As spring practice begins, there is reason for optimism. There is also cause
for concern. The Hokies have plenty of star power that will make people excited
about the season. However, there are also a lot of gaps that are being
conveniently forgotten by those who are ranking Tech in their preseason top 10.

Virginia Tech has been viewed as a serious national title contender in 1999,
2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. In most of those years, the Hokies returned a stout
defense (or in the case of 2003, what was expected to be a stout defense), an
experienced quarterback and playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Tech
was ranked in the preseason top 10 in four of those five years, and will likely
be top 10 when the polls are released this August.

It’s easy to get excited about the thought of a high ranking to start the
season. However, when you look at who the Hokies are playing first, and you
compare the returning rosters for each team, it’s easy to get worried.

That’s okay, though. No team is without weaknesses at this point, and
obviously the talent is there for the Hokies to accomplish their goal of winning
the ACC in 2010. They’ll have to have some young talent step up and fill out the
depth chart on defense, and the process must begin this spring.

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