Be The Bully

"I want this to be the toughest football team we've had here at Virginia Tech" — Frank Beamer

"What I'm worried about is developing the toughest line in the ACC" — Jeff Grimes

Before writing this column, I frequently lamented how Virginia Tech football lost the identity that lead the program's rise to prominence. Hokie football in the Frank Beamer era meant one thing: win or lose Tech's opponent left Lane Stadium bruised and battered. The program revolved around the Lunchpail ethos of outworking other teams on the field and in the weight room while being as physical as possible. Offensively, the scheme was antiquated, but the men who executed it left an impression in the chewed up turf, the sore chests, and backsides of their opponents. On a 3rd-and-3, you had confidence that your offense could get four yards. That is how you win football games.

2012 sucked. I am tired of talking about it. You are tired of reading about it. If Coach Beamer wants this to be the toughest football team he ever has had, it starts with a commitment to successfully running the football. And that starts with putting together an offensive line that has the athleticism, strength, and most importantly attitude to get 4 yards on a 3rd-and-3 late in a football game.

The process for developing that groups starts with spring football. From the best of the best (Duane Brown, Blake DeChristopher) to the best of the worst (Nick Marshman), there is one theme that is consistent during spring football: the defense kicks the offense's ass, especially up front. As Bud Foster starts to incorporate new players into his defensive system, he utilizes every make and model of designer blitz and demands that his players win every down. The offensive line gets shredded, and we don't get a true look at the ability of the skill position players who will be contributors next season.

On the first day of spring practice, I expect that Jeff Grimes will start the following lineup: Laurence Gibson at right tackle, Brent Benedict at right guard, Andrew Miller at center, David Wang at left guard, and Mark Shuman at left tackle. Given their past experience, Matt Arkema and Caleb Farris will have an opportunity to compete for snaps, and based on high praise from the coaching staff, Augie Conte, Nick Acree, and Adam Taraschke will get a long look.

"Those are two promising young guys, I think," Beamer said of Conte and Taraschke. "Let them battle." Junior Nick Acree, who is coming off ACL surgery, will slide inside from tackle to guard and compete for playing time there.

I have written at great length about my expectations that no starter is safe, and that we will see a new style of offensive line play. The group is a mix of experience and unrealized potential, but nobody should expect this group to come out and look like a coordinated 1960's Green Bay Packers machine in the face of Bud Foster's defense.

Here is a pro-tip to all the offensive linemen who want an opportunity to earn snaps in the Georgia Dome on August 31st: treat every live situation like you are in a championship fight. Play on the edge. If you make a mistake, get a helmet on a helmet and drive the defense backwards until you hear the whistle blow. If you have to fight, fight. Any offensive lineman who is content with learning the system, any lineman who stops and watches the play after they are beaten, and any guy who isn't going to stand up for himself and his running backs has no business getting snaps on this unit. My measuring stick for success is to take out my notebook on April 20th and write down that the Virginia Tech Hokies have five offensive linemen who may get out-executed, but will never be outfought.

My preference is no secret. I believe that Laurence Gibson has the ability to be a perfect fit as an athletic, run blocking right tackle in Grimes' system. Despite his lack of experience, he is the surest bet from this group of linemen. His footwork, pad level, and drive blocking allows him to seal the edge or drive a 3-4 end into the inside backer's lap. I think Brent Benedict demonstrated glimpses of elite physical ability at guard, and is the only returning interior lineman with experience that has the measurable to push around big defensive tackles. However, Grimes' system requires lateral movement, and Benedict sometimes struggled in space. Andrew Miller will be the starting center if healthy, but he faces the responsibility of recovering fully from a brutal injury, learning a new system, all the corresponding line call terminology versus various fronts, and being the leader of a young group. That is a tough ticket, especially for a player who has struggled when facing big nose tackles and one-techniques. However, Miller is the consummate Jeff Grimes effort player, and we know he will lead by example.

I believe David Wang will fit as a utility guard or perhaps a center for the Hokies over the next two seasons, not a starter. He doesn't have the lateral movement to be serviceable in a zone blocking run game. If Nick Acree, Caleb Farris, or Matt Arkema can't win the job, don't be shocked if the loser of the left tackle starting job doesn't slide inside. Mark Shuman and Augie Conte are going to have one hell of a battle at left tackle. Shuman is a long, rangy left tackle who has prototype measurables, but he wasn't particularly impressive as a run blocker. If Conte can seal the edge and play nasty, the pass protection will come.

Discussing athleticism and talent is all well and good, but I believe that Jeff Grimes is looking at this spring as an open competition at each position. Attitude and effort will win the day. Success is seeing five guys who will mash as the starting unit. Kicking ass will earn playing time. Watching the tailback get nailed for a two yard loss will ensure a seat on the bench.

Game on.