As we ramp up for the first season of the Brent Pry era at Virginia Tech, we kick off our of season preview predictions starting with our picks for breakout players on both offense and defense.
Both sides of the football have plenty of intriguing candidates with no unanimous picks among our writers so with that said, here's our breakout player picks.
Tim Thomas: Da'Wain Lofton, Josh Fuga
Da'Wain Lofton had plenty of hype around him leading up to last season from coaches and players with many believing that he would play a large role. Instead, Lofton had to wait till late in the season to get larger role and opportunity but when he did, he seized it and showed loads of promise.
Now, Lofton has had a full offseason with a new staff and new quarterback but knowing he's going to be one of the guys leading the WR corps and this offense for the Hokies. There may not be a WR with more upside than Lofton on this Tech team and it's fair to expect that this could be a breakout year especially with a healthy offseason and plenty of time to build his rapport with Grant Wells. Don't be surprised if Lofton has a big year.
Meanwhile, Josh Fuga got his first season of significant playing time and even some starting experience last season, something that the other 2 parts of the DT trio (Norell Pollard, Mario Kendricks) had previously and gained more of in 2021.
Fuga showed plenty of potential and has built on it with a strong offseason which included winning one of the two most improved awards from the staff this spring. Combine his growth, massive upside his size brings, and his experience and Fuga seems like a prime breakout candidate to potentially grow into being Tech's best DT this season.
Carter Hill: Da'Wain Lofton, Jaden Keller
There's still a lot to digest when looking at this Virginia Tech offense in 2022. Who’s going to step up to help out starting quarterback Grant Wells? Who will emerge in the backfield in the midst of an intense running backs competition? Who might be that key receiver to go alongside Kaleb Smith and Temple transfer Jadan Blue? It’s got to be D’Wain Lofton.
The Fort Worth, Texas native hauled in seven receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown in 2021 for his true freshman campaign, and is poised to play in a much bigger role in Tyler Bowen’s offense with the subtractions of leading receivers Tré Turner and Tayvion Robinson. An athletic freak, Lofton has been highly regarded by the likes of Smith, Bowen, head coach Brent Pry and wide receivers coach Fontel Mines. So there’s certainly some expectations that have been set on the 5-foot-11, 193-pounder.
On the defensive side of the ball, that honor goes to Jaden Keller.
A redshirt freshman out of Bristol, Tennessee, Keller is set to potentially start across the way from Dax Hollifield at the linebacker position, leapfrogging prover starter Alan Tisdale in the process. Raved about throughout fall camp by a multitude of Virginia Tech’s coaching staff, Keller is determined to make the jump to being a major contributor after appearing in just four games a season ago. And for a young guy who is looking to exit the development stage, Tech fans should certainly be excited about a guy who has warranted so much praise being ready to help out Chris Marve’s defensive unit this early in his amateur career.
Peyton Seay: Malachi Thomas, Jaden Keller
This pick for me could also be another player I am most excited to see this season and that is 6’0”, 205 pound running back Malachi Thomas.
The sophomore was selected to Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-ACC Third Team this preseason, and while Hokie nation was craving more starting time from him in the backfield last season, they will hopefully get it this year. He showcased strong rushing efforts in the three games he started in 2021 and ended up rushing for 440 yards on 93 carries.
Thomas appears to be in competition for the starting running back spot with Jalen Holston heading into week one, and the coaches are excited about the type of year he could have. Sadly, coaches and fans may have to wait for him to show out if he continues to miss time with an undisclosed week-to-week injury.
Here’s to hoping the Bristol native Jaden Keller works his way into a lot of playing time this year. Tech Lunch Pail’s own Tim Thomas wrote about how the redshirt Freshman has impressed coaches and teammates alike in camp this spring. Apparently, he has been in competition with redshirt Senior Alan Tisdale at the Will Linebacker position.
Virginia Tech 247 Sports’ Writer Matej Sis wrote that the Will Linebacker position is a lot about being able to make plays in the open field, and it is the pairing of speed and tackling ability that could lead to Keller sharing some of the spotlight with Tisdale this fall.
