Davion Brown is making catches that keep drives alive. Terry Wiggins is giving Virginia Tech another option at linebacker. Benjamin Eziuka is earning trust in an offensive line that has needed its younger players to grow up quickly.
Their contributions look different, but together they offer an encouraging sign for James Franklin: Members of his freshman class are finding ways to help the Hokies now.
That progress was evident against Georgia Tech. Brown delivered a crucial third-down reception, Wiggins played 13 defensive snaps and Eziuka logged 46 snaps at guard. All three drew praise from Franklin afterward as Virginia Tech prepared for its trip to Clemson.
For Eziuka, the opportunity has come with a level of responsibility that can be difficult for a true freshman offensive lineman. Physical readiness matters, but so does being someone the coaches can count on to handle an assignment consistently.
Franklin sees both qualities.
