The Hokies could be without one of their senior leaders in the secondary on senior day against the Wahoos. Kyle Tucker has the injury report:
CB Cris Hill (ankle, illness) is listed OUT for the Virginia game; CB Rashad Carmichael (ankle) is listed DOUBTFUL; WR Marcus Davis (concussion) is PROBABLE to play.
Carmichael injured his left ankle last week against Miami and being listed as "doubtful" means he has a 25 percent chance of seeing the field in what would be his final home game in a Virginia Tech uniform. The Hokies shifted field corner Jayron Hosley to the boundary spot and put in freshman Kyle Fuller at field corner in Carmichael's absence against the Canes. They're expected to do the same if Carmichael can't play.
Hosley struggled early against Miami, but had a much better second half and recorded his NCAA-leading eighth interception of the season. He also tied for the team lead with nine tackles.
Fuller, a true freshman, has had an interesting first year for the Hokies. He started in the third game of his career against East Carolina for Hosley, who was suspended for violating a team rule. He had a solid game and helped Tech slow down the Pirates' Air Raid offense.
He's seen a lot of time at nickel back throughout the season when the Hokies have gone to five defensive backs. And against Georgia Tech, he played whip linebacker against the Jackets' option attack. His latest game was a busy one, as he five tackles, including one for loss, forced a fumble and broke up a pass against the Canes.
While Carmichael's loss is a big one because he's such a talented cornerback, I think the Hokies will be fine with Hosley and Fuller against UVa. We've already discussed the fact the Hoos have two quality wide receivers, Kris Burd and Dontrelle Inman. However, I don't think Hosley and Fuller will have a problem with them if they were able to handle Miami's receiving corps.
The Hokies' defensive line can still help ease their burden by getting pressure on UVa quarterback Marc Verica. If he doesn't have time to throw that will neutralize any effect Burd and Inman could have on the game.
