STARS OF 2008:

CB Victor "Macho" Harris -- Harris flirted with the idea of entering the NFL draft, but much to the happiness of Hokies coaches, he is returning for his senior season. He had five interceptions last season.

QB Tyrod Taylor -- Taylor shared the spot with Sean Glennon in 2007, but it was evident that he is the man of the future at the position if he matures and sheds the kind of mistakes that newcomers are prone to.

OG Sergio Render -- Render is an all-star candidate after starting the last two years.

DE Orion Martin -- Martin looks to continue the long line of standout defenders Tech has had at the position. He had 78 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, in 2007.

TOP NEWCOMERS

OT Blake DeChristopher -- DeChristopher had an outstanding fall with the scout team while sitting out his freshman year and could move into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman.

TB Darren Evans -- One of the stars of the 2007 class, Evans will have the opportunity for early playing time after sitting out last fall as a redshirt.

TB Ryan Williams -- A true freshman, Williams was a big catch among this year's signees and could push the veterans.

WR Kendrick Pressley -- Pressley could step in as one of the answers for Tech at a position of need.

ROSTER REPORT

--TB Branden Ore, a talented but apparently troubled running back, won't be around for his senior season. Coach Frank Beamer confirmed before spring practice began that Ore, who led the Hokies in rushing the last two years, had been dismissed and that he would have no more comment. Ore missed spring practice in 2006 while out of school but returned in the fall. Last year, he dropped out of summer workouts and reported to fall camp out of shape and started the year as the No. 3 runner. He won back the starting job, however, and ran for 992 yards. But he was late for a bowl practice and was forced to sit the first quarter of the Orange Bowl game. Ore had put his name in the NFL draft after the bowl game but then withdrew it before the deadline.

--TE Sam Wheeler (knee) will miss spring drills.

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