I asked chatgpt what it could dig up just for the heck of it about our running backs group: Virginia Tech's running back room is one of the more intriguing position groups on the roster under new head coach James Franklin. Franklin has always preferred a physical run game with multiple backs contributing, and he brought in longtime Penn State assistant and running backs coach Norval McKenzie to oversee the position. ([si.com][1]) Here's how I see the room shaping up, along with everything publicly available on their speed. ### 1. Marcellous Hawkins (Sr.) – The likely starter * 5'10", 223 lbs * Transfer from Central Missouri * Ran for **749 yards at 6.3 yards per carry** in 2025. * Powerful between the tackles but has shown enough burst to rip off chunk runs. He isn't known as a pure burner, but he's faster than his build suggests. ([gobblercountry.com][2]) **Known speed** * I could not find a verified 100-meter time or laser-timed 40. * Recruiting services generally described him as having good acceleration rather than elite top-end speed. **Projection** He's the guy who wears defenses down. Think more "move the chains and break tackles" than "80-yard touchdown every game." --- ### 2. Jeffrey Overton Jr. (r-Fr.) – The explosive option * 5'9", 205 lbs * One of the breakout names from spring practice. * Coaches and local media consistently mention his explosiveness. ([gobblercountry.com][3]) **Known speed** * No verified 100m or 40 has been published. * High school film shows excellent acceleration and lateral quickness. **Projection** If one back on this roster becomes the home-run hitter, I'd bet on Overton. --- ### 3. Messiah Mickens (Fr.) The highest-profile recruit in the room. * Four-star recruit * Around 5'10", 212 lbs * One of Virginia Tech's biggest recruiting wins at RB in years. ([si.com][4]) **Known speed** Here's where it gets interesting. I couldn't find an officially FAT-timed 100 meters like the 10.7 example you mentioned. However: * He reportedly ran in the **4.5-second range in the 40-yard dash** during recruiting evaluations. * His verified recruiting testing also included excellent shuttle and explosion numbers, which helped make him a blue-chip prospect. He's more of a complete back than a track guy. --- ### 4. Tyler Mason (r-So.) * 5'10", 211 lbs * Developmental back with good balance. **Known speed** * No verified 40 or 100m that I could locate. --- ### 5. Bill Davis (r-Jr.) * 5'9", 230 lbs Built like a bowling ball. **Known speed** * No published testing. * More of a short-yardage, physical runner than a speed threat. --- ## Fastest guys? Based on available recruiting information and film—not just stopwatch numbers—I would rank the room like this: | Player | Top-end speed | Burst | | ------------------ | ------------- | ----- | | Jeffrey Overton | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Messiah Mickens | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | | Marcellous Hawkins | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Tyler Mason | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Bill Davis | ⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ | --- ## Were any track stars? Interestingly, none of the current scholarship backs have widely documented elite track credentials like: * 10.6–10.8 100m * 21-second 200m * verified 4.3 forty Virginia Tech has had backs like that in the past (Bhayshul Tuten eventually ran a **4.32** at the NFL Combine), but this current room is built more around football athleticism than track résumés. ([reuters.com][5]) ## Overall outlook I actually think this group has a chance to be one of the strengths of the offense. * **Hawkins** is the dependable every-down back. * **Overton** brings the explosive-change-of-pace element. * **Mickens** has the talent to force his way into the rotation as a freshman if he picks up pass protection and the playbook. * The depth behind them is solid enough that Franklin can rotate fresh legs, which has been a hallmark of his best offenses. ** Edited by likehokies at 7/25/2026, 2:49:36 PM