#14 Virginia Tech Hokies Season Preview
By Editorial Staff
Virginia Tech is led by ballhawk cornerback Jayron Hosley
Offensive Outlook: The Virginia Tech option attack some key elements last season. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, running back Ryan Williams, and running back Darren Evans are all gone. Even though they lost these players the Hokies have two players who will make up for the losses of these key players on the offensive side of the football. Quarterback Logan Thomas and running back David Wilson.
The offensive line returns two key players in offensive tackle Blake DeChristopher and guard Jaymes Brooks. DeChristopher and Brooks both played on the right side the last few seasons. This year both DeChristopher and Brooks will switch to the left side of the offensive line.
Virginia Tech wide receiver Jarrett Boykin is a possession receiving with blazing speed. Logan Thomas will look to throw the football to Boykin on a consistent basis.
Defensive Outlook: Virginia Tech’s defensive end play was once their biggest strength with Jason Worilds and Steven Friday two years ago. Now defensive end is the Hokies biggest weakness. Brothers Antoine and Derrick Hopkins anchor the defensive line at the defensive tackle spot.
Overall the front 7 is going to be the main issue on Virginia Tech’s defense. Besides the Hopkins brothers one player who stands out is left outside linebacker Bruce Taylor. Taylor plays that strong side SAM role on the Virginia Tech linebacker unit. Taylor’s best attribute is his run stuffing ability.
The secondary is the Hokies strength on defense. Cornerback Jayron Hosley recorded 9 interceptions last season and 10 if you count the one Hosley recorded during a winter scrimmage game against Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
Another key player on Virginia Tech’s secondary is free safety Eddie Whitley. Whitley is a center fielder who can intercept key passes just like Hosley.
Projected Record 12-1 (ACC Coastal Champions): Virginia Tech has a really easy schedule. I expect them to start 12-0 before losing the ACC Championship. If Virginia Tech wins this years ACC Championship they could end up being in the BCS Championship due to their easy schedule.