Inside the Numbers: Run Blocking, Defensive Tackle Play, and More

Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Christian Darrisaw has been Virginia Tech’s best offensive lineman. (Ivan Morozov)

Originally I was just going to focus in on Virginia Tech’s offensive line for this week’s Inside the Numbers article.  However, I got carried away, and since I don’t have to have a game preview ready tomorrow, I was able to spend a little extra time with research.  Today we’ll talk about the offensive line, but we also discuss defensive tackle, wide receiver blocking, and how the Hokies are using Keshawn King in the passing game.

Offensive Line Grades

One Virginia Tech offensive line starter has played very well this year, while another lineman has played well off the bench.  I’m talking about starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw and backup right tackle Luke Tenuta.  Here are their Pro Football Focus grades…

LT Christian Darrisaw: 80.3.  Darrisaw has graded out higher than any Virginia Tech offensive player who has played more than 47 snaps.

RT Luke Tenuta: 73.3.  Tenuta is the fifth-highest grader on offense, and two of the guys ahead of him have just 47 and 43 snaps, respectively.

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