“When we are really good on defense, we are able to substitute our D-linemen. You know, we play a lot of the same people with our perimeter kids and I’d like to rotate some of our guys if we need to,” Foster said. “Overall on our defense, the biggest question mark is our depth because it is all inexperienced.”
Rounding out the Hokies defense is the linebacking corps, which lost Grimm, who is perhaps one of the best defensive players that has ever suited up for Tech.
Slotted to take his place is redshirt sophomore Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, who spent all of last season in Grimm’s shadow awaiting his opportunity.
“Ending last season, I knew I was going to be the next person in line to take his spot, so coming into spring ball, I was really focused,” Gouveia-Winslow said. “I’m just trying to do my job on the defensive side. If I just do my job and try not to make too many big plays, then our defense will be fine.”
Opposite of Winslow will be Lyndell Gibson, who started the last five games of 2009 and was named the defensive player who had an exceptional spring.
The center of the Hokies defense will be Bruce Taylor at mike linebacker. Barquell Rivers was initially at the top of the depth chart, but because of a torn quadriceps, Rivers will not be ready at the start of the season — thrusting Taylor into the starting role.
Rivers’ inability to recover quickly enough from the injury he sustained on March 3 is a setback, but Taylor has surprised his coaches this fall and has many thinking that Rivers’ absence won’t necessarily hinder the defense.
“[Rivers and Taylor] are both really good football players,” said Frank Beamer, head coach. “Bruce might be a little bit faster, might be a little bit niftier, but they are both what you are looking for at linebacker.”
At the end of the day, seven new starters for the Hokies defense means that its ability to produce is a mystery for everyone — including Foster.
The good news though, is that the rest of college football only has to wait a few more days to see what Bud Foster was able to do with a new group of players.
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