Lee Suggs

Strengths: Lee Suggs is fast. Really fast. He ran a 4.27/40 last year. But he’s also big (204 lbs.), and not afraid to run inside (Tech coaches say Suggs averaged 5 to 6 broken tackles a game last year), which is what makes him such a threat at the goal line — he scored 30 rushing touchdowns in 2000.

Hokie coaches continue to be amazed by Suggs’ natural abilities (“He just knows how to run."), his knack for finding the end zone (again, he scored 30 TD’s last year), his patience in waiting for the hole to open and his tireless work ethic. He’s also clutch, racking up 100+ yards in five games last year against Bowl-bound teams.

Areas of concern: Because of Vick’s scrambling, Suggs learned quickly how to block, but he hasn’t had much practice catching passes, though he reportedly has tremendous hands. And even with Vick now gone, he still might not get much work in — Tech is loaded with talented receivers. But it’s a minor concern.

Is he sponge-worthy? Yes, and let’s begin by dispelling a myth about Suggs: he was more than just the unheralded second running option in Tech’s offense last year.

When Vick sprained his ankle in week 8 against Pittsburgh, Suggs stepped up with 164 yards. In the ensuing match-up with Miami, when Vick couldn’t even start, and played ineffectively thereafter, Suggs finished with 121 yards. During the Hokies’ final five games, with Vick nursing the bad ankle, and thus, less of a running threat, Suggs totaled 617 yards as Tech’s go-to-back.

Suggs is exactly the kind of back Dom Capers would love to have: strong enough to grind out tough yards inside, fast enough to get outside the tackles and move the chains. Plus, he rarely fumbles (only twice last year in 240 carries) and has terrific field vision.

Chris Palmer probably wouldn’t mind having Suggs, either. While he hasn’t had much practice at it, scouts seem to agree Suggs could be an effective weapon out of the backfield. Hard to imagine Palmer not drooling at the thought of getting Suggs the ball in the open field.

Lee Suggs Return to The War Room

Low-key Suggs bides his time to enter pros The Roanoke Times reports on Lee Suggs’ NFL aspirations.

Suggs leads quiet revival in backfield The Bristol Herald Courier turns in a local-boy-done-good piece on Lee Suggs.

Hokies RB enjoys limelight Jacksonville.com reports on Lee Suggs emergence from the shadows of anonymity.