Bucky Hodges is the Hokies’ MVP as Voted by the Players
By Tim Thomas
Nov 28, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) celebrates with linebacker Ronny Vandyke (37) after recovering a blocked punt in the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Recently, the Virginia Tech Hokies have released the names of the players who have won awards at their individual position groups. All of this has been leading up to the Hokies announcing who the players had voted the team MVP for the 2014 season.
There are definitely a couple names that stand out as the top candidates including All-American cornerback Kendall Fuller and star defensive end Dadi Nicolas. However, neither of those two players was the team MVP with a name that will somewhat surprise you earning that honor instead.
Bucky Hodges has definitely been one of the Hokies’ best players this season, and his future definitely will be in the NFL. Hodges was a Freshman All-American by USA Today and Third Team All-ACC by the ACC media which he absolutely deserved after his very strong freshman season.
Hodges put up some very good numbers with 42 receptions for 517 receiving yards, 7 receiving touchdowns, and an average of 12.3 yards per reception along with recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown. Hodges was very dangerous in the red zone, and it would not be surprising if he added one or two more touchdowns in the Military Bowl to his current 7 receiving touchdowns.
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Bucky Hodges is a matchup nightmare for opponents due to his 6’6” size plus his great speed for a tight end and impressive athleticism. Hodges can even outrun some safeties, and has the ability to be moved all the way outside on some plays. Hodges is not a great blocker, but he should continue to improve in that regard as his Virginia Tech football career continues.
The impressive thing with Hodges is the fact that he just moved to tight end from quarterback last fall. Hodges has only been at tight end for a little over a year, and is already the favorite to be the Preseason All-ACC First Team tight end next season. Hodges will be one of the top tight ends in college football next season, and has a great chance to win the John Mackey Award as long as he gets reliable quarterback play.
However, I don’t think Bucky Hodges was better this season than Kendall Fuller or Dadi Nicolas, but Hodges definitely was very impressive this past season. Hodges has limitless potential, and is definitely a worthy recipient of being the team MVP.