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Hokies Football: Three Hokies to Watch Against East Carolina

After an impressive 49-0 victory, the Virginia Tech Hokies face off Saturday against the East Carolina Pirates looking to avoid a third-straight loss to the AAC team. Now, take a look at the three Hokies to watch against East Carolina from writer Henry Skutt.

Jerod Evans

Back on the list for yet another week, Evans continues to impress after earning the starting role under Coach Fuente and his offense. He is one of only three Power 5 conference quarterbacks with 10+ touchdowns and 1 interception. This is even more impressive when you consider his only interception wasn't even his fault. Evans is on pace for a stat line of 2,800 yards/40 touchdowns/4 interceptions. This will obviously slow down but that shows how impressive Evans has been at leading this offense. Watch for him to continue to improve this week against East Carolina. The offensive playbook still hasn't been opened all the way -- I am excited to see how Coach Fuente looks to expand on the success that the offense has had so far this season. Evans should be the focus point of this offense yet again -- both with his running and throwing ability. Surprisingly, he was the 2nd leading rusher last week against Boston College. His ceiling right now is high, and I don't expect his performance to slow down yet.

Mook Reynolds

This is a player that has been impressive to me all season. Bud Foster has him playing a type of "nickelwhip" position, and Mook is thriving in that position. He is athletic enough to play in man coverage -- which allows Bud Foster to bring the safeties up into the box -- but also smart enough to play in zone coverage as well. There is a much more in-depth look that I could go into, but this is not the time or place. Watch for Foster to use Reynolds all over the field against East Carolina and their deadly passing attack. Bud Foster has the freedom this year to play some unique defensive schemes because of how many athletes he has on the field at the same time, and that allows for Mook to be highly successful. Look at where he lines up on defense, especially when he lines up against slot receivers. That is where he has been most successful the past two games.

Marshawn Williams

After missing the first two games due to academics, Williams burst onto the scene last week against Boston College. He led the team in rushing with 81 yards on only 15 carries, and showed a burst that had been missing for him two years ago before he went down with his ACL tear. He looks very healthy, slimmer than before his injury, and showed off some nifty moves in the open field. He is a great power runner that compliments Travon McMillian and Shai McKenzie very well. Coach Fuente will continue to use a running back committee system instead of establishing a single running back to get the majority of the carries. However, I would be shocked if Marshawn doesn't get at least 20 carries against East Carolina. The Hokies ran the ball 48 times (!!) against Boston College and Jerod Evans still had five touchdown passes. This offense has some serious potency, especially if they can get the running game going. Marshawn Williams will help that happen. Watch for him to make an impact early and often.
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