ACC Football: Biggest offseason question for every team
By John Buhler
Virginia Tech Hokies: How will the passing game look for Virginia Tech?
Justin Fuente had massive shoes to fill when he took the Virginia Tech Hokies head coaching job after the legendary Frank Beamer retired from coaching. Fuente did great work in Memphis, but was he ready for the big time in the ACC at a great football power like Virginia Tech?
Well, in year one in Blacksburg, Fuente saw his Hokies go 10-4 (6-2) and play Clemson in the 2016 ACC Championship Game. He just came into the ACC and won a division that has outstanding head coaches in every institution. It looks like Virginia Tech is going to be just fine going forward with Fuente at the helm.
That being said, he does lose three key pieces to his Hokies offense to the 2017 NFL Draft: quarterback Jerod Evans, tight end Bucky Hodges and wide receiver Isaiah Ford. All three players will be day three selections, at worst, though Ford and Hodges could go as high as the third round in day two.
So how will Fuente go about replacing his offensive triumvirate in year two? Joshua Jackson will presumably replace Evans under center in Blacksburg. However, A.J. Bush, Ryan Willis, and Herndon Hooker will keep it interesting in the Hokies quarterback room.
Replacing the production of Ford at receiver and the mismatches Hodges would present at tight end prove to be more difficult. Look for wide receiver Cam Phillips to take charge in his senior season in Blacksburg.