With plenty of pedigree, but no size and no scholarship,
Cody Grimm arrived at Virginia Tech in 2005 with lots to prove.
Four years later, Grimm (Oakton) is the Hokies’ best defensive player. Saturday in a 38-10 win over North Carolina State, the 5-11, 210-pound linebacker/safety matched an NCAA record by forcing three fumbles, giving him an FBS-high seven this year.
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Grimm also leads Tech in tackles (93) and tackles for loss (9). Twice this year, Grimm was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week, an amazing accomplishment for a walk-on who weighed 183 pounds when he began his college career.
Despite being the son of former Redskins Pro Bowl tackle Russ Grimm and a standout safety for three years at Oakton, Grimm received only one scholarship offer — from Division I-AA William & Mary. But by excelling on special teams, Grimm worked his way up the depth chart to become a starter for the first time this season.
Saturday against N.C. State, Grimm’s three forced fumbles came on the Wolfpack’s first four offensive plays and set up 10 Tech points. The first fumble came when Grimm sacked State quarterback Russell Wilson and made the recovery.
“He’s amazing to me,” Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said of Grimm. “He just keeps going the same speed all the time. He’s a playmaker. The game just makes sense to him and he has a knack for making plays.”
