Monday, August 4, 2008

As camp opens, Adam Kilgore looks at some of the biggest issues facing the Hokies this season:

1. WHAT'S GOING ON BEHIND CENTER?

Coach Frank Beamer wants to wait until summer practice progresses before he decides what to do with Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon. Both battled for the position during the first half of last season, then shared it for the second, a move that ignited Virginia Tech's offense. They might again share the position, but Beamer said he wants to stick with one quarterback, which would mean drama: Glennon's star-crossed career ending on the sideline or Taylor redshirting his sophomore year. Glennon has started 22 games, has a cannon right arm and is the reigning ACC championship game MVP. Taylor might be the second coming of Michael Vick (in a good way). Regardless of what happens, Beamer proved deft last season at not allowing the issue to fracture the team. At least it's a good problem to have. The lesser profile -- but perhaps more pressing -- concern is that fans will look at the wide receivers and ask . . .

2. WHO THE HECK ARE THOSE GUYS?

While Josh Morgan, Eddie Royal, Josh Hyman and Justin Harper became familiar faces for four seasons, they rendered the wide receivers behind them anonymous. The remaining wide receivers have a combined five career catches -- two by Zack Luckett, three by converted quarterback Ike Whitaker. Worse yet, Tech lost spring stand-out Brandon Dillard when he ruptured his Achilles' tendon during player-only passing drills this summer. The lack of depth and experience makes summer practice extra important for Viginia Tech's six wideout recruits, particularly Dyrell Roberts and Randall Dunn, along with redshirt freshmen Ervin Gardner and Jacob Sykes.

3. WHO'S GOING TO PLAY RUNNING BACK?

The competition to replace troubled, would-be starter Branden Ore during spring practice became a war of attrition. The two leading candidates, Kenny Lewis and Jahre Cheeseman, suffered a separated shoulder and broken fibula, respectively. The injuries opened up competition for three backs who have never played: redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby, and true freshman Ryan Williams. Time for Virginia Tech to panic? Well, no. The offensive line will be much better; guard Sergio Render is one the ACC's better linemen, and coaches raved about Nick Marshman this spring. Though much was expected of him, Ore became an enigma last season. So Virginia Tech's inexperienced cadre of running backs might actually produce more than the once-vaunted Ore did last season.

4. WILL VICTOR "MACHO" HARRIS BE SELLING TICKETS AND CLEANING LANE STADIUM?

No, but he'll do just about everything else. Harris waffled over whether to return for his senior season, at one point telling defensive backs coach Torrian Gray he would bolt for the NFL draft. Two days later, he changed his mind and instantly became Virginia Tech's marquee player. He's a first-team all-American candidate at cornerback, a possible kick and punt returner, and he'll even play about a dozen snaps per game at wide receiver.

5. HOW DOES VIRGINIA TECH REPLACE XAVIER ADIBI, VINCE HALL, ET. AL.?

There might not be reason to worry, because defensive coordinator Bud Foster has proved that he can turn just about any personnel into an elite defense, but someone has to replace Virginia Tech's seven lost defensive starters, a number of whom became stars. Brett Warren, son of former Redskins tight end Don Warren, will take over for Hall in the middle. He's a tackling machine, but his pass coverage -- where Hall excelled -- must improve. Purnell Sturdivant, always productive in spot duty, replaces Adibi. Jason Worilds and Nekos Brown -- both excellent pass rushers -- will replace defensive end Chris Ellis, and Rashad Carmichael will replace Brandon Flowers at defensive back.