Five Hokie Sleepers Who Could Flip the Clash with Clemson

When the lights come up in Death Valley on Saturday, most eyes will gravitate toward the marquee names – the starting quarterback, the senior linebacker, maybe the star wideout. But if you watch a little closer, you’ll see a handful of players who have been quietly grinding in the shadows, waiting for a moment to step into the spotlight. Those are the sleepers, and against a Clemson team that’s been shaky on offense, any one of them could swing the game.

First, a quick reality check. The Tigers (4‑2, 2‑1 ACC) are languishing at the bottom of the conference when it comes to passing efficiency. Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds is still figuring out how to protect the ball, and while their defense has been stout – three of six opponents held to ten points or fewer – they’ve also been prone to big plays. Virginia Tech (5‑2, 2‑2 ACC) is on the cusp of bowl eligibility and hasn’t tasted a home win over Clemson since 2007. So the stakes are high, and the margin for error is razor‑thin.

1. Cortez Harris – Defensive End

If you recall, Harris redshirted at Penn State last season, then followed Coach James Franklin to Blacksburg. He burst onto the scene with five sacks in his first four Hokie games, two of them coming against Boston College. Since then, the sack column has gone dry. Clemson, however, has allowed 17 sacks this season – roughly three per game – which means the Tigers are vulnerable if they slip up on protection. Coach Dabo Swinney praised his freshman QB’s handling of rushers after the Charleston Southern win, but that could also hint at a lapse waiting to be exploited. If Clemson leans on Aycen Stevens in the backfield, Harris could find himself in a one‑on‑one showdown, and a fresh sack would be a game‑changer.

2. Ja’Ricous Hairston – Tight End

Hairston’s story is the kind of underdog tale you love. A former quarterback at Bassett High School, he walked on at Virginia Tech in 2023 and has quietly carved out a niche. He’s not a volume target – just five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns so far, the latest a five‑yard dive against Georgia Tech. Clemson’s secondary, meanwhile, is juggling the likes of rookie Tait Reynolds and sophomore Que’Sean Brown (46 catches, 616 yards). The Tigers have been brutal up front, piling up 13 tackles for loss against Charleston Southern, so inside‑the‑20 opportunities will be scarce. When a 6‑foot‑2 former quarterback like Hairston runs a route against a linebacker, the mismatch can create a sweet spot for a big play.

3. Marcellous Hawkins Jr. – Running Back

Hawkins led the Hokies with 749 rushing yards last season, but this year the spotlight has shifted to sophomore Jeffrey Overton Jr. Still, Hawkins remains a reliable option in clutch moments. He’s logged 325 yards on 79 carries and has found the end zone five times – one more than Overton. Three of those scores came against VMI, so the numbers need a little context, but the fourth‑and‑one conversion against Georgia Tech (where he punched it in at the 22‑yard line) proved he can grind out tough yards when the clock is ticking. Clemson’s linebacking duo, Sammy Brown and Jeremiah Alexander, have combined for 79 tackles, making Hawkins a logical short‑yard workhorse on third‑and‑short Saturday.

4. John Love – Kicker

Love’s been a steady contributor all career, climbing into fourth place on Virginia Tech’s all‑time scoring list back in September. Yet October has been a roller‑coaster. A 36‑yard field‑goal attempt that glanced wide left as time expired against Pitt handed the Hokies a 35‑33 loss. A week later at Cal he missed from 55 and 39 yards, prompting Coach Franklin to openly discuss a kicking competition. He rebounded, however, going 2‑for‑2 against Georgia Tech. Both of VT’s defeats this season have hinged on the final play, and if this matchup comes down to a field goal, Love will be the man holding the bowl‑eligibility rope.

5. Quentin Reddish – Safety

Reddish’s 2025 season was cut short by a shoulder injury after just three games, but before that he posted the highest Pro Football Focus grade among Hokie defensive backs. He’s back, healthy, and already made an impact – snagging an interception against Georgia Tech, the team’s first pick since the season opener. Clemson’s rookie quarterback, Tait Reynolds, is still learning the ropes, completing 65% of his 154 attempts for 943 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. He’s careful, but he’s not exactly a sack‑magnet. If the Hokies can force another turnover, Reddish is the most likely to make it happen, especially after already scoring a pick‑six against the Tigers.

All told, the game could pivot on any of these five. Whether it’s a sack from Harris, a surprise touchdown from Hairston, a short‑yard gain from Hawkins, a clutch kick by Love, or a decisive interception by Reddish, Virginia Tech’s chance to lock up bowl eligibility rests on the shoulders of the players you might otherwise overlook. The Tigers may have the pedigree, but the Hokies have the sleepers ready to rattle the nest.