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4 downs for Virginia Tech

Date published: 8/28/2008

With Sean Glennon picked to start at QB and mobile Tyrod Taylor redshirting, the onus is on the offensive line more than ever this season. The line has performed well during preseason camp, a trend which must continue to give the experienced Glennon a chance to stand in the pocket and pick apart opposing defenses.

Billy Hite has an enviable problem, Tech's veteran running backs coach must solve a muddled tailback depth chart in which any of six players could conceivably contribute from one week to the next. Redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby really picked it up late in camp and both will get carries behind starter Kenny Lewis Jr.

Even after losing six starters to graduation, the Hokies' first-team defense might just be faster and more athletic than the group that helped win an ACC title last season. DE Jason Worilds is a monster off the edge and FS Kam Chancellor is perhaps the team's best all-around athlete. Depth is a concern, however; a couple of key injuries could prove deadly.

Youth is the predominant theme for the 2008 Hokies, who will dress 10 true freshmen and 15 redshirt freshmen for Saturday's season opener against East Carolina. Tech's receivers will receive a special baptism by fire, with two true freshmen (Dyrell Roberts and Xavier Boyce) and one red shirt freshman (Danny Coale) in the two-deep.

Date published: 8/28/2008