OFFENSE
It's no secret that VT's offense has been downright offensive the last few years. However, 2009 could be the year that all the pieces fall into place. The OL looks better than it has in years, there is depth and experience at RB, TE, and WR, and perhaps most importantly, Tyrod Taylor had an entire offseason to work as the starter without having to worry about a position battle. The only significant losses from 2008 are QB Sean Glennon, C Ryan Shuman, OG Nick Marshman, and FB Devin Perez. Here's a breakdown of the 2009 unit:
OFFENSIVE LINE
Left Tackle: #77 Ed Wang (rSr, 6'5"/301): Started every game in 2008 after moving over from right tackle. Finished the year strong with solid performances in ACCCG and Orange Bowl. Has had some injury issues but was healthy for the entire 2008 season. Quick, athletic player who must be solid in pass protection to give Tyrod Taylor time to develop as a passer.
Left Guard: #70 Sergio Render (Sr, 6'3"/319): Powerful interior lineman with good hands and quickness. Entering his fourth year as a starter. Was a 2nd-team all-ACC selection in 2008. Moved to LG in the Orange Bowl and will start there in 2009. Had offseason shoulder surgery and missed spring practice. Preseason 2nd-team all-ACC selection.
Center: #60 Beau Warren (rJr, 6'3"/277): Hardworking player who served as a backup to Ryan Shuman the last two years. Has game experience including several starts. Father Don played 14 years in the NFL for the Redskins and older brothers Brett and Blake both played for VT.
Right Guard: #68 Jaymes Brooks (rSo, 6'2"/300): Strong, physical player who saw limited action early in 2008. Started in the Orange Bowl after Nick Marshman was ruled ineligible and played well. Very athletic and one of the strongest players on the OL.
Right Tackle: #62 Blake DeChristopher (rSo, 6'5"/303): Returning starter is expected to have a big year this year. Missed a couple games early in 2008 due to injury and his absence had a significant impact on the unit. Started the final 10 games and played well. Must avoid injury in 2009 to maintain cohesiveness on the line.
BACKFIELD
Quarterback: #5 Tyrod Taylor (Jr, 6'1"/216): Was pressed into action as a true freshman in 2007, and is 13-2 as a starter since. Explosive runner who is a threat to turn any play into a highlight. Rushed for 429 yards and 6 TDs in 2007, 738 yards and 7 TDs in 2008. Despite his rushing success, Taylor has struggled in the passing game, throwing for only 1963 yards, 7 TDs, and 10 interceptions over two seasons. In order for the Hokies to be successful in 2009, Taylor must improve as a passer and must limit turnovers; in addition to throwing 7 interceptions in 2008, he fumbed 6 times, although only two were lost to the opposing team. Should improve significantly in 2009 with all the talent around him, but needs to become comfortable in the pocket and make good reads. Word from the coaches is that the game has slowed down for him and expectations are very high now that he's the unquestioned starter going into the season.
Fullback: #42 Kenny Jefferson (rSr, 5'9"/220): Was the #2 FB the last two seasons and now assumes the starting job. Physical and experienced player who knows the system and relishes contact.
Tailback: #32 Darren Evans (rSo, 6'0"/213): Had a sensational freshman season (1265 yards rushing, 11 TDs) after moving into the starting spot when Kenny Lewis Jr. was injured. Bruising, downhill runner who set a VT bowl record with 153 yards against Cincinnati and won MVP honors. Also set the VT single-game record for rushing with 253 yards against Maryland. Preseason 2nd-team all-ACC selection.
TIGHT END/WIDE RECEIVERS
Tight End: #8 Greg Boone (rSr, 6'3"/287): Had 22 catches for 278 yards and 2 TDs along with 21 rushes for 76 yards and 1 TD. Big, strong blocker and good receiver. Hard to bring down once he has the ball in his hands. Was initially recruited as a QB and plays that position in VT's "wild turkey" formation. Preseason 1st-team all-ACC selection.
Split End: #81 Jarrett Boykin (rFr, 6'2"/213): Became a starter midway through the 2008 season. Caught 30 passes for 441 yards. Big, physical receiver with huge hands.
Flanker: #19 Danny Coale (rSo, 6'0"/205): Started every game in 2008 as a redshirt freshman and had 36 receptions for 408 yards. Consistent, hardworking player who doesn't drop many balls and will do whatever it takes to make a key play.
KEY BACKUPS
Guard: #75 Greg Nosal (rSo, 6'6"/285): Started most of the spring while Render was out. Was the backup tackle last year. Whether he stays at guard or moves back to tackle, Nosal is expected to make a big contribution this year providing much-needed depth on the line.
Tackle: #54 Nick Becton (rFr, 6'5"/292): Key backup at the all-important left tackle position. If Wang suffers an injury it will be up to Becton to protect Tyrod's blind side.
Tailback: #34 Ryan Williams (rFr, 5'9"/205): Highly-rated recruit put on a show at the spring game. Great combination of speed and power. Worked hard during his redshirt year to improve pass blocking, especially blitz pickup responsibilities. Williams is a true home-run hitter who will be a very nice complement to Evans. Williams will also return punts in 2009.
Tight End: #88 Andre Smith (rJr, 6'4"/267) is a dominant blocker with good hands. Missed spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery but should be ready to go in the fall. #18 Sam Wheeler (rSr, 6'3"/258) was one best receiving TEs in the conference before suffering a torn ACL against GT in 2007. He was not at full speed in 2008 but will be back in the mix this season.
Receiver: #7 Marcus Davis (rFr, 6'4"/231), #29 Xavier Boyce (rFr, 6'4"/223), #11 Dyrell Roberts (So, 6'1"/192), and #80 Brandon Dillard (rSr, 5'11"/177) provide much-needed depth at the receiver position. Dillard is a former walk-on who was a likely starter in 2008 before he suffered a torn achilles and missed the season. Before the injury he was one of the fastest players on the team with sub-4.3 speed. Boyce earned playing time as a true freshman in 2008 before hurting his knee and missing most of the season. Roberts is a potential playmaker at WR and also returns kickoffs (he averaged 24.8 yards per return in 2008). Davis is a tremendous athlete who missed the 2008 season with a shoulder injury. He nearly won the backup QB job this spring. The coaches moved to WR in order to get him on the field sooner.
FRESHMAN WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT
Tailback: David Wilson (Fr, 5'11"/195): One of the top RB recruits in the country. Will probably redshirt this year due to the depth ahead of him, but might already be the best back on the team. Fast and incredibly strong (600lb squat!), he might just be too good to NOT play in 2009.
Tight End: Logan Thomas (Fr, 6'6"/230): Ranked #1 tight end prospect in the country by SuperPrep. Also played QB, WR, and DB in high school. Has drawn comparisons to Percy Harvin due to his versatility. Not sure where he might end up on the field (WR?), but if he doesn't redshirt he will make an impact wherever it is.
