This spring will be very important for Bud Foster and his inside linebackers,
as well as Jim Cavanaugh and the whip linebackers. There is talent at each
position, but depth is a problem on the inside, while experience is the question
mark on the outside. But if this unit can stay healthy, they can be a major
strength for the Virginia Tech defense in 2006.

Tech lost James Anderson at whip, as well as reserve backer Blake Warren, but
the rest of the unit remains intact. Here is a look at TSL’s projected spring
depth chart for the linebackers.

Linebacker Depth Chart
Mike	Backer	Whip
Vince Hall (r-Jr.)	Xavier Adibi (r-Jr.)	Corey Gordon (r-Jr.)
Brett Warren (Jr.)	Purnell Sturdivant (r-So.)	Brenden Hill (r-Sr.)
Demetrius Taylor (r-Fr.)
Andrew Bowman (r-So.)

At linebacker, the Hokies have several goals during spring practice. Number one,
they must find a starting whip linebacker. Developing a backup at this position
would be nice as well, but if they struggle to find a starter, they will have
depth issues as well. Bud Foster must also decide who will back up Vince Hall at
mike. Brett Warren is the experienced favorite, but Demetrius Taylor has a lot
of potential and could be a future star. Purnell Sturdivant needs to develop
into a solid backup at the backer position during the spring as well.

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