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Virginia Tech’s football program, though not steeped in the same century-long tradition as some college football blue bloods, has produced an impressive array of talent since its humble beginnings in 1892. From rugged early days on uneven fields to the modern era of national prominence under coaches like Frank Beamer, the Hokies have seen players rise to legendary status both in Blacksburg and beyond.

This article celebrates the best Virginia Tech football players of all time, focusing on their contributions to the program and, in many cases, their remarkable success in the NFL. These players embody the grit, talent, and heart that have come to define Hokie football.

Kevin Jones: The Powerhouse

Kevin Jones complemented Suggs as a bruising tailback from 2001 to 2003. His 2003 season—1,647 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns—earned him unanimous First-Team All-American honors and a sixth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting. Jones’ blend of power and speed made him a workhorse, totaling 3,475 career rushing yards at Tech. Drafted 30th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2004, he ran for nearly 4,000 yards in the NFL. Jones’ 2003 campaign stands as one of the greatest single seasons in Hokie history.

Jake Grove: The Anchor

Offensive lineman Jake Grove was the backbone of Virginia Tech’s potent offenses from 1999 to 2003. A center with exceptional strength and technique, Grove won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center in 2003 and was a two-time First-Team All-Big East selection. His blocking paved the way for Vick, Suggs, and Jones, anchoring lines that powered Tech to multiple bowl games. Drafted 45th overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2004, Grove’s seven-year NFL career underscored his status as one of Tech’s best big men.

Bruce Smith: The Sack Master

If Vick is the offensive icon, Bruce Smith is the defensive titan of Virginia Tech lore. A dominant defensive end from 1981 to 1984, Smith terrorized opposing offenses with his combination of size, speed, and relentless pursuit. He recorded 46 sacks in college, including 22 in his senior year alone, earning the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman in 1984. Selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1985 NFL Draft, Smith went on to become the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 200, an 11-time Pro Bowler, and a 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. Though his college stats came in an era with fewer games, his impact was seismic, helping establish Virginia Tech as a breeding ground for elite defensive talent.

Frank Beamer: The Player Turned Legend

Before Frank Beamer became the architect of Virginia Tech’s golden age as head coach, he was a standout player. A cornerback from 1966 to 1968, Beamer was a tenacious defender who earned All-Southern Conference honors. His 97-yard interception return for a touchdown against VMI in 1966 remains one of the program’s iconic plays. While his coaching legacy—spanning 29 years and including 11 conference titles—often overshadows his playing career, Beamer’s on-field contributions laid a foundation of toughness and leadership that he later instilled in generations of Hokies.

Tyrod Taylor: The Underrated Gem

Tyrod Taylor’s tenure from 2007 to 2010 showcased a quarterback who blended Vick’s athleticism with a polished passing game. Taylor led Virginia Tech to two ACC Championships (2007 and 2010) and earned ACC Player of the Year honors in 2010 after throwing for 2,743 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 659 yards. His 9,200+ yards of total offense rank him among the program’s all-time leaders. In the NFL, Taylor carved out a solid career with teams like the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens, highlighted by a Pro Bowl nod in 2015. Often overshadowed by Michael Vick, Taylor’s consistency and clutch performances make him one of Tech’s finest.

Corey Moore: The Defensive Dynamo

Corey Moore was a force of nature at defensive end from 1996 to 1999. Standing just 6’1” and 225 pounds, Moore’s relentless motor and technique made him a matchup nightmare. He recorded 35 sacks and 60 tackles for loss in his career, peaking in 1999 with 17 sacks and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. That year, he was a key cog in Virginia Tech’s national title run, earning unanimous All-American status. Drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 2000, Moore’s college dominance remains a benchmark for Hokie defenders.

DeAngelo Hall: The Ball Hawk

DeAngelo Hall brought swagger and playmaking to Virginia Tech’s secondary from 2001 to 2003. A cornerback with blazing speed, Hall tallied 8 interceptions and 20 pass breakups in college, doubling as a dangerous return man with 5 punt return touchdowns. His versatility shone in 2003 when he earned First-Team All-Big East honors. Selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 NFL Draft, Hall became a three-time Pro Bowler, amassing 43 career interceptions. His flair and knack for big plays made him a fan favorite in Blacksburg and beyond.

Lee Suggs: The Touchdown Machine

Running back Lee Suggs was a scoring sensation from 1999 to 2002. Despite sharing carries with Kevin Jones, Suggs set NCAA records for consecutive games with a touchdown in a single season (14) and across his career (27). He rushed for 2,771 yards and 53 touchdowns, earning two Dudley Awards as Virginia’s top player (2000 and 2002). Injuries hampered his NFL career after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2003, but Suggs’ college production remains a testament to his explosiveness and nose for the end zone.

Kam Chancellor: The Enforcer

Kam Chancellor redefined the safety position at Virginia Tech from 2006 to 2009. Known for his bone-crushing hits, Chancellor racked up 208 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles in college. His physicality set the tone for Bud Foster’s vaunted defenses. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, Chancellor became a cornerstone of the “Legion of Boom,” earning four Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring in 2013. His intimidating presence made him a standout in both college and the pros.

Michael Vick: The Revolutionary Quarterback

No conversation about Virginia Tech’s greatest players can begin without Michael Vick. Arriving in 1998 as a redshirt freshman, Vick redefined the quarterback position with his electrifying blend of speed, arm strength, and improvisational brilliance. In 1999, he led the Hokies to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game, falling just short against Florida State.

Vick threw for 2,065 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 682 yards and 9 scores over two college seasons, earning unanimous First-Team All-American honors in 1999. His dual-threat style made him a nightmare for defenses and a trailblazer for future mobile quarterbacks. Selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick’s legacy at Virginia Tech remains unmatched, both for his on-field wizardry and for putting the program on the national map.

Honorable Mentions

The list could go on: Bryan Randall’s steady quarterback play, Eddie Royal’s dynamic receiving and return skills, Darryl Tapp’s lunch-pail tenacity on the defensive line, and Don Strock’s pioneering passing in the 1970s all merit recognition. Each contributed to Virginia Tech’s rise as a respected program.

Legacy of Greatness

Virginia Tech’s best players share a common thread: they elevated the program through sheer talent, hard work, and unforgettable moments. From Vick’s breathtaking runs to Smith’s sack artistry, these Hokies not only excelled in college but often carried their brilliance to the NFL. As of March 5, 2025, their legacies endure, inspiring current players and reminding fans of the heights Virginia Tech football can reach. Whether measured by stats, awards, or impact, these icons are the gold standard of Hokie greatness.