Zachariah Hoyt is the starting center, Kyle Chung moved to left guard. Hezekiah Grimsley is starting in the slot (French nailed that), although receivers will rotate all game long. Yoshuah Nijman stuck at right tackle. Deshawn McClease is on the top line at running back. Jarrod Hewitt will start at nose tackle. Trevon Hill is listed at the starter at RDE. Either Hill's playing or Justin Fuente's not tipping his hand. Dylan Rivers won the battle to start at backer over blue-chip freshman Dax Hollifield (who made a ton of noise in camp). Divine Deablo is the starter at FS. That seemingly reflects his health. Brian Johnson is the No. 1 kicker.
For my money, the biggest shocker is Khalil Ladler is the starter at Whip. Blue-chip 2016 signee Devon Hunter is at the backup spot, OR'd with freshamn D.J. Crossen. Have to wonder if Hunter will rotate in at Whip on run down and/or heavier looks.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/vatech.sidearmsports.com/document...
Comments
Devon Hunter not starting...
clenches pitchfork
I think this may be to get more speed on the field. I think Hunter will play but probably more in obvious running situations. We're going to need all the help we can get for those backs. I really hope all those reports about Hewitt tearing it up are true.
Hunter has some speed. He ran down McClease from behind in the Spring Game. (Although he crossed the goal line as he was tackled)
This is probably more about cover skills in the 1st game.
That might say a lot about McClease
Hunter is extremely athletic in all facets - speed, agility, burst, strength.. he crushed Nike's SPARQ rating system, which included running a 4.45 40
It does. We need speed.
My best guess is that this is because they need Ladler to cover D.J. Matthews in the slot. Wouldn't be stunned to see Hunter play on early downs, maybe even "start" the game.
Bingo
Great Minds think alike...
Just saw this. Imagine me in the Westchester County Airport giving the "your all growns up" monologue by Vince Vaughn.
Such a good movie.
Also, DO NOT Google "Swingers gifs" on your work computer...
HA! A while back I was trying to find a picture of a furry animal, don't remember why and suppose it's not really pertinent. Anyway, I did an image search for furry on my work computer, ignoring the fact that "furries" are a thing. Suffice it to say I got a whole lot of not what I was looking for. There was a guy kind of behind me that I am telling myself didn't see the results. Sub-optimal.
It's cool that you're a furry. I mean yur avi is a furry animal after all.
Dammit. Should have anticipated this response, and yet here we are. Ha.
Hoyt at center w/ Chung at LG, Ladler at whip, Farley at corner. Everything else looks pretty chalk.
Tyrell Smith as the backup center is also very unexpected. The OL depth chart is actually pretty all over the place from what we expected if you ask me. I really expected Plantin to start.
Possible injury setback. Rumor.
Ladler ahead of Hunter at Whip, with Deablo starting at FS surprised me.
Probably going to change with different defensive looks
4 Seniors starting, 6 total in the 2-deep
4 Junior starting, 10 total in the 2-deep
12 Soph starting, 18 total in the 2-deep
2 Freshman starting, 15 total in the 2-deep
We are young
TONIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT
WE ARE YOUUUNNNGG
SO LETS SET THE NOLES ON FIII-YUUUHHH
These young fucks.
No one can tell you you're wrong
Searching the chart for so lo-ong
All of us knowing...
Doak is the battlefield
You must be as old as I am.
Class of '98, baby.
Gimme some.👊
Oh yeah! 👊.
Great Pat Benatar reference!
I'd leg you because my mind went to this exact place - but that song does not deserve to be legged.
All the kids here at TKP be all like
Yeah... that is also what I immediately think of when he referenced that haha.
Heartache to heartache, we stand
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Hmm, i would actually consider that fairly average. A young team imo has way more freshman contributors.
Not to panic at a week 1 depth chart, but I really hope Devon Hunter is starting at some point. Biggest recruit since Kendall Fulller, expected to start all offseason once Mook got dismissed, and then not starting week 1 worries me.
Maybe stars don't mean much /s
Starting offensive line's average size is 6'5" 312lb.
#BEEF
Lets hope it translates in being able to run the football.
Tommy Tuberville on line one!!
Noticed that as well. Biggest line we have had in a long time.
That's what she said?
I was wondering why she's been taking so long in the bathroom every time we're recently.
The fact that Hills listed as the starter confirms to me that he isn't injured or suspended on some law related item, rather that the media blackout on him is related to Bitter and perhaps some other twitter/media/representing the program related thing. Not saying it's solely that but Hill went right after Bitter where as guys like Chung that tweeted about Goode was indirect and not towards a media person. Basically Hill not living up to the standards of what Fuente expects from a player and how he likes to run a tight ship when it comes to media. So grinding him in practice with 2s and 3s and not allowing him to talk to media was Fuentes way of discipline. My take but I'm sure we'll never know.
Wouldn't be so sure on Hill quite yet.
STOP IT WITH YOUR BAD NEWS LA IM SICK OF IT
Not necessarily bad news yet. As of Monday there hasn't been a final verdict AFAIK.
so basically he's still on probation.. (double) secret probation?
Dammit LA!! I had just inflated my hopes.. a tiny bit. Insert comment about nice things here.
Reading LA's comment....
All these damn "insiders."
Mrs. Doubtfire always gets a leg from me
Joe! You're so fast! I just got the alert from Bleacher Report went to post and boom! You already had it up!
I am a bit disappointed to see Hunter behind Ladler. Not that Ladler did not play well last season but I think those extra 30 lbs can be punishing at Whip.
Devon Hunter not starting isn't a big deal. They are going to rotate him in and out. They have depth at the position. Bud does this time and time again. It's the least of my worries.
My biggest surprise is Savoy was surpassed on the depth chart by Grimsley. Savoy is our only proven starter. That says a bunch. They both will play a ton.
I would assume we will see more Hunter on short yardage situations and more Ladler in passing situations.
More worrisome that he isn't the clear #2... listed as Hunter OR Crossen.
Depth charts are really fluid. Completely possible this is a motivation tactic by Bud.
I'm not sure why everyone is even concerned about it. I get that he was such a highly ranked recruit, but if he gets beat out by someone else to start then that means they are playing better than our highest ranked recruit. That's great news. Plus they will be rotating playing in and out all game so it's not like he won't see the field outside of special teams.
Savoy will be outside as much as inside. And you shouldn't be surprised. Grimsley and Jackson have really good chemistry.
my goodness.. that (lack of) DT depth is unsettling.
and 2 true freshmen on the 2 deep in the secondary.
That's because we were un-Settled by the NFL draft.
Unsettling? Un-Settle-ing.
So...if...I'm reading this...properly....
Hewitt and Burke at NT...so...uhh...Mihota's 10-15 plays will be giving Slick Rick a breather?
I'm judging you.
Realize the flat earther's judge everyone
Doesn't make you any less wrong.
Wait, I have to know, are you being sarcastic or actually think the Earth is flat?
Better than 800%
Orthodox FlatEarthers AKA Discworlders know that the earth is flat because it is the only way it can be carried by the 4 cosmic elephants who stride atop a series of intergalactic turtles that go all the way down.
You could read the book, or just spend 3 minutes with Sturgill and get all you need
https://youtu.be/BqDKWe7WrEQ
Sorry I can't embed - but trust me.
Me: I'm not gonna click it. I'm not gonna click it.
Other Me: Are we really gonna do this again? Let's just get it over with + click it.
... clicks it ...
Both Me's: I can't understand anything he's saying.
Leg for Terry Pratchett!
OK good lol. I was concerned for a moment. Sad state of today that I have to ask to be sure.
Kyrie is that you? What are you doing on a Tech board?
Edit: I'm leaving this here so everyone knows you messed up at first 😉
Excited to see Farley returning kicks. Hopefully we can see him streaking down the sideline on Monday like Dyrell Roberts against Bama.
Hoping he only gets one chance.
Would rather he stayed in uniform.
That's some good size at WR. Pretty excited about that group this season.
Oscar snaps to Oscar. Can't think of another notable Hokie Oscar in history. Mind boggling.
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Buuutttt where's Quincy?
Starting the last 4 games of the season so he doesn't burn the 'shirt
Soooooo....
vs. UVA, ACC Championship game, Orange Bowl, and National Championship game?
Basically a warmup game, a conference game, a quality non-conference opponent, then the bowl
Surprised Lawson didn't get the QB1 nod, but I'll take JJ.
For real. I'm worried Lawson transfers after failing to get the nod for starter.
I came here for the Ladler/Hunter hand-wringing but stayed for the Lawson HOT TAKES, and you did not let me down! Have a leg, friend! You've earned it!
Only 7 in the 2-deep under 6' tall. This team is long...
Or the team tape measure is a little short. One of the two.
Funny, when compared to the 247 recruiting profiles a lot of these dudes have gotten a couple inches shorter... See: Proctor, Garbutt, Porcher, DeBose from 2017, Turner from 2018..
This is a paradox in most sports the closer you get to the next level the taller you get...see everyone ever
Joe, this is obviously click bait. Don't you known your own community guidelines?
So I guess Chung did not pan out at center? Wasn't he moved over there to compete at that spot?
Or Hoyt did really well, or Plantin didn't do well or got hurt and they had to shift Chung over.
So if the o-line faulters, are we gonna say it was because they were Chung-over???
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I like Ladler getting involved more in the Defense. He was highly recruited, but unfortunately came in with an ACL issue from HIgh school. I liked his tackling in short yardage against PITT. I think he'll be a good contributor.
I would've liked to see Chung's leadership/experience at center. I think Hoyt is going to be great... I'm actually excited to see him NEXT year.
At LG, I want a nasty SOB...give me Lecitus...
I'm actually really excited to see Zach Hoyt start.
At first I liked him because he looked like he'd be more at home playing D&D than football.
And now he looks like the second coming.....
Imagine being a DB coming down to support the run and you see Mega Jesus pulling around to plant your ass in the dirt.
ZACHARIAH HOYT IS NOW "MEGA JESUS"
Hoyt looks like the Avett Brothers got on steroids
Mega Jesus should go plaid
He's just gone from a first level fighter to a tenth level (7 barbarian/3 fighter for that sweet sweet dip into battle master) god.
he's got the raw material to be my new namesake
Hazelton and Kumah outside with Grimsley in the slot is NASTY by Virginia Tech standards...two deep across the board at WR is great...
Re: prior comment, I'd feel better about our run game with Lecitus starting at LG over Chung and Chung at center over Hoyt...
Agreed. I think Hazeltons going be a dude
where is French to weigh in on OL depth chart? I need his analysis before I can process any of this.
Up in New York State earning a paycheck.
As for comparing this lineup versus what I saw in the spring- I thought Plantin would be a monster. He was really good when I watched him in the spring. This is vexing.
Rumor is Plantin got hurt during the last scrimmage, which is why there was a change.
Injuries are worse than vegan bacon. Right, Ron?
Anyone else at least a little surprised to see Tre Turner in the 2-deep?
Yes, especially after the buzz about/around Hazleton and Patterson. But we know that the coaches would prefer to roll 7-8 deep at WR anyhow, so I'm sure they both will get plenty of snaps.
Haze is starting
I missed that entry on the depth chart entirely. I saw Grimsley/Savoy and Kumah/Turner and just figure that "starter" at WR was effectively meaningless when all of em are gonna play regardless
they hid it on the boundary side
I saw that too, but then I remembered that Fuente's depth charts are always 3WR sets.
Nope.
He was a goon in HS. He's gonna be a great Hokie.
NC2VT is going to be a really good thing for our guys this year and next.
Sam DeLuke backing up Shadley!? WHAT?!
Mood:
Mega Jesus doesn't think your joke is very funny.
Don't start trolling my bad jokes now just because you found out I really wasn't Dustin Pickle and had your dreams crushed.
I was just going off what other people said.
Sitting at break looking over the lineups when my co worker whos a die hard LOLUVA fan randomly bursts out "man our starting line up is good enough to win a natty this year."
Needless to say I just got off the phone with HR and hes now gonna get "randomly" selected for a drug test tomorrow.
zima is a helluva drug...
sounds like acid
Or lose to a 16 seed for the first time in history.
Can't lose to a 16 seed if there isn't a 16 seed in the CFB playoffs am I right?
TBF, even if there was, UVa wouldn't be there to play them.
I mean, with 27 ACC caliber guys on the team I guess that's enough to fill out the 1 deep on the depth chart with a few extras
Problem is that 8 of them are punters, kickers, and long snappers. Also, what Bronc didn't divulge is of that to get to "27" he had to pull some ACC caliber "rowing" guys and call them wideouts.
Their 2-deep is do terrible. If Perkins isn't Cam Newton, they may not win a game in the ACC.
Looks like a good starting line up, will be an interesting year
Our linebackers are so bigger than theirs.
Ashby 230 vs Jackson 228
Rivers 232 vs Brooks 211
Also I'm looking forward to Keene vs whoever they put on him
I think our offensive line takes the game over against their smallish defense and we bludgeon them on the ground and then start hitting deep balls as they bring their safeties up
Don't look now, but FSU is down to 2 scholarship QBs on their roster:
https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/college/fsu/football/2018/08/31...
Dwayne Hockman?
Yep. Supposedly was better than Blackmon, but got injured before the start of last season. Was listed as co-#2 with Blackmon on the depth chart but has elected to transfer.
Bailey Hockman was in high school with my daughter. I was always shocked that he was rated as highly as he was. He wasn't that great of a HS QB, but his dad was the coach so he played more than he would have at another powerhouse high school in Georgia, so he received plenty of exposure. I'm pretty sure his teammates all hated him.
Apparently I missed the joke first time around. Whoops.
Maybe Bailey Lawson would have been a clearer combination?
Indubitably.
Dwayne
Hockman?LawsonDrink?
I'm a little late to the party with this comment, but I've held this theory for some time and I wanted to share it with everybody. Ladler starting over Hunter provides me with a great opportunity to do so. Does anybody think that Ladler gets the starting nod partially because of his Florida roots? When the argument that two individuals are potentially worthy of starting, of course on-field matchups are incredibly important, but how much do you think the coaches consider the location of the game? I'm going out on a limb here, but I'd be willing to guess that FSU's roster is loaded with guys Ladler played with and against in high school, so that could encourage an extra competitive edge in his game. I've felt that in the past when we play North Carolina teams, guys on our roster from the Tar Heel State get more reps and show out. Maybe I'm just imagining this, but I was curious if anyone else considered this too?
Interesting concept, but I have a hard time believing that who plays is related to anything other than who gives us the best chance of success on any given play. Anything other than this, would be poor coaching in my opinion. But I guess an argument could be made that the local player with the extra edge and history/knowledge of the opponent may be the best option. However I find it unlikely that the coaches are taking it into account.
I'm down with that, even moreso if the home state team did not recruit said player. Same thing can be said for Laborn and any other VA-bred players on the FSU roster, although we actively recruited Laborn. I don't know how much FSU wanted Ladler.
I suppose anything is possible but that would seem like the kind of "distraction" Tech coaches would want to avoid and make sure the team has their heads in the game.
Actually, Ladler is a Georgia native. Though, he did play at img academy for 1 or 2 years.
Updated depth chart is out (page 9 in the W&M game notes posted by Hokiesports today). Zero changes at all to the FSU lineup, including Ladler ahead of Hunter OR Crossen
Shouldn't the title of this thread be "Hokies Unleash Depth Chart Against Florida State"?