Virginia Tech football: 20 days til kickoff with a look back at Jayron Hosley

Today is August 11, 2019, which means we are officially just 20 days away from the Virginia Tech Hokies opening the college football season at Boston College. Yesterday, we profiled former Hokie linebacker Brandon Semones, a two-time all conference performer for Tech in the mid-90s.

For No. 20, we look back at former cornerback Jayron Hosley. Hosley arrived in Blacksburg in 2009, as a four-star cornerback from Atlantic High in Delray Beach, Fla. Florida players have been very good to the Hokies over the years, especially those from Hosley’s alma mater. He would prove to be no exception.

Hosley would play immediately as a true freshman in 2009. He contributed on special teams, playing in all 13 games for the Hokies. He finished the season with 11.5 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and one sack. He provided depth in the Tech’s veteran-laden secondary but showed the promise that many had for him coming out of high school.

Hosley would indeed become a full-time starter in 2010. He started all 13 games for the Hokies, who would win the ACC Championship that season. He finished with 39 tackles, including one for loss. However, he would truly make his impact in the passing game. He tied a school record with nine interceptions that season. Hosley also led the nation in interceptions. In those nine interceptions, he accrued 110 return yards. Hosley also had eight pass breakups and 17 passes defensed. He was the star player in a deep and talented Virginia Tech secondary that featured Antone Exum, Kyle Fuller, Eddie Whitley, Davon Morgan and Rashad Carmichael.

After that season, Hosley was named to the All-ACC first team and also received All-American honors from at least two outlets.

Hosley was poised for a huge junior season in 2011. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite reach the previous season’s interception total—which was expected—but Hosley still had a good season. He played in and started 13 games for the Hokies. He finished with 59 tackles, three interceptions which he returned for 56 yards, two forced fumbles, 12 pass breakups and 15 passes defensed. He was named to the All-ACC second team. After the season, he would enter his name into the 2012 NFL Draft.

Hosley would end up being a third-round selection, No. 94 overall, by the New York Giants. It was the same draft class where the Giants picked David Wilson in the first round. Hosley played four seasons for the Giants, playing in a total of 43 games, finishing with 80 tackles and two interceptions. After his contract ended in 2015, the Giants did not re-sign Hosley.

After his NFL career ended, Hosley settled in the West Palm Beach area. He is currently an independent sales associate for The Motor Club of America.

Hosley had an outstanding three-year career for the Hokies and will always be remembered as one of the best cornerbacks in the history of Virginia Tech.