Despite Offseason Losses, Virginia Tech’s Offensive Line Forges Ahead

Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech
Lecitus Smith will help anchor Virginia Tech’s offensive line in 2021. (Jon Fleming)

Though Virginia Tech lost Christian Darrisaw to the NFL and Doug Nester and Bryan Hudson transferred, the pieces are still in place for the Hokies to put a competent offensive line on the field in 2021.  They may not be quite as deep as they were in 2020, but there are some versatile guys who can play multiple positions.

As of right now, I would probably trust seven – or possibly eight – of Tech’s offensive linemen in a game situation.  That’s not quite as many as last season, but 2020 was truly unique in the history of VT football in terms of offensive line depth.  There were times in the latter stages of the Frank Beamer era when I didn’t think Tech had five FBS level offensive linemen on the roster, much less seven guys who could play at a solid level.  This should still be a good group in 2021.

Let’s explore several topics today, including Tech’s seventh-year senior, artificial depth, and more.

Tyrell Smith, Virginia Tech
Tyrell Smith is excited about his opportunity in 2021. (Virginia Tech sports photography)

Tyrell Smith’s Opportunity

Tyrell Smith began the preseason atop the depth chart at right tackle.  I don’t know if he’ll end the preseason there, but I do know that he’s certainly earned the right to compete for the job.

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