2014 Spring Practice: Virginia Tech’s Talented Defensive Backs

Oct 26, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) intercepts a pass intended for Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jamison Crowder (3) during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Practice has begun for the Virginia Tech Hokies and we’ve looked at some of the headlines within the Virginia Tech program. Over the last few days, we’ve looked at the Hokies’ wide open QB competition and the talented group of returning receivers. Today, we’re taking a look at the strong Virginia Tech secondary that could arguably be the best group of defensive backs in all of college football.

It all starts with Kendall Fuller who after one season is already one of the best cornerbacks in all of college football. The current freshman will only be a sophomore this fall and will at least be in Blacksburg for another two years. Kendall Fuller was dominate as a freshman with 6 interception and was consistently able to slow down opposing receivers. Kendall Fuller can match up with just about any receiver in college football right now and that is something that makes him a big time playmaker. Fuller is a tough player that is a playmaker and should only be getting better after a freshman season that proved he is a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

Not much was expected from Brandon Facyson as a true freshman but Facyson exceeded expectations and forms the best duo of cornerbacks in college football with Kendall Fuller. Facyson, like Fuller, had a lot of starts last year and will also be in Blacksburg for at least the next two years. Facyson was almost as good as Fuller in his freshman season and had 5 interceptions due to his great ability as a ball hawker on the outside. Facyson also has great size and might just have a bigger ceiling than Fuller. Brandon Facyson had a great freshman season and expect him to be even better in his sophomore season.

Kyshoen Jarrett was one of the two juniors that considered leaving early for the NFL Draft but like Luther Maddy, Jarrett chose to stay for his senior season. Jarrett will once again be one of the two starting safeties for the Hokies and his ability to make plays all over the field could allow him to have a big senior season. Jarrett knows how to come up and make plays in the running while his 2 interceptions and 2 pass deflections prove he is also a strong coverage safety. Jarrett is a very good all-around safety that is ready to have a big senior season.

Detrick Bonner had some moments last season as a junior that were not so good but Bonner showed that he is another big part of the Hokies’ solid secondary. Bonner is more of a free safety type player that is a solid ball hawker which is prove by his 2 interceptions and 5 pass deflections. Bonner also has the ability to line up near the line and almost play the role of a nickel cornerback though he does get burnt occasionally when doing that. Bonner played better over the course of the regular season and is another strong piece for the Hokies this upcoming season.

Chris Caver and Donovan Riley both bring some experience in Blacksburg back as those two have the talent to start at plenty of programs across the country but will be fighting to be the nickel cornerback for the Hokies. Chuck Clark is likely to take the rover role and Clark has the size to play that role fairly well. Holland Fisher could be the sleeper as Fisher could take Clark or Bonner’s job as Fisher has the potential to be the next big time newcomer like Fuller and Facyson were last season. The Hokies definitely have one of the strongest groups of defensive backs in all of college football.

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