Virginia Tech Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

Nov 26, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies offensive lineman Augie Conte (72) and head coach Justin Fuente celebrate with the ACC Coastal Division Championship Trophy after beating the Virginia Cavaliers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Cam Phillips (5) makes a catch covered by Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Brooks Ellis (51) during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Hokies win the Belk Bowl 35-24 over the Razorbacks. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rebuilding the receiving corps

There are plenty of questions on the offensive side of the football as well. The offensive line must replace starters Augie Conte and Jonathan McLaughlin, and spring is always an important time to allow a reworked unit to gel up front. But, it’s the skill positions that pose the biggest issues.

At receiver, Virginia Tech must replace Isaiah Ford, who left early for the NFL Draft after he ranked fourth in the ACC with 78.1 receiving yards per game, and topped the 1,000-yard mark with seven touchdowns. Big, athletic and versatile receiver Bucky Hodges also left early, and will be missed in the passing game.

Cam Phillips nearly joined Ford in the 1,000-yard club after a strong finish to the 2016 season. Phillips returns after grabbing 76 passes for 983 yards and five TDs. He’ll be one of the top targets in the ACC in 2017, but the rest of the group lacks experience.

C.J. Carroll caught 18 passes for 258 yards, but didn’t score and is listed at just 5-foot-8. Phillip Patterson should see significant playing time as a redshirt freshman, and his 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame should help create matchup advantages Carroll can’t. Eric Kumah and Sam Denmark should be in the mix as well, and 6-foot-3 athlete Caleb Farley, a high school quarterback that has seen time with both the offense and defense so far this spring, is an intriguing name to watch.

A host of new recruits, including Nathan Proctor, Devon Hunter and Dylan Rivers, will be along in the fall and could contribute as true freshmen.

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