Virginia Tech expects to put a very good defense on the field this season.  However, with the number of major contributors who are missing spring practice for various reasons, Bud Foster’s unit is not complete this spring. 

Starting defensive ends Vinny Mihota (r-Jr.) and Trevon Hill (r-So.) are out while recovering from shoulder injuries.  Their top backup, Houshun Gaines (r-So.) will miss the spring as he attempts to get his grades in order.  Starting nickel Mook Reynolds (Jr.) is out, as is starting cornerback Greg Stroman (Sr.).  Linebacker depth is also thin with Sean Huelskamp (r-Sr.) and Rico Kearney (Fr.) on the shelf as well. 

A lot of good players remain, but depth is lacking.  There are even holes in the first unit,  thanks to the defensive end issues, and nobody really knows how Deon Newsome (r-Sr.) will perform at Whip. Foster and his assistants will earn their paychecks over the next several weeks.

In our spring defensive previews, we’ll start up front with the defensive line.

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