The Hokies are set at split end with Jarrett Boykin. However, while Danny Coale started every game but one for the Hokies, he has some stiff competition at the flanker spot. Dyrell Roberts is a talented receiver who made his fair share of big catches in the 2009 season.
Both play the position well and have their own unique strengths. But which one should start opposite Boykin?
Flanker
Starter: Danny Coale, Jr. (returning starter)
Possible Backups: Dyrell Roberts, So.; Patrick Terry, Jr.; Nubian Peak, Fr.
Outlook: Coale is the most reliable target and the best short-to-intermediate route runner we have. He's also the most sure-handed receiver on the roster. Roberts is right there with him and is probably a better downfield target. Toward the end of the season Coale was getting a lot more balls thrown to him and had six-catch games against East Carolina and Virginia. In the first eight games of the season, Roberts had 14 catches and Coale 13, but in the last five games he had eight catches to Coale's 17. Whichever guy gets more balls thrown to him in 2010 will depend on matchups and whether the Hokies need someone who can stretch the defense downfield like Roberts can.
Coale and Roberts both complement Jarrett Boykin well. Boykin is a serious threat in the vertical passing game while the two primary flankers have proven themselves at that position. To me, it's really a toss-up between Coale and Roberts. You can't really go wrong here, but Coale is the starter based on the end of the season.
Up for Debate
- Who should be the starting flanker, Roberts or Coale?