Antone Exum Cleared To Play

Dec 28, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Antone Exum (1) returns an interception thrown by Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gary Nova (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl at the Citrus Bowl. Virginia Tech defeated Rutgers 13-10 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech received great news yesterday. Star cornerback Antone Exum has been cleared by Dr. James Andrews to play this Saturday against North Carolina. He was injured in the off-season while playing basketball, and has been rehabbing his knee since he injured it in January. While it is great news that he will be back, it is not clear what role he will play.

The coaches may want to ease Exum back in, but having him back on the field is going to make a major difference for the Hokies. During his career at Virginia Tech he has 6 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles. To go along with those stats, he also has 182 career tackles. Having Exum back is big for the Hokies, but it also creates some issues.

The defense has been stellar so far this season for Virginia Tech. The corner backs have done more than expected of them, and have been making big plays all year long. Kyle Fuller, and Brandon Facyson have 5 interceptions combined and have been shutting down opposing wide-outs. It will be hard to bench anyone on the Hokies defense. The defense is stacked and getting Antone Exum back in the lineup is only going to help them to continue to dominate.