Rocky Mount's Virgil Shines in Orange Bowl

Rocky Mount High alum Stephan Virgil put his name on the national map Thursday night as he and his Virginia Tech Hokie teammates defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 20-7 in the FedEx Orange Bowl.

Virgil completed the night with three tackles, including a 0.5 tackle for a loss on a third down play.

But Virgil's biggest play of the night may have come late in the first half, when he intercepted Cincinnati QB Tony Pike's pass attempt in the endzone. The INT came on a second and goal for the Bearcats from the eight yard line.

Virgil came from across the field from his opposite corner position as Pike rolled out, before leaping in front of the Cinci receiver.

The play later earned Virgil the Allstate "Good Hands Play of the Game."

Had it not been for Hokie freshman running back Darren Evans' 100-plus yards rushing in the second half, Virgil may have been a serious candidate for the game's MVP.

Virgil ends his junior season with a total of seven interceptions, playing the second corner opposite senior Victor 'Macho' Harris, who many believe with play on Sundays next year.

Hokie officials are optimistic that Virgil will turn into their shutdown corner next season as he fills Harris' role.

(Photo: Getty Images)