Brock Hoffman fulfilled his goals in not only emerging as a leader in the Virginia Tech Football locker room, but also as a dedicated servant to the community as well.
"Being where I'm from, I've seen so many people I grew up with fall off the right track," said Hoffman, who was voted to be a team captain in 2021. "I'm a big believer in education, and I think it's something that can change generations for the better."
It's not surprising to hear the Tech offensive lineman speak so highly of education. His mother, Stephanie, is a schoolteacher in his hometown of Statesville, NC. Hoffman laughed as he recalled how his mom would check in on his grades on a regular basis.
"She still to this day calls me and says 'Brock, what do your grades look like? A's?' and I'm like 'Yes, yes ma'am.'"
Hoffman stresses this importance of focusing on academics to multiple communities of children. He has served as a mentor to students at the elementary school he attended in North Carolina as well as Prices Fork Elementary in Blacksburg. The Hokies' center also utilized an NIL deal with a local car dealership to provide over 300 backpacks jam-packed with school supplies to schools in both Statesville, NC and Wythe County, Va. In addition to his work with local schools, Hoffman worked as a social influencer to raise awareness for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge event and also spearheaded a letter-writing campaign and book drive for residents of Richfield Senior Living in Salem, Va.
Adversity played a major role in shaping Hoffman's philanthropic outlook. In 2017 while playing at Coastal Carolina, Hoffman's mother underwent surgery to have a brain tumor removed. He filed a Family Medical Hardship Waiver to expedite the transfer rule of sitting out for a year, but the NCAA denied his request and subsequent appeals. Hoffman had to sit out the Hokies' 2019 season.
"Once my request got denied the second time and I knew I had to sit out, I evaluated myself and wanted to work to be a better person on and off the field."
Quite admirably, Hoffman pursued this quest successfully. He physically equipped himself well enough to be named ACC Honorable Mention in 2020, all the while making a transition in his major from Computer Science to Communication. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Science & Social Inquiry with a minor in Computer Science and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology. On top of his educational triumphs, Hoffman's mother inspired him to raise funds for the National Brain Trauma Association.
His charitable duties were noticed by some of the most prestigious college football award committees. Hoffman is a semifinalist for both the Wuerffel Trophy and the Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, both of which award outstanding leadership and a commitment to community service.
"It's great to see some of the work I've been doing off the field get recognized. I want to show I'm more than just a football player," Hoffman said. "My mom's situation showed me that life is precious. I don't want to waste a second, and I want to make a difference in the world."
