Hokie Tracks are an Early Riser in Spring

Virginia Tech's first spring practice with Justin Fuente at the helm is underway. The Hokies have tightly managed how much information is available for public consumption. That is to say, not a lot is out there. The media has been invited to watch only one practice, and not the complete affair either, just stretching and individual drills. Unlike in years past, it doesn't seem likely that Tech will open up a scrimmage to the public. The spring game, which won't be broadcast by ESPN3 or HokieSports.com, will provide the media and public on-hand their first chance to evaluate the Hokies with their own eyes. Until then, the look behind closed doors will come via player and coach interviews as well as video clips shared on social media. (Thomas Guerry and his squad have done a tremendous job with the latter.)

It's certainly Fuente's prerogative to keep practice under wraps, although it's curious as to why. Both Fuente and offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen have stated multiple times the spring will move slow on offense and will serve to install base offensive concepts. My best guess is Fuente wants to keep a lid on his five-man quarterback competition — the one thing this spring everyone in Blacksburg has been particularly tightlipped on.

Holmon Wiggins lighting up the locker room dance floor was well documented.

One big family. We you @HolmonWiggins #Hokies #ThisIsHome https://t.co/JMnGuPJJsV— HokiesFB (@HokiesFB) April 1, 2016

More of @HolmonWiggins breaking it #NotAJoke #Hokies https://t.co/DQZRLiMu0R— HokiesFB (@HokiesFB) April 1, 2016

After watching Tim Settle toe-tap, I don't know if Frank Beamer was talking about Settle's potential as a defensive tackle, or a danseur.

David Teel caught up with Tyrod Taylor at his youth camp. Taylor discussed giving back to the community and his contract status with the Buffalo Bills.

Parker Osterloh is making moves at right tackle. In an interview with ESPN's David Hale, fellow o-lineman Augie Conte divulged Osterloh is taking the majority of reps with the first team. That jives with what offensive line coach Vance Vice recently told Andy Bitter.

AB: Who are some of those guys working at a different position?

VV: Well, there are four guys that started a bunch of games last year. Those guys are up at the front. Parker Osterloh is up at the front. He jumped in there at tackle. I thought he was a guard. I don't care.

However, it seems the depth chart up front will be a fluid situation for quite some time.

AB: Do you have a fixed depth chart you're working with or will you mix and match?

VV: As we go, right now, it's more of a, it's not really a depth chart, it's just places they sit in my meeting room right now. And I told them that, and obviously there are quite a few guys that came back and played a bunch of snaps. That's important to me, but those spots aren't guaranteed. It's an organizational chart more than anything. And as we go, yeah, those seats will change every day. Because competition makes us better. But there are some guys that are older, played a bunch of snaps or are a little bit ahead, and there's no guarantee. And when we finish spring, I'll open up all five spots again. Because I don't want anyone saying, 'Hey, I'm the starting' whatever,' and then take the summer off. It's always open. It'll change daily possibly in the spring.

It's interesting to note Conte's (a player's) perspective on depth chart variance and shuffling.

"For the end of the spring, I'd like to have our depth chart established," Conte said. "I'd like for the offense to start gelling and working as a unit."

DeAngelo Hall, Michael Vick and Tyrod Taylor have RSVP'd for the spring game. Having three of the 757's most successful NFL players in Blacksburg for the Maroon–Orange game might make a solid impression on any 757 recruits in attendance. Speaking of which, Jamaar Hawkins of Recruit 757 dropped this tidbit about 2017 4-star wide receiver Tahj Capehart.

Teammate Tahj Capehart has also seen his recruitment pickup recently, following a visit to Virginia Tech with an offer from national champion Alabama. The 5-foot-11 junior has also picked up offers from Pittsburgh and Nebraska during the off-season, and has visited West Virginia during the past week. Capehart holds more than 15 offers from schools such as Georgia, Miami, NC State, Virginia Tech and UNC, coming off a second-team Group 6A All-State selection this past season.

Hokie fans seem to be anxiously awaiting a commitment from Capehart and there are indications that Virginia Tech leads for him. There are quite a few top tier locals that hold Virginia Tech in high regard.

Defensive tackle Eric Crosby, yet another 757 stud in the 2017 class, will visit Blacksburg this weekend. Virginia Tech resides in Crosby's top group along with North Carolina State, Tennessee, Alabama, and Clemson. The Ocean Lakes product will announce his decision on April 22 and is declining interviews until his choice is made public. Ocean Lakes head coach (and Hokie) Joe Jones compared Crosby's potential to one of the best d-linemen to strap it up.

"He kind of reminds me somewhat of Bruce Smith when he was that age," Jones said. "He's big, he's 285, 290 (pounds) and athletic, and I remember when I was a sophomore and Bruce came in as a freshman, I couldn't believe somebody that big could move that well."

Where can I get that jacket, Vance Vice? It looks to be straight out of Mugatu's closet; a garbage bag inspired, designer made garment from stainless steel cloth, slim cut because don't be modest about hitting chest-day extra hard.

Former women's basketball coach Dennis Wolff's farewell letter was 🔥 🔥 🔥.

I sincerely hope all the anonymous Tech Sideline posters will learn to support Coach Brooks throughout the wins and losses. Women's basketball here at Tech is a beloved entity, and any negativity works against the coaches in every way.

It's not often that I defend the honor of TSL posters, but it's asinine to imply fans/boosters/alumni cannot be critical of a program, or its coach, especially one that notched just 17 ACC wins and one winning record over 5 seasons.