On Monday, Virginia Tech wide receiver Tucker Holloway was named the ACC Specialist of the Week after his performance vs. Georgia Tech.
The true freshman from Andrews, N.C. had a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter, the longest return since Greg Stroman's 91-yarder in 2017 against North Carolina. Holloway, who was given the opportunity to field punts starting on Oct. 27 at NC State, gave a huge boost to special teams.
Entering Saturday, Virginia Tech ranked 121st in the FBS in punt return yards with 33. Holloway returned seven punts and totaled 188 yards, breaking the school record for most yards in a single game set in 1994 by Antonio Freeman.
https://twitter.com/BallySportsSO/status/1588952936079659008?s=20&t=4uKwI7Z8_SZXqQgn9sHA-g
"Tucker is probably, in my career here, the most talented and special freshman that I've seen," fellow wide receiver Kaleb Smith said after the 28-27 loss. "It's something that we've seen since he rolled in here in January. It hasn't been a big shock to us, and we're 100% excited for his future and what he can bring to this team."
"He’s a true freshman we’re really excited about," head coach Brent Pry said. "He just kept battling and wanting opportunities. And when we weren’t getting it done there, he got the opportunity to do some of it last week and he owned it today. He’s confident, he’s fast. Guys make plays on special teams, it helps us feel better about playing them on offense and defense."
Holloway is the third Hokie to earn league honors this season, joining Smith and defensive end TyJuan Garbutt. Virginia Tech (2-7, 1-5 ACC) returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Duke in Durham, N.C. It's a 12 p.m. kickoff on RSN (Regional Sports Networks).