We are just days away from the start of fall camp, and several position battles are brewing. Early focus will be on the recovery of key veterans returning from injury (Exum, Coles, Miller, Wang, Fuller), and unsettled battles from the spring. Here is how I think things will shape out. What are your predictions?
Quarterback: Logan Thomas, with Mark Leal as the backup.
Despite handwringing to the contrary, Logan is the guy. If the staff turns to Leal at any point this season, it will be as result of injury.
Tailback: Trey Edmunds, JC Coleman, Tony Gregory- I still think Edmunds is the only returning back who projects to be a 20-25 carry a game workhorse. JC will likely start camp as the number 1, but I think Loeffler will ultimately settle on using him as a change of pace and 3rd down back. We will all be rooting for Tony Gregory, but chronic injury issues limit his ability to be an every down back.
Fullback: This is the most difficult position to predict. Identifying which fullback was which in the spring game was impossible, as most of their numbers didn't even match up to their actual jersey and all struggled. Riley Biero returns from industry, but it is possible that we will see Zach McCray as an Hback more than we see a true fullback this season.
Center: Again, this is a position that is in flux. Caleb Farris got most of the work at center as spring camp wore down while Andrew Miller worked at guard, but Coach Grimes may have been giving Miller work without exposing injury at center (the more difficult position.) Based on the spring game, you have to think Farris is the starter, but based on Grimes comments, you KNOW Miller is starting somewhere, and I think he is a better fit at center versus guard. I think David Wang will also get an opportunity to compete at center.
Left Guard- Mark Shuman rose from the ashes of losing the starting left tackle position to looking very effective at left guard in the spring game. I envision the loser of the battle between Wang and Farris becoming the utility interior lineman and serving as the primary backup, as Matt Arkema did not seem to win over the staff in spring practice.
Right Guard- Andrew Miller got the work in the spring game with the #1 offense at right guard and struggled mightily against the 2nd/3rd team defensive kids. Brent Benedict meanwhile was very effective going against the #1 defense in very limited snaps. My eyes tell me that Benedict gives you the best chance to win, with Miller and Farris battling at center and both capable along with every improving Adam Tarashcke the heir apparent.
Left Tackle- Unless Coach Grimes suprises us all, Jonathan McLaughlin is the starting left tackle for next season. Shuman and Laurence Gibson could both swing out to left tackle if McLaughlin struggles, with more depth being available at their positions.
Right Tackle- Laurence "should have been on the field last year" Gibson takes up the mantle at right tackle. He won the most improved award for the spring, and due to James Gayle lining up over right tackle, drew the most difficult blocking assignment day in and day out. He struggled a bit in the spring, but I expect a terrific season from Gibson. Augie Conte will be the primary backup, but I envision a move inside for Conte down the road.
Tight End- Based on the utilization in the spring, Ryan Malleck will be the every down tight end, and Zach McCray will be the hBack. The Hokies have talented depth five deep at the position, with Duan Perez Means as a smooth pass catcher, Darius Redman as a big man with the speed to get deep, and Dakota Jackson as a bull for blocking.
Split End/Flanker- DJ Coles, if healthy, will take this spot, and move to the backfield. Josh Staford was listed as the #2 as split end, but given how he became Logan's security blanket in spring practice, I would imagine that he will start over Demetri Knowles. The big question mark is Joel Caleb. He has the physical measurables to step in and beat Knowles and Stanford out for the job, but can he get open? If he develops that fluidity and timing through his work with Coach Moorehead, I think he could be one of the suprises of camp.
Yes. I have not had Wyatt Teller moving to tackle. But, if it happens, dominance will happen on the left side.
Comments
QB: LT3, ML6.
TB: I like Edmunds to take a more prominent role later in the season, but I think we begin the season with JC starting at tailback. With his speed and agility, he's a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. The main problem he and every other tailback had last year was the inability to make the first man miss, and this caused them to run very timidly (Holmes & Gregory especially). Couple this with very bad interior run blocking on the offensive line, and boom: that's one of the main ingredients to a 7-6 season. The work that JC has put in this off-season has been phenomenal, and if he can get to 190 like he plans, he will have a more successful year at breaking tackles. Keep in mind he was only a true freshman last year, and I think the game experience gained will give him the edge over Edmunds.
I'm not going to jump on the Edmunds bandwagon just yet until I see him in-game vs. a defense that has studied film against him.
FB: Beiro, but Sam Rogers is my pick for the surprise of camp. His history of playing linebacker and read-option quarterback shows that he's an intelligent football player and can carry/catch the ball as an H-back, and this picture demonstrates the fact that he will most likely eat someone at some point on August 31st.
OL & TE: I'm not as seasoned on the intricacies of the big boys, so I'm going to trust you on that.
SE/FL: DJ Coles with Stanford in behind him, and Knowles with Asante behind him. I hope that Caleb can get a lot of PT as a slot receiver because he's physical enough to throw some crackbacks on LBs and, if I recall correctly from his brief WR stints on his highlight tape, he makes a habit of ripping the ball away from defenders attempting to break on it...which is what every quarterback loves more than anything.
I'm also stoked to see what Sam Rogers can do.
I'm worried about the football.....all jinxes off, but I pray that whomever is toting the rock is all about avoiding strips and fumbles. That's why, although I think Edmunds ends up featured, JC gets the nod against Alabama.
Why do I think Trey Edmunds is the best choice?
00:05:01–00:05:11
6'2 215. This kind of speed and athleticism. And, he has the best natural feel for when to cut in this zone stretch offense. He was productive against the #1 D with the 2's and 3's in fall practice, and when you see him run in person, he is the "It Factor" guy. He also laid some devestating blocks in pass protection.
Couldn't agree with you more, French. After watching him run live in a couple of scrimmages since he arrived on campus, he has shown the ability to be relentless, burst through gaps with little-to-no hesitation, lower the shoulder and lay the boom, and keeps moving downhill. All of these are important elements that our running game severely lacked last season. In order for Lefty's offense to function, we need to have consistent positive yardage and an end to the feet shuffling behind the LOS; Edmunds appears to be the best solution to this issue.
I think Jerome Wright might actually make a push for the starting fullback position. I also think Chris Mangus might jump Tony G in the depth chart for what its worth
I pretty much agree with everything French has said.
QB: 1) LT 2) Leal --- No Chance this changes
FB: 1) Biero 3) Jerome Wright --- Definitely see less use of the fullback w/ more use of a halfback or slot. Think Edmunds and JC are cut and go guys that are better utilized without a fullback.
TB: 1) Edmunds 2) JC --- Feel like French is right that Edmunds will be special. Still think JC will receive a fair amount of carries possibly up around 9 a game, Auburn's #2 back last year averaged around 8 per game.
SE/FL --- DJ Coles and Josh Stanford probably primary with Knowles seeing a a lot of time. I could see a bigger Coles playing a lot in a HB role with Stanford/Knowles on the outside. Think there will be a lot of sets where all 3 WRs could be on the field.
TE: --- Hoping Ryan Malleck has a great year in an offense emphasizing the TE. Hopefully McCray gets some burn and develops a family connection with LT. I like the future of TE with Jackson and Redman.
RT: --- Gibson will be a really solid RT from all I've seen.
RG: --- Feel like Benedict is the best run blocker VT has. Thinking Benedict fits the mold of type of lineman Grimes would have recruited with nastiness.
C: --- Andrew Miller, think he was just moved around in spring to get more depth at center with others snapping.
LG:--- Mark Shuman might develop the nastiness that Grimes likes. Think he's too talented not to play and he did end the spring at LG. Could see Caleb Farris pushing him in the fall. Mark Shuman might just need Grimes to light a fire under him to get the most of his potential.
LT: --- The young stud McLaughlin that came out of nowhere to start in the Spring. Think it's interesting how he came from being taught by Shuman's dad at Fork Union to then taking the spot at LT that was presumed to be Mark Shuman's.
I'm glad LT3 returned. Without him, we'd have a QB with no experience in a big, emotional game.
Well we wouldn't actually even have the opportunity to #BEATBAMA had he not come back. We would have backed out and Louisville would have filled in. Article talked about it a while ago, and I think someone posted it on here or another forum (not as good as TKP obviously) recently.
I still find it hard to believe that CFB would have allowed Weaver to pull us from the game. I think that's bogus reporting started by Louisville to bolster their stock in the public eye.
Shenanigans
You're talking about this story on ESPN that quotes nobody, and doesn't even attribute a source. It's an article about Louisville struggling to improve their OOC schedule this season. 66% chance it was wishful thinking by someone in UL's athletic department. 33% chance the Chick-fil-a Bowl committee would've bought us out if LT3 had gone pro and invited Louisville instead.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9175735/louisville-cardin...
And what source do you have for those percentages? I was just pointing out what I had read it somewhere. Pretty sure it was a different one than that, but I can't remember so my bad for that. Even still though, ESPN should hold some merit at least. I trust them not to let their reporters to just write about anything and make things up. I think the key is (which I should have stated instead of acting as fact) that we had considered it. I doubt Beamer would have wanted to back out regardless of what Logan decided as it would look bad, but who knows if Weaver/administration perhaps considered it as a possibility at one point, which was easily decided for them since Logan stayed. Either way, no one would want to act like we would've backed out now since it would have made us look scared.
I feel like ESPN makes crap up from "sources" all the time. In fact most of their "breaking" stuff I take with a grain of salt.
Any company that employs Screamin' A Smith, Heather Dinich, Skip Bayless, Darren Rovell, Colin Cowherd, etc. has zero merit in my opinion.
Cowherd earned points in my book after his UVa rant...
The thing about Cowherd is he has opinions, and never listens to others, or lets others talk. They are always wrong, and never stand a chance to sway him one bit. Every once in awhile you agree with him (UVA rant, Met's rant, etc.) and then he is awesome. But he also makes arguments, that you could disagree with it makes you absolutely hate him.
How does Skip Bayless even have a job? I mean Steven A. is annoying but actually knows some stuff. Bayless is a just ranting idiot.
I give Cowherd a pass because of:
Generally don't watch any of the sports talk tv shows....I might occasionally drop in on one, depending on which blonde is on...sportscenter is my most watched show, outside of actual games. Will drop in on college football live when I can.
Cowherd should have a lifetime pass to Lane with 50 yard line Hokie Club seats for his two anti-UVA classic rants, imo.
I listened to those rants yesterday. They are a timeless classic.
never give the four letter the benefit of the doubt when it comes to journalistic integrity. remember the "e" stand for entertainment. that's the business they're in. pti is ok (even though wilbon is a card carrying hokie hater) other than that, it's just live games i'll watch
I hope we win something significant so Korny can call Wilbon out on his Hokie hatred. Beyond our bass fishing national championship, that is.
bro! hammer toss!
Once heard Colin C state that (paraphrasing) his job is not to be a great journalist, but rather to be an entertainer. Fits well with ESPN's (and parent company's) MO. So take it all with a spoonful of salt.
I think French pretty much has the O-positions nailed down, most debate will start up once injuries happen.
For the TB, however, I am less concerned about 1st team and 2nd team and more concerned about how Loeffler will use his backs. In years past, VT always had the preference to let an RB run an entire series. This worked fine when you had 3 RBs all capable of being the workhorse (DW, RMFW, Evans). Last year, the utilization of the RB was a complete shit-show, often running a play without even knowing who was in at RB. (Scales stretch right for no gain! JC up the middle for a loss of a yd!) Hopefully, Loeffler will use his RBs better, utilizing their skillset to the situation at hand. JC, assuming he has a decent set of hands, would be a great 3rd down back or when VT is in a passing offense (2 min, down by 10 or more in the 4th, etc.). Edmunds would definitely be the work horse in between the tackles and running out the clock when up in 4th. It's not really rocket science, but it will take some game planning and management.
agreed. that was infuriating. i broke many glasses last yearw inadvertently by throwing my hands up in the air or slamming my head on the table