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2017 Signing Class Spotlight: Jalen Holston, Running Back

By Chris Wright

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Virginia Tech Hokies helmet lays on the sidelines during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Virginia Tech Hokies helmet lays on the sidelines during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the running back position uncertain for the Hokies, 2017 commit Jalen Holston is an early candidate to claim a spot in the backfield rotation.

Ever since the glory days of Darren Evans, Ryan Williams, and David Wilson, Virginia Tech has been missing a premiere running back. It has been a running back by committee in recent seasons, and will likely stay that way for the time being.

After a breakout freshman season, Travon McMillian hit something of a sophomore slump under new coach, Justin Fuente. McMillian showed flashes, but nothing suggests that he is absolutely safe in his lead role in the rotation. With Sam Rogers graduated, Marshawn Williams retired, and Shai McKenzie transferred, the Hokie backfield is going to look a lot different.

One of the favorites to be involved in the running game is 2017 commit, Jalen Holston. Holston is a 5’11” 200 lb back from Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia. As a senior, Holston averaged 8.4 yards per carry on his way to 1,403 yards and 17 touchdowns. Deemed a 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Holston received offers from the likes of Michigan St, Florida, Louisville, and West Virginia.

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If you were to go into a lab and build a running back that can do it all, it may just come out looking like Jalen Holston. Holston has strength to finish runs, and while he doesn’t have elite speed, he has enough to bust big gains. He is also a good pass blocker and has decent hands as shown on film.

What stood out to me the most, however, was his balance. Holston seems unaffected when a defender would try to get a hit on him. He was absorb it and keep moving forward without compromising.

I definitely see Holston as a starter for the Hokies down the road, but for now will have to compete for time with Travon McMillian, DJ Reid, and fullback Steven Peoples for early down touches. The good news is that with a new quarterback, the Hokies may have to lean on the run game more.

See Jalen Holston’s highlight film here

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