Position Battles Besides QB To Watch in Spring 2017

Thanks to Jerod Evans early departure, the media storylines will be heavily fixated on the quarterback position as (as of right now) Josh Jackson, Hendon Hooker, and Jack Click battle for the starting job in 2017. That battle is critical, as the offense has the quarterback create multiple mesh points/reads and serve as a primary ball carrier in the running game no matter how simplified Fuente and Cornelsen can make the passing game. With the loss of so many big weapons outside, the quarterback has a tough task.

But, there are some other huge position battles coming this spring. First, Chuck Clark is a huge loss at the free safety position. Does Bud Foster move Mook Reynolds (where he started to come into his own as a blitzing whip) or Adonis Alexander to the free safety spot? Can Khalil Ladler and/or Tyree Rodgers step in at corner? Is Reggie Floyd, Jahque Alleyne, or JoVonn Quillen ready to be a dependable alley player at the free safety spot? Could Terrell Edmunds, who was stellar down the stretch, move to free safety where his experience at corner could help with coverage responsibilities. I am really at a loss for what Foster does. Each solutions seemingly creates another weakness.

Offensive line is the other question mark. The Hokies have to replace Augie Conte and Jonathan McLaughlin on the right side, and center Eric Gallo struggled mightily in the last couple of games. While fans of recruiting lament the lack of offensive line commtments, the Hokies are three deep pretty much across the board with scholarship offensive linemen for the first time in some time. This spring will answer if any of that depth can play.

Based on my own observations, Parker Osterloh is the most known quantity. I am not sure if he can pull effectively in the inverted veer game. Otherwise, I would strongly hope that Vance Vice gives Osterloh a look at right guard. Braxton Pfaff is more mobile- the question is can he win consistently at the point of attack. His shoulder history is worrisome, but I think Pfaff can contribute. Tyrell Smith could be an option. I don't know if Kyle Chung is big enough, and if he could learn to snap perhaps he could push Gallo. Austin Cannon and Zach Hoyt are also both centers, which allows Chung and Smith the opportunity to move around at all three guard spots.

Osterloh moving inside means a starting spot is open at right tackle. I was very high on DeAndre Plantin as a run blocker, and TJ Jackson looked awesome in pass protection in drills back in fall camp. Ultimately Jackson will likely project at left tackle (run blocking is still a weakness) but if his upside is as apparent as it looked on film, perhaps he may get some work on the right side. I was unimpressed with Demetri Moore in the spring. His size is ideal, but he didn't move or have the strength that I expected. I don't know if he will be a meaningful contributor at VT. I would be thrilled if I was wrong.

What are your thoughts? Once I finish our bowl review, I plan on doing a detailed review of the offensive line (I am already capturing clips.) I would welcome other topics that you would be interested in as premium content leading into spring practice.