Kicking off our countdown is someone Hokie fans from recent years should know very well. Number 99, James Gayle, played for the Hokies from 2009-2013, redshirting his first year before becoming a key contributor his second season on campus.
A 6’4”, 250-pound defensive end from Bethel High in Hampton, Gayle was a three-year starter for Bud Foster and finished his career in Blacksburg with 138 total tackles, including 79 solo, 40.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks. He would receive second-team All-ACC honors in both 2011 and 2012 and honorable mention All-ACC in 2013.
Gayle would be eligible for the 2014 NFL Draft and, after a solid combine in addition to a good career for the Hokies, it certainly appeared Gayle would at least her his name called in the middle rounds.