Virginia Tech football: Jackson and Walker to represent Hokies at ACC Kickoff

In a sign that college football is right around the corner, the ACC Football Kickoff event is right around the corner and takes place next week, on July 18, at the Westin in Charlotte. Each team is represented by its head coach and usually two players.

For Virginia Tech, head coach Justin Fuente will be present. Also, defensive tackle Ricky Walker, VT’s top defensive player and one of the better defensive linemen in the ACC, will be there to represent the Hokies. Representing the offense will be redshirt sophomore Josh Jackson. Considering Jackson just went through some sort of academic scandal, this could be considered a mild surprise. It’s worth noting that situation was resolved and Jackson is not in trouble.

Walker was terrific last season on one of Bud Foster’s better defensive units in years. That side of the ball did lose quite a bit of talent in Tim Settle, the Edmunds’ brothers, Brandon Facyson, Adonis Alexander, Andrew Motuapuaka and Greg Stroman. He finished the season with 41 tackles, including 12.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. Walker is a definite contender for first-team All-ACC honors at defensive tackle.

Jackson was really good in stretches last season. However, he appeared pedestrian at times later in the season. With several new starters on offense this fall, the Hokies need Jackson to step up and help lead the offense to another level. A two-time ACC Freshman of the Week last fall, Jackson recently participated in the Manning Passing Academy as a counselor, per Hokie Sports.

After next week’s event in Charlotte, official practice will begin in approximately two weeks. It’s close, folks.