Virginia Tech’s offensive line suffered a huge blow on Sunday when starting right tackle Ed Wang broke his left fibula. He also suffered ligament damage. Various reports have indicated that Wang will miss anywhere from 6-12 weeks of action.
Wang’s injury shakes up the offensive line quite a bit. R-sophomore Richard Graham has been starting at left guard since camp opened, but he is suffering from a hamstring injury, otherwise he could be the top choice to replace Wang. Instead, backup left guard Nick Marshman will move out to Wang’s tackle spot.
Moving into the starting left guard spot will be r-junior Matt Welsh, who has no significant game experience. Welsh has never lettered in his Tech career.
The moves of Welsh and Marshman are somewhat surprising, considering true freshman Khalil Latif and true freshman Blake DeChristopher were listed at #2 at left guard and right tackle, respectively. But the true freshmen were passed over in favor of the older Welsh and Marshman.
Elan Lewis Tears ACL
The Virginia Tech backfield also suffered a blow last week when r-sophomore tailback Elan Lewis tore his ACL. He will have surgery and miss the entire 2007 season.
A highly-touted 4-star recruit coming out of high school, Lewis has struggled with knee and weight problems since his arrival at Tech. It remains to be seen if he can overcome his latest setback.
Roland Minor Waiting on Grades
Virginia Tech r-senior cornerback Roland Minor is currently not practicing with the team. He is focusing on his academics, and his final summer school grades will determine his status with the team. Second Summer session exams begin on Thursday.
Minor was a starter on Tech’s 2005 defense but lost his job in 2006 to Macho Harris. He only participated in a few practices this past spring because of academics as well. If Minor makes the grades, he’ll give Virginia Tech a very experienced third cornerback this season.
Tech Sideline is Presented By: