Virginia Tech linebacker Cody Grimm has gone from walk-on to starter to the best in the nation at forcing fumbles during his career with the Hokies.

Not bad for a five-foot-11-inch, 205-pounder.

The steadiest member of the No. 14 Hokies defense tied an NCAA record last week by forcing three fumbles in a game, and has knocked the ball loose seven times this season.

He's also third in the Atlantic Coast Conference with an average of almost nine tackles per game heading into his final regular season game Saturday against rival Virginia.

Grimm says he's just doing his job, but defensive coordinator Bud Foster think he does more. Foster says he's willing to argue that Grimm is the ACC's top defender this year.