Jayron Hosley returns as one of nation's best defenders

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Virginia Tech All-American cornerback Jayron Hosley is becoming so familiar with Sun Life Stadium, it's starting to feel like home.

Of course, the Miami Gardens venue is a mere 40-plus miles from where the Atlantic High School product grew up in Delray Beach.

On Monday, Hosley and the 13th-ranked Hokies (11-2, 8-0 ACC) will be making their second stop in South Florida this season when they take on PAC-10 runner-up, No. 4 Stanford (11-1, 8-1), in the Discover Orange Bowl.

The first game they played at Sun Life Stadium was a 31-17 win over the University of Miami in late November. Hosley helped seal that win with a late-game interception of Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris - a play that meant much more to Hosley than just a game-winner.

OVERLOOKED

As an All-American senior at Atlantic, Hosley was highly-touted by most recruiting services. Rivals.com tabbed him as the 11th best cornerback recruit in the nation, and Florida's 25th best overall player. ESPN.com listed Hosley as the nation's 22nd best corner.

But despite being heavily recruited by programs such as Ohio State, Michigan, Clemson and, of course, Virginia Tech, Miami never offered Hosley a scholarship.

"I think they might have said something about my size," he said. "But I'm not concerned about it. I'm at Virginia Tech now."

Hosley holds no ill-will toward the Hurricanes, or any other school that declined to make him an offer, but he did say his interception against Miami was extra sweet.

Now, with the local school out of the picture, it should come as no surprise that he ended up at Virgnia Tech.

ROAD TO BLACKSBURG

Atlantic has produced countless Division 1 football players, but the Eagles have recently developed a link to Virginia Tech.

Mark Leal, the area's top-rated quarterback prospect a year ago, became the latest Atlantic player to choose Virginia Tech. Hosley was influential in his decision.

Current NFL players Brandon Flowers (Kansas City Chiefs) and David Clowney (Carolina Panthers) were both signed by Virgnia Tech after graduating from Atlantic.

Flowers was crucial in Hosley's college decision, the same way Hosley was a big part of Leal's.

"Brandon kind of got me in with Tech," Hosley said. "He told me things about the program and the coaches. It was nothing but good things he had to say."

Flowers also told the Virginia Tech coaches about Hosley.

"He told them I was like him," Hosley said. "He told them, 'He might even be better than me.'"

Growing up, Hosley became familiar with Virginia Tech by watching their nationally-televised games. He liked what he saw.

"I saw the defense flying around, guys having fun, being energetic and making plays," he said. "That's what kind of environment and players I wanted to be around. I'm glad where I'm at."

RISE TO STARDOM

It didn't take Hosley long to get acclimated to the college level. He saw action at cornerback in every game last season as a true freshman.

"We knew he really was a talented football player," said Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster. "Obviously, last year as a true freshman he came in and made an impact."

Hosley really stood out as a return man in 2009. He became the first freshman to return a punt for a touchdown under head coach Frank Beamer, whose affinity for good special teams play coined the term "Beamer Ball".

This season, however, Hosley distinguished himself as one of the top defensive players in the nation.

His eight interceptions are tied for the most in college football, and his play garnered him second-team AP All-America honors and a first-team All-ACC selection.

"He made some really timely plays for us this year," Foster said. "He's a good tackler. He's got great ball skills, great anticipation and a great skill set. I think he's a really special football player."

Hosley says maturity is the main reason for his breakout season.

"Growing up and learning the system (contributed to my success)," he said. "Bettering my fundamentals and techniques and stuff like that."

On Monday, Hosley will be charged with trying to contain Stanford's highly-touted passing game, led by junior quarterback Andrew Luck, believed by many to be the first overall pick in April's NFL Draft, should he choose to leave school early.

Hosley has been turning heads at the pro level as well. The earliest he could declare for the NFL Draft is after next season (2012 Draft), and he will undoubtedely be one of the top cornerbacks on every team's board.

But the Blacksburg faithful is wishing he stays as long as possible.

"Hopefully he stays around for a couple more years," Foster said.

The University of Miami may disagree.