By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Having retained long time defensive coordinator Bud Foster, Fuentes main job will be rejuvenating the Hokie attack.

Justin Fuente has the unenviable task of following the legendary Frank Beamer, an institution in his own right. Having retained long time defensive coordinator Bud Foster, Fuentes main job will be rejuvenating the Hokie attack.

Offense — Its yet to be seen how long it will take for Fuentes new personnel to adjust to his up-tempo brand of offense, but there are some interesting pieces in place. Jerod Evans, the nations top ranked Juco dual-threat, has been tabbed as the starter behind center. Its safe to expect an adjustment period, but Evans is surrounded by weapons at all the skill positions. Freshman running back Travon McMillian rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first season, showing plenty of promise for the future. The receiving corps may only trail Clemson in the ACC, at least from a pure talent standpoint. Isaiah Ford is as underappreciated a receiver as anyone, Cam Phillips is a more-than-serviceable second option, and tight end Bucky Hodges is an effectively unguardable freak of nature. A veteran offensive line will provide Evans with reliable protection, led by guards Augie Conte and Wyatt Teller.

Defense — Virginia Techs 2015 defense was the worst Bud Foster coached unit in his twenty seasons as the defensive coordinator. History tells us that he will right the ship in 2016. Edge rusher Ken Ekanem leads a defensive line that possesses good depth, inside and out. Andrew Motuapuaka showed incredible pass rushing instincts in his first year as a starter, and will look to round out his game, going forward. Brandon Facyson is an upper echelon cover corner, and Chuck Clark has been a pillar of consistency at free safety, but outside of that, the secondary is largely unproven.

Special Teams — The end of the Beamer-ball era, doesnt mean Virginia Tech cant continue to have success in that facet of the game, and new coordinator James Shibest will hope build on that tradition, with a few of his own touches. Greg Stroman has some big-play ability on punt returns. Kicker Joey Slye made almost 77% of his field goal attempts as a sophomore, and is poised for another good year.

Schedule — Tennessee and Notre Dame in non-conference play is not a favorable slate, big picture. Although, in conference, Virginia Tech is the only team in the Coastal that wont play Clemson, Florida State, or Louisville in cross-divisional play.

Team MVP — Isaiah Ford, WR

Rising Star — Travon McMillian, RB

Newcomer to Watch — Jerod Evans, QB

Justin Fuentes new offense could sneak up on people, and, combined with a reenergized defense, Virginia Tech might be to the ACC Coastal what Florida was to the SEC East, last season. Given the conference slate, missing all the big dogs from the Atlantic, Virginia Tech has a distinct advantage as far as getting to the conference title.