The Virginia Tech Hokies’ Football 2014 Top 10 Player Countdown: #2 Luther Maddy

Jul 20, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy addresses the media during the ACC football media day at the Grandover Resort. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Our countdown of the top 10 players for the Virginia Tech Hokies continues today with the number 2 player on our list, Luther Maddy.

Luther Maddy is the highest senior on this list and currently is the Hokies’ top rated 2015 NFL Draft prospect entering the 2014 season. Maddy is the only returning starter on the Hokies’ young but talented defensive line and will play a big role as a leader in the locker room this fall for Virginia Tech.

Maddy’s position as a leader on this team has been proven multiple times this summer including when he was the defensive representative for Virginia Tech at the ACC Kickoff. Maddy is also one of the big names on the team as proven by how he was featured in an Instagram post by the Virginia Tech football program to encourage students to buy student season tickets.

Luther Maddy has earned his spotlight within the program and is ready to prove that he is one of the best defensive tackles in college football.

Maddy entered last season with 16 starts over the two previous seasons but finally got his chance to be a full-time starter on a talented defensive line. Maddy thrived and earned big honors within the ACC as he was placed on the All-ACC Third Team by both the coaches and media.

Sep 21, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy (92) reacts after sacking Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Rakeem Cato (12) during the second half at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Maddy proved to be a very good run defender after having 55 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss last season. Maddy knows how to plug holes up the middle and while he doesn’t have above-average speed for his position, he is a strong defensive tackle who also has very good toughness and pursuit.

Luther Maddy is also a very good pass rusher as he had 6 sacks last season which are very good numbers for a defensive tackle at the collegiate level. Maddy has a good first step which can help him get in the backfield while he also knows how to get a sack to prevent the quarterback from escaping the pocket.

Maddy enters this season as the ACC’s top defensive tackle ahead of Clemson’s Grady Jarrett and Maddy has gained some major preseason honors including spots on the ACC media’s Preseason All-ACC First Team. Maddy has the skills to have 60+ tackles, 6 to 9 sacks, and 15 to 18 tackles for loss this fall.

Luther Maddy is ready to prove that he is a star on an underrated Virginia Tech defensive line.