Touted young players drive Virginia Tech

The 2005 season should have been a landmark year for Virginia Tech-the Hokies made their 13th-straight bowl appearance and won 11 games for only the third time in school history. Nevertheless, a disappointing defeat to Florida State in the ACC title game combined with quarterback Marcus Vick's dismissal from the program put a tremendous damper on an otherwise successful season. In 2006, the Hokies will try to build on that success, even though they begin the season with many unfamiliar faces. Only nine starters return from a team that finished 11-2 and defeated Louisville in the Gator Bowl. "We've got to develop," head coach Frank Beamer said. "We've got too much youth in some key positions, but yet, we've got some good players." Coming out of spring practice, the question of who would take over for Vick at quarterback was still unanswered. Beamer wasted no time, however, quickly naming sophomore Sean Glennon the starter at the start of preseason in August. Glennon redshirted a year ago, but served as Bryan Randall's backup in 2004. He appeared in four games that season while attempting only 11 passes. Despite his inexperience, Beamer said Glennon offers Virginia Tech the best opportunity to be consistent offensively. While he is more of a drop-back passer, Glennon's athleticism will certainly allow offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring to call his number in the running game. While the Hokies must replace virtually the entire offensive and defensive lines, the team returns key players with experience at both wide receiver and linebacker. The top five receivers from last season are all returning, including senior David Clowney, who led the team with 34 receptions for 619 yards. Juniors Josh Morgan and Eddie Royal, who combined for six touchdowns in 2005, are also part of the returning group. "We have a very talented group, and they all work hard," wide receiver coach Kevin Sherman said. "They've been in the big games, and they know what to expect so we have high expectations for them." Juniors Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall are both back at linebacker, and combine to form arguably the best duo in the ACC. With Aaron Rouse returning at rover, the back seven will be the strong point of the Hokie defense. Defense and special teams keep Virginia Tech in contention for the conference title-and often the national title-year after year. Beamerball has become a household name in the college football world, and the ACC has fully been introduced to the Hokie style of play after Virginia Tech's first two seasons in the conference. Beamer's philosophy is no secret: play hard-nosed defense, and keep the miscues to a minimum. This season, especially with an inexperienced quarterback, the Hokies can ill afford to make mistakes if they wish to return to the ACC title game. "We are going to have to take care of the football, and we have to score when we get an opportunity," Beamer said. "That's the kind of football team we are."