Virginia Tech Spring Football 2014: Top 3 Defensive Players to Watch in the Hokies’ Spring Game

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

The Virginia Tech Hokies’ defense has been quite dominant this spring and is looking like a unit that once again can be one of the top defenses in the nation. Bud Foster has been very impressed with his defense this spring and that was especially true after the third scrimmage when the defense absolutely dominated the offense. Bud Foster and the Hokies’ defense has played well this spring and will look to finish it off with a strong performance in the Spring Game so which Hokies are the ones to really watch?

1. DE Ken Ekanem

Ken Ekanem has probably had the best spring of any Hokie as he has gone from battling for a starting defensive end job to a guy that could be prone to have a huge season this fall. Ekanem has impressed Hokies’ coaches and has absolutely dominated with 5 sacks in the first two scrimmages which is quite impressive. Ekanem will get a chance to finish the spring with another strong performance to almost assert himself as the MVP of the spring on Saturday and Ekanem might just do that.

Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster (left) talks to his players against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. LB Deon Clarke

Deon Clarke received praise from Bud Foster after the third spring scrimmage and is entering the Spring Game as a player that is looking to continue to build momentum. Clarke is in an intense battle for one of the open starting linebacker jobs and Clarke has a chance to really give himself a good chance in the summer with another strong performance. Clarke is going against mainly Chase Williams and Dahman McKinnon for two spots as all three players have had strong springs. However, Clarke seems to have the best chance to seperate himself from Dahman McKinnon and possibly catch Chase Williams if he can have a strong Spring Game.

3. CB Kendall Fuller

Alright, you’re probably wondering why Kendall Fuller is on this list after the soon-to-be sophomore cornerback had an incredible freshman in which he also garnered Freshman All-American and All-ACC Second Team honors. This is also a showpiece game for Hokie Nation to see some of the top Hokies prove why they have a future on Sundays and Kendall Fuller is one of those guys. Fuller is one of the most exciting and best cornerbacks in all of college football and will definitely be Preseason All-ACC and possibly a Preseason All-American. Fuller is a great young player and a guy that Hokies’ fans are definitely happy about having for 2 to 3 more seasons.

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