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Joey Slye Was Named to ESPN’s 2014-2015 All-Bowl Team

By Tim Thomas

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Nov 15, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back J.C. Coleman (4), kicker Joey Slye (46), and fullback Greg Gadell (47) greet fans after defeating the Duke Blue Devils 17-16 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Slye had a solid freshman season for the Virginia Tech Hokies, but his shining moment came in the 2014 Military Bowl against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Slye shined in that game as he made all four field goals he attempted from 45, 49, 38, and 33 yards.

Slye’s performance in this game is arguably the best performance for any Virginia Tech kicker in a bowl game in the history of Virginia Tech football. However, Slye has now received some recogniton for his tremendous Military Bowl as he was named to ESPN’s 2014-2015 All-Bowl Team.

Slye absolutely deserves this recognition after having a great bowl performance in which Slye set the record for the longest field goal in Virginia Tech bowl history at 49 yards. Slye also tied the Virginia Tech record for the most field goals made in a bowl game at four.

Slye has proven to be the answer the Hokies were looking for at kicker after the instability in 2013 at that position with Cody Journell struggling and getting kicked off the team with no capable replacement.

Joey Slye had to beat out freshmen Michael Santamaria and Carson Wise for the job after many expected Santamaria to be the starter due to how he was already on scholarship. Slye was pushed by Santamaria and Wise, but won the job and has made a big impact this season.

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His Military Bowl performance was tremendously good, and he showed that his long-range accuracy had improved with his two made field goals from 45+ yards. Slye has shown he has theleg strength, but this game was great evidence of his improving long-range accuracy.

Slye should only continue to get better, and has brought tons of stability to a position that lacked it during the 2013 season. Slye has the potential to contend to be on the All-ACC First Team next season though Florida State’s Robert Aguayo seems to have that spot locked down for now.

Joey Slye had a great game in the Military Bowl against the Cincinnati Bearcats, and absolutely deserved the recognition he received from ESPN. Slye will only continue to get better over the course of his next three seasons as the Hokies once again have stability at kicker.

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