Tight Ends: A+
When James Franklin announced that Ty Howle would be his offensive coordinator, Tech fans everywhere knew that tight ends would play a significant role in his scheme from the outset. Through the first quarter of the season, it's clear that Howle, who worked with the likes of Tyler Warren and Pat Freiermuth, knows how to use his position group effectively.
Without a doubt, Virginia Tech's best offensive weapon so far has been Luke Reynolds, the former No. 1 tight end recruit in the country who joined Virginia Tech last winter from Penn State. After turning heads in the spring, he's been better than advertised, tallying 25 receptions for 265 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Hokies in each of those categories.
Not only is he at the front of the pack of Virginia Tech's pass-catchers, he's also toward the top of the conference production leaderboard, trailing only Miami's Malachi Toney in total receptions (28) and touchdown catches (5).
Although it's still early, Reynolds is on pace to match or surpass several program records, including the all-time receptions record of 72 set by Isaiah Ford in 2016, and touchdown receptions in a season (11) that was also set by Ford, in 2015. His 86.8 PFF grade through three games leads all tight ends nationally.
Behind Reynolds, Benji Gosnell (PFF: 56.9), Ja'Ricous Hairston (PFF: 67.7), Harrison Saint Germain (55.8), and Pierce Petersohn (PFF: 58.2) have combined for 12 catches and 106 yards and a score. Despite the group's lopsided production numbers, Howle has used them well, spreading the ball around, like against Maryland, when Grunkemeyer completed passes to Reynolds, Gosnell, and Hairston on the same touchdown drive in the second quarter. Behind Reynolds, the group has performed well in the blocking game, as well, logging an average PFF grade of 73.6 against the Terps, demonstrating the group's ability to play a role in multiple areas.
