Which True Freshmen Will Play For The Hokies This Year And Who Will Likely Redshirt?

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21 Comments

1. 

   VT Dogster August 28, 2023 at 5:05 PM

   You listed Ishmael Findlayter as being a "redshift" candidate. ? Insert physics joke.
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 5:36 PM

      I guess that's better than omitting the "f" or "r" completely.
   2. 

      Smirnoff August 28, 2023 at 10:31 PM

      Ahhhem…based on the optics, I’d say he’s far away from playing.
2. 

   frankyfrankerson August 28, 2023 at 1:26 PM

   is burning a marginal redshirt this year worth it? on the one hand if 7-8 wins is the ceiling, does it matter? On the other; it feels like if we don’t get to a bowl this year; momentum of the program (and belief that Pry is a long term solution) could really plummet? I’m all about the future but winning now seems really important…
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 5:37 PM

      If you've got dudes who are ready and will contribute, I think you play them. Be smart about it -- and use the four-game rule to your advantage --- but if they're going to play a big role next year, get them started in that direction.
3. 

   SCHokie1103 August 28, 2023 at 1:17 PM

   Always enjoy your analysis and info. Thank you AB
4. 

   Chasesfish August 28, 2023 at 12:37 PM

   Andy - Great article as always. Do you think any of the true freshman that played last year, barring injury, will end up redshirting this year?
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 12:45 PM

      I don't think so. All five of those guys should have decent to significant roles this year.
5. 

   Ronfarmer27 August 28, 2023 at 12:04 PM

   Andy: Grace and Manny have an article out today on ACC win totals. They both say bet the under on the Hokies at 5.5 wins. What say you?
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 12:21 PM

      I'm waffling between predicting 5-7 and 6-6, so I'm right on that line. Feels like the national media is NOT bullish on the Hokies overall, though. Might be overlooking some of the talent upgrades they've had, though without a proof of concept for this team and coaching staff, I can't say I blame them for coming to that conclusion.
   2. 

      ANDYISGOLD August 28, 2023 at 1:20 PM

      I am betting they go to a bowl
6. 

   VT_Consul August 28, 2023 at 12:01 PM

   3 Freshman cornerbacks seems like...a lot. I know you have them listed 4,5,6 in total depth chart...but do we typically get down to CB #6 during the season?
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 12:15 PM

      If anyone gets injured, yes.
7. 

   TreySmith14 August 28, 2023 at 11:59 AM

   Great Andy. One question for you. Compared to other P5 programs why is VT so bullish to play freshman on defense but not offense? I understand the theory of DBU, VT reputation on defense but never understood why we coddle offensive skill position players. Compared to most even with the new Offense, we have a basic playbook. (Unless it’s changed drastically since spring game) It’s not like the offensive scheme is complex like USC, Oregon, Tenn, etc. All who benefit from playing freshman early and often.
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 12:19 PM

      I'd have to go back and check the breakdown to see if the numbers back that up or if it just feels anecdotally true. Maybe it's just that VT historically recruits better on defense than offense? That's been the program's M.O. Perhaps if it brought in more freshman who were simply phenomenal offensive talents, they'd force their way onto the field quicker. Feels like that used to be the case when VT landed some truly elite offensive guys (Eddie Royal, Tyrod, David Wilson, etc.)
8. 

   Hokie67 August 28, 2023 at 11:43 AM

   Thanks, Andy, as always. Hopefully - you'll be able to keep track of the games which these guys do or don't play. It always seems like VT burns several redshirts needlessly. Go Hokies!
   1. 

      Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 11:53 AM

      Yeah, Burgos felt like a waste last year. Holloway too, although he really pushed to play in that Liberty game.
      1. 

         VT_Consul August 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM

         Holloway was definitely a waste, although they probably thought he'd get playing time vs UVa as well.
         1. 

            Andy Bitter August 28, 2023 at 12:20 PM

            Both his parents went to Liberty. I think that's part of the reason he felt so strongly that he should play in that game.
   2. 

      delmarva hokie August 28, 2023 at 1:49 PM

      My thought is if you're good enough to play as a true freshman, you're probably a good bet to go to the NFL after your junior season. If they can contribute now, I'd play them.
9. 

   TomTurkey August 28, 2023 at 11:33 AM

   Great article. Will be fun to revisit to learn names and track their progress.