Virginia Tech's 2022 true freshman class has plenty of intriguing players with a few who have the potential to play early as a freshman.
There are a few players who missed the cut who may get limited opportunities this season. Xavier Chaplin and Johnny Garrett are battling for the second backup offensive tackle spot though I expect Tech to try to redshirt both of them which should be doable given the four-game redshirt rule.
Daequan Wright has received tons of praise and could be a guy we see more of as the season progresses. Wright feels more like a 2023 breakout candidate as he adjusts to begin primarily a tight end, but his receiving skills may allow him to force his way onto the field sooner.
You probably didn't expect to see a kicker mentioned here either but John Love has been pushing Will Ross during fall camp and though he still seems to be the #2 guy, he's positioned himself to be the next man up if Ross struggles or gets hurt.
Outside of those players, you could see 1 or 2 avoid redshirt via special teams coverage units, but this looks like a year where much of the class will redshirt.
So with all that said, here's my ranking of the top candidates for the Hokies.
3. RB Bryce Duke
Bryce Duke may not have been one of the highest-rated recruits in this freshman class, but he has been one of the most talked about after a tremendous senior season that helped him earn the prestigious All-Met Player of the Year honors from the Washington Post.
Since then, Duke has entered a fascinating running back situation where he seems to have benefited from an early enrollment working some with backup QB Jason Brown.
Duke is in an interesting situation at RB with Malachi Thomas entrenched at the top, Jalen Holston having a solid fall camp and being the veteran power back, and Keshawn King being a unique speed threat that Brent Pry has said has to be utilized given that speed.
However, Duke could end up being the #2 or 3 RB early in the season with Malachi Thomas currently "week to week" and Jalen Holston a little banged up as well (though Holston should be good for ODU). There are also some signs that Duke is pushing King some while Duke could easily operate as a #2 RB with King working some at WR and being used in other creative ways.
2. CB Cam Johnson
It was close for this second spot, but one of Tech's crown jewels of the 2022 class Cam Johnson comes in at #2.
I wrote earlier in fall camp about how Johnson was impressing coaches including Brent Pry and CBs coach Derek Jones with Jones telling me at the time that he could see Johnson making the two-deep.
Since then, Johnson has continued to be steady and seems locked in to be no worse than 5th on the cornerback depth chart. DJ Harvey has been his primary competition with the duo already looking like the starting duo of the future either in 2023 or in 2024 with Dorian Strong having the type of NFL potential that could see him leave early, and Armani Chatman and Broom Murray nearing the end of their collegiate careers.
In the meantime, Johnson has put himself in position to earn playing time this year though he may need to pass Harvey to avoid a redshirt. However, it's not crazy to think that Johnson could still have a role this year and one that is more of a sure thing than Duke or anyone outside of the #1 guy on this list regardless of injuries.
1. OG Braelin Moore
After older brother Kaden Moore was a breakout surprise last year on his way to becoming a starter, younger brother Braelin Moore is poised to do the same in terms of earning early playing time.
This comes after Moore arrived in the spring working at defensive tackle before moving by the end of it to the offensive line where most expected him to play.
Moore didn't take long to make a strong impression and rise up the depth chart at offensive guard for the Hokies working with the second team offensive line early in fall camp at left guard. Since then, Moore has received loads of public praise from Brent Pry including that Pry expects Moore to play starting from the upcoming opener at Old Dominion.
Pry also hinted that there was a "competition" at one of the offensive line spots with all indications pointing to left guard where Jesse Hanson is the projected starter. It would be surprising still if Hanson wasn't the starter against ODU but there's no doubt that Braelin Moore has made it interesting in a year where a starting competition on the offensive line seemed very unlikely.
However, it's impossible to rule out the possibility that we may see the Moore brothers starting together at the two guard spots for the Hokies this season. Even for a school like VT known for it's legacy of brothers, that would be pretty special.
