That makes two Free Safeties that have been put out of action for the season. Lots of folks would argue that Terrell wasn’t really a Free Safety, he’s not fast enough to keep the speed receivers from getting behind him. That became evident in the Georgia Tech game. Edmunds is a better and more natural Rover/Strong Safety though he’d be a good Nickel Back in a pinch.

The Edmunds family are the absolute best, and we wish Terrell a speedy and complete recovery so that he’s healthy and ready to tear it up with Tremaine, next season.

Now that we’ve had a couple of days to digest this ugly loss, here are five takeaways from Virginia Tech’s loss at Georgia Tech.

Jackson regressing

Freshman quarterback Josh Jackson has started slowly in most of Tech’s games this season. Saturday was no different. It doesn’t help Jackson that most of his receiving options are also young players, too. On Saturday, Jackson didn’t get a lot of help from his receivers, including Cam Phillips.

However, Jackson has struggled at times recently. Whether it’s accuracy or not trusting his protection, Jackson’s play has gotten worse. In his press conference after the game, head coach Justin Fuente hinted at Jackson’s shortcomings without saying as much. Fuente knows what Jackson is. And he’s solid. But what’s his ceiling? Moving forward, Jackson will have his hands full holding off both Herndon Hooker and Quincy Patterson.

Let’s not write Jackson off yet, but recent offensive shortcomings have certainly created cause for concern.

About the offense

The offensive struggles are certainly not all Jackson’s fault. Not even close. This team, outside of Wyatt Teller, struggles to hold their blocks. With left tackle Yosuah Nijman out, their shortcomings are even more glaring. The Hokies can’t consistently run the football which makes Jackson’s job even harder.

As far as the running backs go, there’s no consistency. Travon McMillian is up and down. Why not give more opportunities to Jalen Holston? He carried the ball 10 times on Saturday. Give him a game full of action. It’s time to see which players are ready for larger roles next season. Holston looks like the most complete back on the roster.

As a whole, Tech’s offense finished the game with just 258 total yards. Keep in mind, Georgia Tech’s defense won’t remind anyone of Clemson or Miami’s units. Still, the Hokies could get nothing going.

A lack of playmakers on offense is a major problem. Fuente knows the limitations of this group and on Saturday tried to coach around them and be even more aggressive.

Phillips invisible

After a red-hot start to the season, Phillips has hit a funk. Sure, he’s battled an injury and is always the focus of opposing defenses. Still, the Hokies need more from Phillips. He had just two catches for eight yards and had a critical—and ugly—drop.

If the Hokies are going to win their final games and extend their winning streak over Virginia, the offense must go through Phillips and he must produce, too.

Stop with the Fuente needs to go talk

Sadly, if you hopped on social media Saturday or visited any Tech message boards, you’d see numerous “fans” calling for Fuente’s head. How ludicrous is that? The second-year coach now has a record of 17-7, with two straight losses. Fans are mad about play-calling, and I get that.

But, as mentioned earlier, Fuente realizes what he has on offense. And he knows what this group is capable of, or more importantly, what they aren’t capable of.

Fans want the backup quarterback. Fans always think the backup quarterback is better. If AJ Bush played and made mistakes, fans would be begging for Jackson. And vice versa. That happens to any fanbase.

And Fuente took a lot of uncharacteristic chances on Saturday. Why not? If they work, Tech wins, if not, the Hokies aren’t winning the ACC anyway. So why not be aggressive and go for it all?

Some Virginia Tech fans have delusions that this program is Alabama. It’s not. Do you realize how many programs would love to have Fuente? So, can we officially stop spouting this nonsense?

Defense beaten for big plays

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets finished the game with 401 total yards. However, the Jackets had three plays that totaled 209 yards, two of which were scores, while the other set up a score. Outside of three plays, the Hokies gave up just 192 total yards. GT had 65 total offensive plays, 62 of those plays went for just 192 yards, while three went for 209 yards. Again, let that sink in. It wasn’t a horrible defensive performance, but it’s the same things that continue to beat this team. The Hokies struggle to stop the big plays.

Georgia Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall completed just two of eight passes for 140 yards. Both of his completions went for touchdowns. How does that happen?

Outside of one 69-yard run, VT’s defense held Georgia Tech’s running game to less than four yards per attempt. If you told me that before the game I would’ve said the Hokies win this one going away. However, it all goes back to the big plays.

As good as this defense is, a big play is seemingly always around the corner.

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Coach Fuente, who is sporting a clean shaven look, talked about the importance of preparedness and what it’s like to face West Virginia. On the Gobbler Country facebook page, there has been much discussion surrounding the problematic parking at FedEx Field. if you are planning to go to the game, please head over to our FB page and share recommended strategies for parking, and more importantly tailgating. We hope to see a ton of maroon and in Maryland, and can’t wait to see you there.

That might remain one of the biggest hits that Bud Foster’s reputation takes over his impressive career. He just didn’t seem to recruit or field defensive line personnel that were “large enough”. That sort of goes for Linebackers, too, but we aren’t talking mid-fielders, we are talking about who is playing in the trenches. The last two seasons things look like their might be some changes in the offing.

The Hokies return five players with game experience. There are no Seniors of any type (redshirt or true). No player has more than 2 seasons of experience. Vinny Mihota and Ricky Walker are natural starters at Defensive End and Defensive Tackle. The presumed other two starting positions will be some combination of Travon Hill, Tim Settle, and Houshun Gaines. There are a more than a few redshirts that are going to be vying for the #2 cells on the depth chart. Five experienced starters, with only a couple being every down players, means that the new linemen are going to have to step up, and do it convincingly.

Vinnie Mihota hurries up the ECU QB John Schneider - SB Nation

First, let’s look at the presumed starters. Vinny Mihota proved himself over the last two seasons. The true Junior started and played thirteen of last season’s 14 games, and if he hadn’t finally been benched for the Belk Bowl, he’d have started the 14^th. The benching wasn’t something nefarious. Vinny played a heck of a season, and few folks really noticed, but he was doing it on one wing. At some point in 2016 Mihota dislocated his shoulder. Some folks would let that slow them down, but the coaching staff nearly had to drag him off the field. Mihota racked up 43 total tackles last season (20/23) he also managed to break up three pass attempts and chipped in for a solid Beamer Ball kick block. He had surgery on both shoulders in the offseason. Something tells me that if Mihota his healthy, he’s going to have a career season in 2017.

Ricky Walker getting rush pressure deep in ECU’s territory John Schneider - SB Nation

Ricky Walker started 4 games last season, and played in all 14. He had 28 tackles and four total pass breakups to his credit. Walker played well, especially doing the primary job of Bud Foster’s defensive line scheme, which is stuffing up and controlling the line of scrimmage. Ricky also had a few Special Teams moments to remember grabbing two return opportunities for a respectable 19 yards.

Tim Settle in his Beamer Ball Guise John Schneider - SB Nation

We are likely to see far more of Tim Settle this season. Settle has had some issues with keeping his weight in check, but last season seemed to get the hang of the conditioning regimen. He shined on Special Teams often looking like he was bucking for the title of world’s largest Gunner. (He even grabbed the distinction of the largest man with the number 25 on a football field. He also lit up the world with a contribution to Beamer Ball with a blocked kick, and 15 yards of kick returns. Settle is still getting used to the Nose Tackle position in the defense. He was constantly disruptive, and even earned some honors with an honorable mention for Freshman All-American. That’s pretty special for a first season on the field. We expect to see much more of Tim Settle this season. He’s even sporting the number 4, instead of the old 97. No matter whether it’s 4, 97, or the special 25, Tim Settle will be a presence in the middle of the Hokie Defensive line and probably Special Teams for quite a while.

Trevon Hill looks like he’s about to make a move playing opposite Vinny Mihota at the other DE position. Hill played in all 14 games last season, and netted 37 total tackles. Six of them were tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Hill is quick, strong, and gained confidence and playing time as the season progressed earning a start for the Belk Bowl with four tackles to go with it. Trevon Hill is going to be a critical player this season. His experience and growth is right on pace with Tim Settle’s. That bodes well for the starting front four.

Fighting in the Trenches John Schneider - SB Nation

Of the Redshirt Sophomores, Darius Fullwood and Xavier Burke got some game time last season, but it’s going to be up to them to get the effort up to see some action on the field this season. The starting five are going to need some help and an occasional breather. The backups are going to get playing time in 2017. Houshun Gaines played in 12 games last season. He has the size and the talent to vie for serious field time. He will need to step up in 2017.

Let’s not forget some of the Freshmen. Although most true freshman linemen get a 1^st year redshirt, look for J’Bril Glaze, Zion Debose, and Robert Porcher IV, to possibly escape the early lineman crimson shirt to earn spots on the depth chart. Glaze is looking large and inside at 6’7” and 270. He’s listed as “DL” which means he could go just about anywhere Foster and Wiles feels like he’ll make the best contribution, but a Defensive Tackle as tall as Bucky, and bigger than – well, anyone on the defensive line in years, might just make a small impact.

What is nice about the Tech line is that unlike prior seasons, the Defensive line is pushing up in size but keeping its speed and strength. As for the remainder of the defensive line, the redshirt freshmen and new true freshman will have some challenges to meet. They have joined the #LPD, and Coach Foster has acquainted each of them with just what that means.

The defensive line was critical in every game last season. When it played at the top of its potential, the Hokie Defense was downright scary. This season it’s set to dominate the line of scrimmage, again.

Next up and certainly not last in our hearts, Special Teams... Pride and Joy... The source of all things Beamer Ball!

More pressure. Pinned Deep and no where to go. John Schneider - SB Nation

Four Star linebacker Nathan Proctor committed to the Hokies at the Under Armour All-American game today. Let’s take a look at his highlights.

At the Under Armour All-American Game today, the Hokies picked up a much needed commitment from a highly sought-after prospect. Indian Head (MD) linebacker/defensive end Nathan Proctor picked the Hokies from a host of other offers, including Pitt, Penn State, Ole Miss, Cal, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, UNC, ND, and others. Proctor is rated at four stars across the board- ESPN, Scout, 247, and Rivals. Scout has him as the 161^st rated prospect overall and the 11^th best OLB on the board, ESPN has him as the 6^th rated outside linebacker and the 100^th best national prospect, 247 has him as the 148^th best prospect and the 9^th best OLB. Rivals still has him as a 4 star, but their review isn’t as glowing.

Let’s discuss his merits and deficiencies by going over film.

Nathan Proctor (Indian Head, MD. 6’-3”, 220lbs. Outside Linebacker/Defensive End)

Proctor, to me, is going to be an interesting case. I don’t think he’s got the edge-rush speed to be the defensive end that I hear that the coaching staff wants him to be. He tracks the ball well, and definitely can run down people. I mean, the reason he’s rated so highly is his size to speed ratio- he’s fast for a dude as large as he is- but because of the fact that he doesn’t play a ton of defensive end (that I can see, mostly due to the fact that all I’ve got are highlights, not true tape), I’m doing guesswork here. He’s got the right frame for a Foster/Wiles end- he’s longer and narrower- but I’d honestly rather him be a standup outside linebacker in the Tremaine Edmunds mode. Now, unfortunately, that’d mean he wouldn’t see the field for a while- Tremaine still needs more work, and is only a sophomore. He’d definitely be the starter for at least another year (if he breaks out even more his junior year, we could lose him to the draft, but he’s still kind of narrow for the pros). Granted, it would give us a chance to redshirt Proctor and then move him up. But right now I suppose the need is at defensive end, where Mihota and Hill will be out for the spring practices and the main competitors to Houshon Gaines will be Jimmie Taylor (a redshirt freshman next year), and Seth Dooley (a redshirt senior if he comes back). Considering what Tech expects to land in the rest of the class, they’ll be sticking Proctor down with a hand in the dirt. We’ll see what comes of it, but regardless, it’s good to get a very talented recruit onboard, and hopefully it portends more good things to come.

Welcome Nathan, and go Hokies!

Virginia Tech’s top target, safety Devon Hunter, originally planned to announce his college intentions on Christmas Eve, but now has moved that announcement into the new year.

Devon Hunter, Virginia Tech’s top remaining target for the class of 2017, announced on Tuesday he was pushing his decision back into January. Originally, Hunter had planned on announcing his college intentions on Christmas Eve.

The 4-star safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, is a must-get for the Hokies in this recruiting cycle.

A talented two-way player in high school, Hunter will likely play defensive back at the next level. He has long been considered a Virginia Tech lean, but some of the nation’s top programs continue to push Hunter, including Alabama, Auburn and Florida. Florida, of course, has former VT defensive backs coach Torrian Gray in pursuit of Hunter.

The announcement likely has Virginia Tech fans in a state of panic. The recruiting misses of Josh Sweat, Derrick Nnadi and Da’Shawn Hand, just to name a few, in recent years have led Hokie faithful to expect the worst.

However, there are many reasons to be optimistic in the case of Hunter. All along, sources close to Hunter—and Hunter himself—have maintained the Hokies are the team to beat. Sure, that can change in an instant, but with the Hokies recent string of momentum it is OK for to feel good about Hunter. And, remember before the season began when the Hokies chose Hunter to unveil the special uniforms for the “Battle at Bristol?” That stuff means a lot to recruits.

So, Hokie fans, relax.

A Coastal Division crown led to 13 different Hokies earning All-ACC honors on Monday.

The ACC announced its all-conference teams on Monday as voted on by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA). Clemson, the Atlantic Division champions leads the honored with 15 selections.

Virginia Tech, the Coastal Division champion and Clemson’s opponent this weekend, had nine players honored.

Surprisingly, record-setting receiver Isaiah Ford was not the Hokie named to the first team. That honor belongs to senior defensive tackle Woody Baron. Baron started all 12 games, compiling 50 total tackles, 17 ¹⁄₂ tackles for loss, 4 ¹⁄₂ sacks and a fumble recovery. Baron was a force all season with Nigel Williams a lot of time due to injury.

Ford, meanwhile, did make the All-ACC second team. Virginia Tech’s all-time leading receiver caught 69 passes for 949 yards and seven scores in 2016. UNC’s Ryan Switzer was chosen ahead of Ford. Switzer, of course, caught all of two balls for two yards against the Hokies back in October.

Sophomore linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was Tech’s only other second-team selection. The 6’5”, 236-pound ‘backer had a tremendous season in first full year as a starter. He was second on the team in tackles, first in solo tackles, tied for second in sacks and second in tackles for loss.

Bucky Hodges, Jonathan McLaughlin, Augie Conte, Andrew Motuapuaka, Greg Stroman and Joey Slye were all third-team selections. Conte being ahead of Wyatt Teller is surprising. Teller had an issue with penalties, but he was far and away the Hokies’ most dominant lineman. Conte, along with center Eric Gallo, each had their share of struggles.

Teller, Chuck Clark, Ken Ekanem and Terrell Edmunds were all named honorable mention. Ekanem should’ve at least made the All-ACC second team. While his sack total wasn’t as impressive as some, there were games where he lived in the opposition’s backfield.

Perhaps the biggest omission is quarterback Jerod Evans. The JUCO transfer had a terrific debut for the Hokies. Evans completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,039 yards, 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Evans also rushed for 713 yards and eight additional scores.

Sure, the quarterback position is deep and Evans didn’t deserve to be placed ahead of Lamar Jackson or Deshaun Watson. But he should’ve at least been selected to the third team over Mitch Tribusky.

No surprises here, but expect more than one QB to see action.

FULL RELEASE

History meets high fashion via @usnikefootball

VIDEO & MOREhttps://t.co/84ts13D2Q7 pic.twitter.com/wa0E7fNeG5

— VT Football (@VT_Football) August 20, 2016

Hokie Stone. The black and cadet gray of 1891. A tradition like no other!! #BattleAtBristol #ThisIsHome pic.twitter.com/ECpJeid8Hg

— HokiesFB (@HokiesFB) August 20, 2016

The color combinations look great and what better time to show them off than in one of the biggest sporting events of all time. We typically see the orange and maroon with Virginia Tech gear, but this uniform shows off some of the old school, original colors from the university.

In 1891, the original school colors were black and cadet gray, but that was changed because some people felt that it was too similar to a prison uniform. The colors we have all grown to know and love, "Chicago Maroon" and "Burnt Orange", were adopted in 1896. This new uniform is a great way for the past to meet the present as we transition into a new era of Hokie Football.

Many people, including Coach Fuente himself, will tell you that the stars given by recruiting services don't matter and I respect their opinions. Both Virginia Tech under Frank Beamer as well as Coach Fuente have historically been able to succeed with lower ranked players and find diamonds in the rough. However, the top teams in the country typically have the highest ranked players. And remember, the goal should be for Virginia Tech to reach that success level. Alabama is ranked #1 for 2016 recruits and is entering the 2016 season atop the preseason polls. According to 247Sports, Virginia Tech had the 38th best 2016 recruiting class which doesn't deviate much from their preseason rankings (Phil Steele has the Hokies at #39 in his "Power Poll Top 128").

Other than wide receiver Tahj Capehart, the Hokies do not have another 4 star recruit (hopefully 4 star DE Tyjuan Garbutt decides to recommit). Their best chance to obtain another top recruit is within their own state. Virginia Tech is the best program in the state of Virginia and there is no reason they shouldn't be able to compete for the best talent in the state, especially in the talent rich Virginia Beach area.

That rich Virginia Beach area talent is home to Safety Devon Hunter, the best player in the state, according to 247Sports (Rivals.com has future Florida State running back, Khalan Laborn slightly ahead of him). Devon Hunter has incredible length at 6'1 and demonstrated the type of playmaking abiliity to make him a great fit in Bud Foster's Lunch Pail Defense. He had a total of 5 touchdowns last season and has breakaway skill in the open field after creating turnovers.

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Watching highlights of Devon Hunter elicits memories of former Hokie Antone Exum of the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Justin Fuente could really use an upgrade in personnel from the defense to adapt to the eventual uptempo style of play that Virginia Tech implement. Devon Hunter's length, athleticism, and ability to create plays off turnovers make him a perfect fit for the style of play the Hokies will adopt. Along with fellow #Statement17 DB Devante Smith, Virginia Tech will have an outstanding pipeline of talent to add to what has historically been their best position group here at DBU. With fellow Virginia Beach native Coach Zohn Burden allegedly doing the recruiting, the Hokies have a great chance to add Virginia's best talent, Devon Hunter, and put the statement in #Statement17.

Former Virginia Tech head football coach, Bill Dooley, has passed away.

DeJuan Ellis becomes the second member of the 2018 recruiting class.

The Virginia Tech Hokie defensive backfield is good at the top, but thin. Looking at the #DBU personnel and wondering if the tissue paper will hold.

Receiver looks to build on record breaking 2015

The preseason All-A.C.C. team has been released, and Isaiah Ford was named to the prestigious team.  Ford joins fellow juniors Artavis Scott (Clemson), and Travis Rudolph (F.S.U.) on the WR corps.  Ford had a monster 2015, becoming the first 1,000 yard receiver in Virginia Tech history.

#Hokies JUST IN: Isaiah Ford named to All-ACC Preseason Football Team https://t.co/v7ztqSEDUS

— VTScoop247 (@VTScoop247) July 27, 2016

In 2015, Ford had a total of 75 catches for 1,164 yards. He found the endzone an incredible 11 times, including 3 in a single quarter!. Ford will likely be the target of the Hokies' opponents this season, so it will be interesting how Coach Fuente will adjust to get the ball in this playmaker's hands. While no official depth chart has been released, it is expected that Ford will be joined by Cam Phillips and Deon Newsome for the bulk of the snaps.  The receiving corps will be deeper this season, but look for Ford to have a monster 2016.