The Virginia Tech Hokies’ Football 2014 Top 10 Player Countdown: #8 Trey Edmunds

Nov 16, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Trey Edmunds (14) runs for a touchdown as offensive linesman Jonathan McLaughlin (71) blocks and Maryland Terrapins linebacker L.A. Goree (53) defends in the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The countdown of the top 10 Virginia Tech football players continues today at number 8, Trey Edmunds.

Trey Edmunds was redshirted in 2012 and got his first chance to touch the field for the Hokies last fall where he proved that he could be the Hokies’ next big time running back. Edmunds started 10 of 12 regular season games and he has fully recovered from his left tibia injury which means he will be ready to start against William & Mary.

The statistics prove that Edmunds is the best running back in Blacksburg since at least David Wilson as Edmunds had 166 carries for 675 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns last season. On top of that, Edmunds did some damage in the passing game with 17 carries for 155 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.

Edmunds is a very good all-around running back that can do damage between the tackles or in space. Edmunds had some games where he received very limited carries and had a rough middle of the season. However, Edmunds proved at the beginning and end of the season that he is going to be a very good running back.

Edmunds had some big time performances last year including 20 carries for 132 rushing yards and 1 touchdown against Alabama, 14 carries for 74 yards and 4 touchdowns against Miami, and 11 carries for 93 yards against Virginia though that performance could have been even better if it wasn’t for breaking his left tibia.

Trey Edmunds has the vision to find the right hole and then do some damage and get to the second level. Edmunds also has the strength and toughness to get a couple extra yards which is always valuable. On top of that, Edmunds has good speed and the ability to find space on the outside and do damage.

This fall, Scot Loeffler needs to use Trey Edmunds more often as Edmunds only had more than 15 carries four times and should be someone running the ball around 20 to 25 times on a consistent basis. Edmunds seemed to have good stamina and do better when he gained more carries.

Trey Edmunds is ready to become the Hokies’ next big-time running back in his second year as a starter and that is what Hokie Nation can expect to happen. Edmunds can be someone who goes from averaging 4.1 yards per carry to averaging around 5 yards per carry and have way over 1,000 rushing yards.