the first month of the season, the Hokies couldn't find a consistent running game. The front five also failed to adequately protect Brewer, which led to his injury.

Then, once McMillian entered the starting lineup, the running game improved. That fixed one problem.

Unfortunately, the Hokies still had trouble protecting the quarterback. On the season, Virginia Tech allowed 34 sacks. Whether it was the pocket-passing Brewer or the athletic Motley, the Hokies had issues with pass protection. 

McLaughlin often struggled with speed rushers, while guard Wyatt Teller battled to stay consistent. Teller has limitless potential but often struggled with technique issues and penalties.

Sophomore Eric Gallo, in his first year as the starting center, was arguably Tech's most consistent offensive lineman in 2015. 

This unit had some good moments; it just wasn't consistent from start to finish.

Grade: C

Entering the season, there was a lot of chatter about how good VT's defensive line could be this season. After all, Tech returned four former All-ACC players up front. 

Injuries, though, took a toll on this unit.

Star defensive end Dadi Nicolas played in every game but suffered injuries to both hands in the summer. He finished the year with just one sack.

Fellow defensive end Ken Ekanem had a solid year and was Tech's most dangerous pass-rusher. He, too, didn't post big sack numbers, finishing with just 3.5. 

Defensive tackle Luther Maddy returned after missing most of 2014. It was a grand return for Maddy as he posted 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks and finished fourth of the team in tackles. He was rewarded with a spot on the All-ACC first team.

Fellow defensive tackle Corey Marshall battled ankle and hamstring injuries.

After finishing No. 4 in the country with 48 sacks in 2014, the Hokies registered just 21 sacks in this fall. The lack of pressure was a big reason the youthful secondary had so many issues.

The defensive line's failure to live to live up to expectations—injuries or not—is a big reason why the Hokies receive an average grade here.

Grade: C+

If you go back and watch Tech's loss to Ohio State, you'll see sophomore linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka missing tackles or being out of position on numerous occasions. For Motuapuaka, that was a lasting image in the minds of many Virginia Tech fans.

While Motuapuaka did have his fair share of issues, he quietly improved as the season wore on. He had some ups and some downs. Overall, he progressed from the beginning of the season to the end. Experience can do that.

Senior Deon Clarke had his moments, too. For the most part, Clarke had a good season. He led the team in tackles for loss, finished second in tackles and had three sacks. Clarke was also capable in coverage.

At times, Clarke missed tackles and also had some costly penalties.

Ronny Vandyke, VT's starter at whip (outside) linebacker, had a quiet season. The Hokies lined up in their nickel defense frequently, often leaving just two linebackers on the field. For the first time in his career, Vandyke did stay healthy, though.

Grade: C

The Hokies, known to some as "DBU", didn't live up to that tradition this season.

The biggest reason was the loss of All-American cornerback Kendall Fuller to a knee injury in September. Before Fuller was sidelined for the season, though, he clearly wasn't the same player in the season-opening loss to Ohio State. Fuller was often uncharacteristically beaten on numerous occasions in the season's first month. 

When Fuller went down, freshman Terrell Edmunds moved into the starting lineup. While Edmunds improved throughout the season, he clearly wasn't playing to Fuller's level.

Brandon Facyson returned after missing most of last season and had an outstanding year. He showed no lingering effects of his leg injury.

Greg Stroman and Mook Reynolds each took turns getting beaten this season. While both players are poised to be good in the future, their youth showed at times. Just like most players, though, each of them improved with more experience. 

At free safety, junior Chuck Clark was Tech's best defensive back. The former corner moved to safety in the offseason and didn't miss a beat. 

Another freshman, Adonis Alexander, took over as the starting rover early in the season and showed coaches and fans why he could be Virginia Tech's next great defensive back. He struggled with the speed of the game at times, which resulted in his being out of position. But he led the team in interceptions and finished fifth in tackles. 

Grade: C+

For the first time in years, the Hokies finally had a reliable place-kicker again. Sophomore Joey Slye was 21-of-28 on field-goal attempts this season. While some may consider seven misses an issue, consider that Slye attempted 18 field goals from 40 yards and beyond and hit 12 of them.

Slye also finished with 42 touchbacks on the year, which means 63 percent of his kickoffs weren't returnable. That's another good rate. 

Punter A.J. Hughes quietly had another impressive season. He averaged 43 yards per punt, and 14 of his punts went for 50 yards or more. Also, 22 of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line.

Overall, both specialists had strong seasons.

Grade: B+