Bucky Hodges Will Become a Star Next Season
By Tim Thomas
Nov 28, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) celebrates with running back J.C. Coleman (4) and offensive lineman Wyatt Teller (57) and wide receiver Willie Byrn (82) and offensive lineman David Wang (76) and quarterback Michael Brewer (12) after scoring the game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Hokies defeated the Virginia Cavaliers 24-20 at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
When Bucky Hodges arrived last fall, the Virginia Tech Hokies believed that he could eventually be the starting quarterback in Blacksburg. However, Virginia Tech coaches decided to give Hodges some chances at tight end on the scout team and before the end of the 2013 season, Hodges started making the transition to tight end.
That decision was a very good one with Hodges ready to have an even bigger 2015 season and become a star.
This season, Hodges had a great season with 42 receptions for 517 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns while Hodges also averaged 12.5 yards per reception which is very good. Overall, these numbers are quite impressive for a collegiate tight end especially when that guy was seen as a future quarterback just over a year ago.
Hodges’s tremendous season led him to being named to the ACC media’s 2014 All-ACC Third Team which is quite impressive with the talent at tight end in the ACC. Hodges absolutely deserved his spot on an All-ACC team and it is impressive that he is already that good of a tight end.
In 2015, Hodges has the talent to become a star and that is what fans can expect if the right quarterback is in place to let him make plays.
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It all starts with the fact that he is 6-6, 244 pounds which is tremendous size for a tight end. Bucky Hodges also knows how to use his height and size to block out safeties trying to cover him down the middle of the field.
Hodges also has tremendous athleticism which is proven by his ability to go up and get the football in the red zone over smaller defensive backs. Hodges also has the speed to beat most linebackers and even burn some defensive backs that aren’t prepared.
Hodges is a great vertical threat and is even more dangerous in the red zone where he knows how to go up and get the ball over someone else or use his size to box out the player covering him and get a touchdown on an inside route like a slant.
Hodges has great hands and is a player that does not have very many drops while also having the skills to be lined up in the slot or all the way outside for the Hokies. Hodges still has work to do as a route runner and a blocker but his route running skills have improved a lot while he is starting to make strides as a blocker.
Bucky Hodges has been great in 2014 but will become a bigger star in Blacksburg and somewhat of a national star next season.