Spring Football 2005 Preview: The Defense

While the offense definitely had its moments last
year, especially late in the season, the lynchpin of VT’s return to the BCS
was its defense. Gone were the days of laughing quarterbacks, replaced by skill
position players with their heads on a swivel. Paced by an experienced
secondary, and an aggressive, fast front seven, VT had arguably the best defense
in the ACC in 2004.

The Hokies lose some key performers off last year’s
squad, particularly in the secondary. I fully expect for Bud Foster, Whammy Ward
and Jim Cavanaugh to be moving players around trying to come up with the best
possible combination. Nothing will be settled in the secondary until the
incoming freshman report in the fall, so there are legitimate concerns there.

The good news is that the front seven is very,
very good, and they should be able to generate a pass rush without having to
blitz much. The primary goal up front is developing depth for the fall.

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