Virginia Tech: Defense to carry Vick-less Hokies

That's a likely scenario for Virginia Tech, which saw do-it-all quarterback Michael Vick forfeit his final two seasons of eligibility but returns 17 starters -- including nine defensively -- from an 11-win team that spanked Clemson 41-20 in the Gator Bowl.

Even though the Hokies have holes to fill at quarterback and on the offensive line, where every starter but center Steve DeMasi graduated, they possess the talent and the favorable schedule to contend for a national championship.

"In my mind, I know that we're going to be the best defense in the country this year -- hands down,'' said junior cornerback Ronyell Whitaker.

Hokies at a glance

SportsLine.com rank: 14

2000: 11-1 overall, 6-1 Big East (2nd)

Coach: Frank Beamer -- 99-61-2 in 14 years at Virginia Tech; 141-84-4 in 20 years as a head coach

Returning starters: 17; 6 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter

Players to watch:
TB Lee Suggs, 6-0, 204, Jr.
WR Andre Davis, 6-1, 194, Sr.
DT David Pugh, 6-3, 271, Sr.
DE Nathaniel Adibi, 6-3, 253, So.
ILB Ben Taylor, 6-2, 235, Sr.
CB Ronyell Whitaker, 5-9, 192, Jr.

Primary strengths: Depth and talent on defense. Veteran defensive coordinator Bud Foster doesn't have any concerns when he turns these guys loose and lets them get after the quarterback.

Potential problems: The Hokies don't need a quarterback to do all the things Michael Vick did, but can they find one that won't get them beat? And can an offensive line with four new starters give Suggs room to run?

Overview: If the answers to the two questions above are affirmative, don't be surprised if Tech smells the Roses in the national title game in January. If not, at least the Hokies will be the second-best team in the Big East.

The first shot at capturing Vick's slot goes to redshirt junior Grant Noel (6-1, 224), who has only 77 snaps of experience. Noel is 5 of 12 for 59 yards and describes himself as someone who "can move the chains,'' which isn't quite the same as Vick, whose athleticism could move defenders out of their shoes.

Noel's shaky spring left the door open for redshirt freshman Jason Davis or a pair of incoming freshmen, notably Bryan Randall.

"I think the good thing for us is we are going to have a good team around (the quarterback),'' Beamer said.

"Even though there are a lot of new names on the offensive line, I think it is going to be a good offensive line. We have good wide receivers and tight ends. And when you put Lee Suggs and Jarrett Ferguson in the same backfield, that's strong.''

Suggs rushed for 1,207 yards and an astounding 27 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. Capable of grinding out tough yardage between the tackles or going from 0-60 (yards) in about six seconds, Suggs was named co-Big East Offensive Player of the Year.

Ferguson, a senior, is the prototype fullback for offensive coordinator Rickey Bustle -- big enough to be a lead blocker, yet quick enough to do damage on traps or when Tech utilizes the fullback in its passing game. His numbers (40 carries, 210 yards, six TDs) should go up now that backup Cullen Hawkins has graduated.

Another star recruit to watch for: Kevin Jones of suburban Philadelphia. The 6-1, 205-pound Jones rushed for 5,878 yards in his prep career and was rated by many recruiting services as the top high school player in the nation.

The Hokies have proven talent at receiver. Two-year starter Andre Davis was slowed by ankle problems last year, but is one of college football's fastest players. Lanky Emmett Johnson led the team in catches with 34 for 574 yards and three touchdowns.

As for the defense, the Hokies did lead the Big East in rushing defense (99.3 yards per game) and were second in total defense (323.6) and sacks (28). Alas, they were also susceptible to good passing attacks and gave up an unusually high 22.6 points per game.

But the Hokies improved considerably down the stretch, finishing with lopsided wins against Central Florida, Virginia and Clemson as the defense forced nine turnovers and recorded 14 sacks.

All four starters are back on the line, led by All-Big East tackle David Pugh, a senior. Sophomore end Nathaniel Adibi has a world of potential.

The top two leading tacklers -- inside linebackers Ben Taylor (103) and Jake Houseright (75) -- sat out spring practice because of injuries. Taylor's ankle should be rehabbed in time for the season. The status for Houseright, who suffered a torn ACL in the Gator Bowl, isn't as clear.

The Hokies' secondary, which was just sixth in the Big East in passing yards allowed per game (224.4), should fare better. Three starters return and last year's rash of injuries, which claimed starting cornerback Larry Austin (knee), helped the team build depth. Whitaker (five interceptions) was a second team all-conference choice.

Special teams, long a Hokie strength, was up and down last year. Carter Warley was fine as the kicker (7 of 9 field goals, including the game-winner against Pittsburgh), but Robert Peaslee averaged only 35.3 yards per punt and could lose his job to redshirt freshman Vinnie Burns.

The Hokies, who led Division I-A in blocked kicks during the 1990s -- snuffed abother eight last season.

Tech's schedule looks to be conducive toward earning a BCS berth. The non-conference schedule, save for a Nov. 17 game at Virginia, is a breeze. In the Big East, the Hokies don't have to travel to Syracuse and they get Miami in Blacksburg on Dec. 1.

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