Collegiate Times

Quarterback Race

Starting quarterback Sean Glennon will miss the first week of practice due to a cut on his throwing hand that needed stitches. Those three stitches have opened the door for backup Cory Holt and Ike Whitaker. Holt is a rising junior who will get the main time with the first team. Whitaker is looking to prove himself after missing the Chick-fil-A bowl while in alcoholism rehabilitation.

9/11

The two rising seniors of Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi make up the cornerstone of this year's squad. Both linebackers will step up as captains for the defense, which led the nation last season. Adibi finished second on the team in solo (29) and total (82) tackles. Hall, the 2006 Dudley Award winner led the Hokies in solo (61) and total (128) tackles, which earned him an All-ACC First Team selection.

Kicking Game

Both specialists, kicker Brandon Pace and punter Nic Schmitt, have graduated. That swings the door wide open for Jared Develli and Jud Dunlevy to battle for the kicker spot. Develli served as a kickoff specialist for the past three years and Dunlevy has never kicked in a game. Brent Bowden is the main guy to replace Schmitt, even though he's never punted against another team. Beamer is a special team's guy — he will have a major project this spring.

Offensive Line

Brandon Frye and Danny McGrath have left some major holes in an O-line that struggled at the end of last season. Rising senior Duane Brown may be the fastest left tackle in the ACC, but he is the only solid returning starter. Ryan Shuman will make a move to center and Nick Marshman will step up at left guard. A battle to watch is the right side, which will include converted tight end Ed Wang and major right tackle Aaron Brown.