The Virginia Tech Hokies have gotten off to a disappointing 2-2 start, but enter ACC play with an offense that is at its best in years, and a defense that should be able to step up in run defense even with Preseason All-American Kendall Fuller done for the season.
The Hokies are currently scheduled to open ACC play on Saturday, but whenever the Hokies do play their ACC opener, Virginia Tech should hand the starting running back job to Travon McMillian.
So far, McMillian has been the most dangerous running back for the Hokies as someone that can make big plays in space. McMillian hasn't received as many carries when Brenden Motley has been under center, but McMillian has good size at 6'1'' even though he is not that much of a power runner.
McMillian is just about as fast as J.C. Coleman while also having a lot more size at 6'1''. Coleman may be a little stronger, but McMillian's size makes him hard to bring down while he has also shown improving vision to go with great agility and acceleration to make big plays in space.
So far, Travon McMillian is the Hokies' leading rusher 26 carries for 209 rushing yards and an impressive average of eight yards per carry. McMillian has game-changing speed, and has the big-play ability that you want from a running back to change the game, and flip momentum.
McMillian has also proven to be someone that can be useful as a third-down out of the slot in the passing game, whether the Hokies decide to use him in the passing game or run a play action pass based on McMillian faking the jet sweep.
McMillian is not the guy that the Hokies should use in short-yardage, power-running situations with Trey Edmunds and Sam Rogers the guys for that role. However, McMillian is only going to get stronger the longer he is in the program.
McMillian also has a lot of upside similar to Bucky Hodges last season as a great athlete that has only been at running back for a year after starting fall practice last year at quarterback. McMillian's vision and awareness will only get better as he becomes more experienced, and his strength will only increase with more time around the program and in the weight room.
Travon McMillian has gotten off to a great start to this season, and has shown that he is the Hokies' best running back. Now, it's time for the Hokies to give the redshirt freshman the starting job as someone who can carry the ball 15 to 20 times per game as the featured running back.
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