Andrew Motuapuaka is the Hokies’ Best Linebacker
By Tim Thomas
Nov 22, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback John Wolford (10) gets sacked by Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (54) during the second quarter at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
At the beginning of the season, Chase Williams played quite well and had become a dangerous playmaker with the senior getting tons of tackles and making plays in the backfield on opposing quarterbacks and running backs. Williams was the Hokies’ best linebacker before injuries sidelined him during the Hokies’ loss at Pittsburgh.
At first it seemed like Deon Clarke would become the Hokies’ best linebacker with Williams out. Clarke did become the Hokies’ best linebacker for a couple of weeks but that is no longer the case and it isn’t Williams either.
Virginia Tech’s best linebacker is now Andrew Motuapuaka.
Motuapuaka has only made four starts this season but has already become the Hokies’ best linebacker with double-digit tackles in all four of those games. Motuapuaka has been the high volume tackler that you want at the linebacker spot and has only 7 less tackles than Clarke who has started every game this season.
More from Virginia Tech Football
- Virginia Tech Football: Predicting how the Hokies will finish 2023
- Virginia Tech Football: Mixed results on injury news for Hokies defense
- How to Win $350 in DraftKings Bonuses Betting on College Football Week 4
- Former Virginia Tech lineman had hilarious moment Monday night
- Virginia Tech Football: Brent Pry gives some positive injury updates
However, Motuapuaka’s tackle haven’t been keeping big plays from being touchdowns but have been preventing much damage being done by the opposing running backs beyond one or two yards. Motuapuaka has proven to be an above-average run defender that can be a big factor in trying to slow down Virginia running back Kevin Parks.
Motuapuaka also is developing as a linebacker on passing downs as someone that is becoming a solid pass rusher that can either get a sack or take up a blocker to help someone else get to the quarterback. However, Motuapuaka seems to be able to make plays as a regular pass defender and has the awareness to be a quality QB spy on some plays.
While Clarke has had some inconsistent games, Motuapuaka has proven to be very consistent since starting and has also allowed Clarke to blitz on many plays with Motuapuaka’s talent as a pass coverage linebacker. Despite Chase Williams getting healthy, Motuapuaka is ahead of Williams on the depth chart
The rise of Andrew Motuapuaka this season has been quite impressive and he will be one of the best linebackers in the ACC next season. Motuapuaka will be the Hokies’ best linebacker for the foreseeable future on a defense that will be one of the best in college football next season.