Boykin, the team’s starter at split end, has caught a touchdown in three of Tech’s last four games and has emerged as a legitimate big-play threat with good size and hands. With 367 yards and three touchdowns on the year, he leads the Hokies in those respective categories along with receptions.
Yet Boykin wasn’t even in a starting role coming into the season.
Sherman slotted Boyce as the starter at split end during the spring.
“When it happened, it affected me, but I want everyone to play — as long as we all played and contribute,” Boykin said.
Boykin took the demotion in stride and bounced back to re-emerge as the team’s leader at the position.
“We made a change and wanted to see how he would respond, and he’s done great thus far,” Sherman said. “He’s stepped it up, and he’s making plays and being consistent.”
The receivers are making their presence felt not just in the passing game, but on special teams, too.
Roberts has emerged as a dangerous return threat, averaging 40.8 yards an attempt. He returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in Tech’s opening game against Alabama, and last week he took one return for 58 yards and his second for 31. The effects of his success are felt as kickers are forced to avoid the speedy Roberts.
Tech has watched three kickoffs sail out of bounds in the past three games, and each of those kickoffs sparked a Hokie scoring drive.
“I’m sure Dyrell is a factor (in those kicks),” head coach Frank Beamer said. “He’s dangerous.”
Two years ago, Tech had arguably one of the strongest receiving corps it’s ever seen, with three receivers taken in the NFL Draft — Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan and Justin Harper. All three of those receivers had 1,000-yard careers while donning the maroon and orange.
While it’s still too early to draw any comparisons, the Hokies’ coaching staff believes the potential is there in this unit for similar success.
“We’ve still got a lot of growing and maturing to do, but I think all these guys have potential,” Sherman said. “But you know what they say about potential — we’ve still got to improve.”
Continue Reading: « Previous12
Leave a comment 0 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.