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An Early Look at Next Year's Starting Lineup
by Chris Coleman, TechSideline.com

It's never to early to start projecting next season's starting lineup, even if we've still got one game left in the 2007 football season. We know the Hokies are losing some talented seniors, and possibly a couple of juniors, but who will get a chance to make a name for themselves by moving into the starting lineup next year? Here are my very early projections for next season's starting lineup.

Quarterback - Seriously, who knows? The Hokies will have a talented, experienced r-senior in Sean Glennon, and a mega-talented true sophomore in Tyrod Taylor. I expect we'll see both. Spring practice will be very interesting.

Tailback - Branden Ore should be back for his senior season. It would be a major mistake for him to declare for the NFL Draft. If for some reason he isn't back next year, as many as four returnees could challenge for the job - Kenny Lewis, Jahre Cheeseman, Josh Oglesby and Darren Evans.

Fullback - The Tech coaching staff called Kenny Jefferson the best fullback they had ever seen on film when they recruited him out of high school. He'll get a chance to live up to that next season as he steps into the starting lineup.

Tight End - Assuming his knee is back up to strength, Sam Wheeler will be Tech's main man at tight end. Greg Boone will have plenty of starting experience as well. Tight end should be a strength for the Hokies next year.

Split End - Zach Luckett is one of Tech's top special teams players. He's done a great job at gunner this year on the punt team. Last year he had a big spring, and if he does that again this March and April, he'll likely lock up one of the starting wide receiver spots.

Flanker - Brandon Dillard is the other gunner on Tech's punt team, and like Luckett, he's done a great job this year. He and Luckett have more game experience than any other returning receivers, though most of that experience has come on special teams.

Left Tackle - Since he'll be Tech's most experienced offensive tackle next year, Ed Wang could potentially move to the left side to protect the blindside of Glennon and Taylor.

Left Guard - Nick Marshman turned into a very quality guard once Ed Wang came back from injury. He should pick up where he left off next year, his senior season, and here's to hoping he returns closer to 330 pounds than 360.

Center - Ryan Shuman has almost never been completely healthy, but nevertheless, he's playing pretty good football right now. He'll be a senior next year.

Right Guard - Sergio Render will be in his third year in the program next season. He should be coming into his own. Render, Shuman and Marshman could be the best interior line trio in the ACC next season.

Right Tackle - Blake DeChristopher nearly played as a true freshman this season. Right now, I don't see any other candidates to take over this position, unless Aaron Brown steps it up this spring.

Stud - Jason Worilds will step into the position vacated by Chris Ellis. Worilds is probably the best natural pass rusher on the team. He'll have big shoes to fill, but he's a talented player.

End - Orion Martin has had a very good junior season. He'll be a senior next year, and the most experienced member of Tech's defensive line.

DT - John Graves will be Tech's most experienced returning tackle. He's talented and capable, but how good will he be as a r-sophomore?

DT - Kwamaine Battle redshirted this year, but could have played had it not been for shoulder problems. He actually started at one of the defensive tackle spots in one of Tech's preseason scrimmages.

Mike - Even though the Hokies lose Vince Hall, this is not a position to worry about. Brett Warren started four games this year and did an excellent job.

Backer - It will be very tough to replace Xavier Adibi, especially in coverage. Purnell Sturdivant will most likely draw that assignment. As a r-senior, he should have a solid year, but it's next to impossible to replace a player like Adibi.

Free Safety - Davon Morgan was the only true freshman defensive player to see the field this year. He's a very talented player, and should step into the starting lineup next season.

Rover - Kam Chancellor has this position locked down. He could be the top strong safety in the ACC next year. He might be already.

Cornerbacks - This is the toughest projection. I'm going to assume Brandon Flowers goes to the NFL, and Macho Harris stays in school for his senior year. Harris is currently a field corner, but he can play boundary corner. If he stays at field corner next year, look for Stephan Virgil to start on the boundary. If the staff thinks Rashad Carmichael is a better option than Virgil, then Harris will move to boundary and Carmichael will start at field corner. Cris Hill is also a guy to watch at field corner.

Virginia Tech begins ACC basketball play this Sunday, when they travel to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest at 5:30. Here's a quick look at where the Hokies rank statistically in the ACC in various categories.