We’ve previewed quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers so far this
preseason. However, they’d never get very far without a good group of offensive
linemen in front of them. This offensive line, though it has some youth,
inspires more confidence than any Tech offensive line in recent memory.

Why is it easy to feel better about this offensive line? It’s simple. Michael
Via tore his ACL in the spring, and has been out all summer (he’ll return soon).
Nick Becton has turf toe and will probably miss two weeks. Despite those losses,
the Hokies have the luxury of putting Andrew Lanier at left tackle, a player
with solid experience who played well in a reserve role last season. Curt
Newsome doesn’t have to move Nick Marshman to tackle and start Richard Graham at
guard this year, as he did in 2007 when Ed Wang got hurt in the preseason. He
actually has options.

The first thing you might notice when looking at an offensive line depth chart is that the Hokies have just one senior. The
only player who won’t be returning next season is Beau Warren, so the 2011
offensive line is going to be really good on paper, and probably on the field as
well.

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