The Top 3 Virginia Tech Hokies’ Players of the First Half of 2014
By Tim Thomas
Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Chase Williams (36) tackles Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) as Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) arrives too late to block at Ohio Stadium. Virginia Tech won the game 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Tied for 2nd. LB Chase Williams
The third and final player that is in this three-way tie for second is linebacker Chase Williams who has been quite good in his first and only season as a starter for the Hokies. Williams has been a leader in the middle of the defense, and his smarts and high football IQ has been a big reason for his success this season.
Williams’s best game of the 2014 season came in a loss to Georgia Tech when the senior linebacker had 17 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in what was a career game for the senior linebacker. This was just one of the many strong games that Williams has had in a season that might just give him a chance to be drafted.
Williams has 49 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 14 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass deflections which is quite impressive for the senior linebacker. Williams has been an effective blitzing linebacker for the Hokies but also has the skill set to be used as a quarterback spy on many plays.
Williams has had the biggest breakout season of any player for the Hokies and it would not surprise me if he stays on his current pace of tackles and ends up in the 90 to 100 range for tackles. Williams will be valuable against Pittsburgh trying to stuff power runner James Conner and the senior linebacker will be ready.
Chase Williams has had a great start and that seems likely to continue for the rest of the season.