Virginia Tech Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

The Virginia Tech football program enters the 2017 season with some questions at quarterback but expectations are still high.

The Virginia Tech Hokies enter 2017 with the same question as 2016: who will be the starting quarterback? Jerod Evans, a junior college transfer, won the starting job last season.

Evans went on to pass for 3,552 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and rush for 846 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2016. He fared well under first-year head coach Justin Fuente on their way to a 10-4 record. Year two will tell the story of Fuente’s ability to duplicate offensive futility in 2017.

Another question mark is the starting right side of the offensive line. With right guard Augie Conte and right tackle Jonathan McLaughlin gone, those positions are still open roles until the coaching staff says otherwise. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing either as it shows the Hokies developing depth at the offensive line position.

Defensively, Virginia Tech returns seven starters on another solid-looking Bud Foster led unit. The Hokies moved one of the Edmunds’ brother in a bigger role on defense which should bode well for all parties.

The Virginia Tech Hokies did well in 2016, falling to Clemson, eventual National Champions, in the ACC Championship game by a touchdown. So there shouldn’t be much panic in Blacksburg. The defense has the experience to carry the Hokies to another ACC Championship game.