Virginia Tech’s offensive line has quietly been the backbone of the Hokies’ resurgence this season, and at the center of the transformation is Montavious Cunningham. After a year of acclimation, the 6’5”, 320-pound behemoth has emerged not just as a physical presence, but as a cerebral force guiding the trenches. Practices this week have revealed a player finally in sync with the Hokies’ complex blocking schemes, and coaches are buzzing about his rapid development.
Cunningham’s first year in Blacksburg was marked by adjustment pains familiar to many linemen transitioning to Power Five football. “He had all the tools,” said Offensive Line Coach Marcus Walker, “but it was about timing, awareness, and understanding the speed of the game. Montavious was learning the language of our offense.” That language, a mix of zone-read blocking, power schemes, and pull techniques, requires more than brute strength—it demands instantaneous decision-making.
This season, Cunningham has looked like a different player. During Tuesday’s scrimmage, he consistently handled defensive ends who had been disruptive in past games. In one sequence against Virginia Tech’s first-team defense, he executed a textbook kick-slide to contain an edge rusher, then quickly moved to double-team a defensive tackle, creating a gaping lane for running back Jalen Harris. The precision, footwork, and situational awareness were unmistakable. “Montavious is finally seeing the game in slow motion,” Walker added.
What sets Cunningham apart this year isn’t just his technical growth—it’s his leadership in the trenches. Younger linemen now look to him for cues on hand placement, leverage, and timing. “He’s the guy you want next to you,” said sophomore guard Eli Turner. “You can trust him to hold the point, communicate the adjustments, and finish every play. That confidence spreads.”
Beyond technique and leadership, Cunningham has also embraced the mental grind. Film sessions that once felt tedious have become opportunities to anticipate defensive tendencies and adjust in real time. Strength and conditioning coach Lydia Moreno notes that his offseason regimen—focused on explosive power and lateral agility—has made him not only stronger but quicker off the snap. “He’s not just bigger; he’s smarter and faster. That’s a dangerous combination for any defensive line.”
The Hokies’ coaching staff believes Cunningham is now primed for a breakout season. Early-season projections have him starting at left tackle, anchoring an offensive line that could be the difference in close games. Analysts have started noticing too, highlighting his ability to protect quarterback Trey Dawson’s blind side while opening lanes for a rejuvenated rushing attack.
For Montavious Cunningham, the year of adjustment has paid dividends. The combination of skill, intelligence, and grit is finally translating on the field. As Virginia Tech heads into a critical stretch of the season, one thing is clear: the Hokies have a cornerstone at offensive tackle, and the journey from acclimation to dominance has only just begun.
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