Virginia Tech Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season

4. The Hokies secondary will be the best in the ACC

The Hokies ranked fourth in turnovers last season with 25. Their 16 interceptions ranked second behind the Clemson Tigers (20).

The move of Terrell Edmunds to the free safety in a plethora of ways. Edmunds had a breakout 2016 season at strong safety, but now as the anchor, he should be even better. He takes over for Chuck Clark who had 93 tackles at the position last season.

Having Edmunds roam the secondary at free safety opens the door for better pass coverage in this Hokies’ defense. It should be on full display in Week 1 against the pass-happy West Virginia Mountaineers.

Edmunds had four interceptions last season but expect more as a man in pass coverage. His tackles may go down but his interceptions should go up as should the rest of the secondary.

Brandon Facyson led the team last season with 11 pass breakups and Greg Stroman was right behind him with 10. A lot of those should convert into interceptions on a much-more experienced Bud Foster defense.

The Hokies had 59 pass breakups as a secondary in 2016, second in the ACC behind Clemson. Considering the Tigers have some key losses in their secondary, Virginia Tech could be in talks for best secondary in the conference before its all over.