The versatile defensive line for the Hokies is undergoing some changes since defensive end Orion Martin graduated.
The line might be facing some extra pressure to play well with an unproven group of linebackers behind them.
One side of the defensive front is already set. Redshirt junior Jason Worilds, who had shoulder surgery in the offseason but will be ready for the fall, is slated as a starter at defensive end.
Redshirt senior Cordarrow Thompson will get the call to start at one of the defensive tackle positions.
Defensive line coach Charley Wiles likes to be interchangeable with his group, and the other side is going to be just that.
Three players will be playing the two open spots: senior Nekos Brown, redshirt junior John Graves and redshirt senior Demetrius Taylor.
Brown will start at end for the Tech, and Graves is set to start at tackle.
"Nekos has really come on," Wiles said. "I've been real pleased with how he has come along and improved. He's a senior, and he's earned it. He's been in some battles, he's having a good spring right now, and I feel comfortable that he will be our other starter at defensive end."
This spring, Graves is taking more reps at the end position, though. Wiles likes to keep his options open, and this way Brown can take a breather, Graves can get in at end and Taylor can get some playing time at tackle.
"We want to get our best four players out there," Wiles said. "John is a good football player, and it gives us a plan if somebody gets hurt. He's going to play tackle but if Jason or Nekos gets hurt, it allows us to be more interchangeable."
Graves is showing that he is a team player. He enjoys playing both positions, and for him it's just another chance to improve.
"Anything for the team," Graves said. "I was excited - if it was to help the team, then I was all for it."
"He's doing really well," Taylor said. "I thought that it would be a slow transition, but he's done a lot of good things. He's quick off the edge and a good pass rusher. He knows all the assignments since he's been here a while. I think it's a good fit for him."
The learning curve moving to end from tackle may seem like a major change, but Wiles is quick to disagree.
"(The transition is) not very hard," Wiles said. "John runs really well for a tackle but adequate for an end."
All of the players are helping each other get better.
"I'm still learning," Graves said. "I have great people around me like Jason Worilds and Nekos Brown to help me out. They have helped me with my technique and given me tips on rushing the passer, so it's been real good."
"When I moved to tackle from end, he (Graves) was really helpful," Taylor said. "He was telling me it's the small things that really matter."
Graves' workout routines haven't changed since getting more reps at end. Dr. Mike Gentry, Tech's assistant athletic director for athletic performance, keeps things consistent for every player.
The only change, Graves noted, was the increase in intensity.
Wiles is working with both Graves and Taylor to improve their footwork for the upcoming season. Down in the trenches, it's important to not get your feet displaced and lose power.
"It's more working on what I already know and perfecting that," Taylor said.
Taylor, at 6-foot, 262 pounds, is anything but a prototypical tackle with that frame. It's been something he's dealt with before, and he is one of the leaders in the weight room.
"I think I bring quickness and strength," Taylor said. "I'm not the biggest guy, but I compensate with my speed and strength."
Wiles is looking for Taylor to take that extra step and become a force in the middle of the line.
"The big thing for me with Demetrius going into spring was for him to be more of a playmaker for us," Wiles said. "He's athletic and a little undersized if you went off the measurables and the template of what's a tackle. He brings a lot of quickness and athleticism to the position, so I expect him to be more of a playmaker - not just holding up his gap, but actually making plays."
"Demetrius played a lot last year so he has a lot of it down," Graves said. "He continues to get better and his work ethic helps out a lot. He helps push other people."
How good can this defensive line be? That's the million-dollar question. Even Wiles isn't sure.
"It's hard to say," he said. "I think it depends on how we mix in and stay healthy. We have a great group of kids. I love coaching these kids; they're fun to coach. They want to please and all have great attitudes. We will continue to improve."