There's a saying that hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
Considering that talented University of Tennessee at Chattanooga cornerback Dee Virgin has been one of the team's hardest workers this offseason, he's going to be a tough person for opponents to beat during the season.
The 5-foot-10, 205-pound junior had 55 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions in 2014, which included a 55-yard pickoff return for a touchdown against Jacksonville State.
He's started 23 of the 26 games in his UTC career.
"Dee is a good player," UTC coach Russ Huesman said. "He's worked harder this fall than he's ever worked since he's been here. He's always been an extremely talented player, but it seems he has a sense of urgency, a little bit more competitiveness about him this camp. We're proud of where Dee is and the progress he's made. If you're going to work hard with the talent he has, you've got somebody special."
Virgin was a first-team all-Southern Conference selection by the coaches last season and second team by the media. He was recently named a preseason third-team All-American by College Sports Madness.
UTC defensive back Dee Virgin runs the ball in for a touchdown after intercepting it during the Mocs' home football game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn. "I'm just trying to do a good job of leading the younger guys on," Virgin said. "There's always room for improvement; you always try to get better every day."
He said he hasn't stopped learning since arriving on campus. Video study has been where he's really worked in the offseason. He's also spent time working with safeties Cedric Nettles and Lucas Webb, both of whom also return after successful seasons.
"I've got big goals for this season, but I've got to stay humble and keep working," Virgin said. "I want to win the SoCon again and the national championship, but it starts with the little things. I have to get my interceptions up and help the young guys come along so they can see how hard we're working."
It's that increased level of maturity that has the coaching staff so high on his prospects for the coming season.
"I just think he's grown up," Huesman said. "He's figured out that you've got to work to be great, and I think he wants to be great. I think he wants to be an All-American and wants to be as good as he can be.
"Some people, it takes a couple of years to mature. He's taken some hits early, but we expect big things from him."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.