Virginia Tech has seen its share of standout freshmen over the years, but few have made an immediate impact like cornerback Kendall Fuller. Recently, Fuller was honored by CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer, who ranked him 14th on a list of the Top 25 true freshmen in college football since 2000. Among cornerbacks, only LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr., who was ranked 5th, came in higher.
Fuller’s freshman season in 2013 was nothing short of dominant. He recorded 58 total tackles, including three for a loss, and snagged six interceptions—tying him for seventh in the nation. His elite play helped the Hokies’ defense become one of the most formidable in the country that year. Virginia Tech finished eighth nationally in passing yards allowed per game and held opposing quarterbacks to a mere 48.2% completion rate, the fourth-best mark in the country.
What made Fuller’s freshman campaign even more impressive was that he did it alongside another true freshman, Brandon Facyson, who tallied five interceptions himself. Together, they helped anchor a secondary that wreaked havoc on offenses throughout the season.
Fuller’s stellar freshman year was only the beginning. Over his three-year career at Virginia Tech, he appeared in 29 games and totaled 119 tackles—73 of them solo—and eight interceptions. His performance made him a cornerstone of Bud Foster’s defensive unit during that period.
In the 2016 NFL Draft, Fuller was selected in the third round (84th overall) by the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders). Since then, he’s carved out a solid NFL career and currently plays for the Miami Dolphins. In the 2024 season, Fuller played 11 games for the Dolphins and recorded 50 tackles, proving he still brings the same intensity and intelligence to the pro level that he did as a freshman in Blacksburg.
Fuller’s recognition as one of the top true freshmen of the century is a testament to his rare talent, immediate impact, and lasting legacy at Virginia Tech. For Hokie fans, his name stands tall among the program’s all-time greats—and now, the college football world is giving him his due.