by Brian Mohr
hokiehaven.com
04-05-2010
For the Hokies to return to the BCS and be in serious consideration for the National Championship in 2010, they are going to need to rely heavily on their rising senior class.
Ranking the importance of the current crop of 12 rising seniors is almost impossible, particularly against each other as how do you weigh a player like John Graves to Rashad Carmichael.
Certainly there is plenty of talent that will be utilized for Virginia Tech to have a successful year. Even still, with spring practice heating up, Hokiehaven.com has decided to take a look at the upcoming senior class and rank each of their impact on the 2010 season.
1. Tyrod Taylor, Quarterback
It's hard to argue any of the other seniors could have a bigger impact on the Hokies 2010 chances than Tyrod Taylor. Taylor's impact a year ago was felt after a clear confidence builder in the Nebraska win. He proved to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation after that game and it's presumed he'll take a step forward once again. If that occurs he could very well be a Heisman candidate. In addition, Taylor's health is of the utmost importance with the uncertainty at the backup position.
2. John Graves, Defensive tackle
Graves displayed the ability to dominate the line at times a year ago. Heading into his senior season, Graves will need to make an even bigger impact particularly since he'll be the only returning starter on the line. That is even extenuated further with the possibility of breaking in two new linebackers with Barquell Rivers recent injury. It's no secret Bud Foster's defense relies heavily on the play of the men upfront and Graves impact cannot be underestimated.
3. Rashad Carmichael, Cornerback
Carmichael stepped up for the Hokies in the long line of tradition as the next standout cornerback for Virginia Tech in 2009. Carmichael proved he could handle the pressure of the position and along with what is potentially the next starter in Jayron Hosley, could be one of the more fearsome duos in the conference. Their impact, particularly Carmichael's in minimizing the big play in the secondary is critical for the defense to step up once again in 2010.
4. Davon Morgan, Safety
Morgan's days sharing the safety position appear to be over as he is expected to jump into the starting role in 2010. If Morgan can stay healthy and be the impact player he's shown in the past, he could be a game changer and dramatically rise up the charts. There is little question Morgan will be an integral part of the Hokies' secondary success, it's just dependent on how much.
5. Beau Warren, Offensive center
Warren returns for his final season with the Hokies as the expected starting center. Consistency at the spot has been big for Virginia Tech and Warren has shown no signs of letting up. Despite battling injuries a year ago, Warren has displayed the ability to hold his own against some of the best competition. His health and experience are important to keep the Hokies line intact especially when they put in two new starters on the left side.
6. Steven Friday, Defensive end
Friday proved he could be an impact player in 2010 in spot duty. The pressure is even larger this spring as he comes in as a potential starter, the eldest end on the line. It's unclear which ends are going to step up, but if Friday is going to do it this is the time. It's taken years to get to where he is with his size and speed combination. Either way, he'll see the field it's just how much and how big of an impact it will be.
7. Chris Hazley, Kicker
Hazley looks to be the next in line as a senior kicker to take the starting job. While not on scholarship at this time, Hazley will get the first chance to earn the starting job. The Pennsylvania product impressed in fall practice showing a strong and accurate leg including making two field goals from over 40-yards. Frank Beamer has had a knack for finding star kickers who step up for one year. Depending on how this goes, Hazley's importance to the Hokies could be even more pronounced especially if Virginia Tech gets in some tight games. However, he's in a battle right now with the likes of Cody Journell and Justin Myer, both of whom have strong legs, but Hazley seems to be more accurate at this point in time and that's key with Beamer.
8. Andre Smith, Tight end
Smith is expected to be the starting tight end in 2010. While the position has seen a bit of a drop-off in recent years, especially as it pertains to being an extra blocker. Smith has shown the ability to be an impact in the passing game in small doses. His importance in blocking is undeniable as Greg Boone proved to be a critical piece for Tyrod Taylor over the past two years, but how much he is in passing is still unclear.
9. Brian Saunders, Punter
Saunders isn't on scholarship at this time, but could be come fall. After backing up Brent Bowden, it is expected Saunders will take the top job in 2010. While he doesn't appear to have quite the directional kicking ability of Bowden, if he can be consistent and confident his impact will be of the utmost importance, particularly on the defense, which is breaking in potentially as many as six new starters.
10. Kenny Younger, Fullback
While not on scholarship, Younger could very well be a starter come fall to take the starting fullback spot vacated by Kenny Jefferson. Younger made a modest impact in goal line situations a year ago in spot duty. His impact will still be relatively limited due to the use of the fullback in Tech's system. That's likely impacted even more by the return of Darren Evans to the lineup where two back formations will likely see Evans and Ryan Williams.
11. Prince Parker, Tight end
Parker has already made the move to tight end, which has an opening and an opportunity for him to get on the field especially when the Hokies utilize multiple tight ends. However, that could drop off this year with the inexperience behind Smith. There's no question he has the size and athleticism to play the position. However, probably the biggest chance for him to see the field significantly is as a blocking tight end.
12. Zach Luckett, Whip linebacker
Putting Luckett last on this list isn't to diminish his ability in the least as he is coming off a major knee injury to both his ACL and MCL, an injury that won't see him likely making an sort of impact until at least fall practice. Word is he's moving well, but it's a long way to go. Luckett seemed to be on his way to competing for the whip position this spring, but the injury sidetracked that plan. If he can make it on the field and even be the special teams player he was in 2009, Luckett's importance will certainly rise.