What do you Expect out of Logan Thomas?

For the first time, in what seems like forever, the Hokies are going to enter the football season uncertain of what to expect from their quarterback. Historically, the Hokies have had a difficult time transitioning between quarterbacks. In 2002 Grant Noel tweaked the ACL in his left knee that he tore in spring ball to give way to starter Bryan Randall. A "convenient" season ending injury. In '05 Marcus Vick drew unfair comparisons and expectations cast by the shadow of his older brother Michael and his career was nothing short of a spectacular disaster.

Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor's careers got off to slow starts in '06 and '07 respectively before sharing playing time in 2008. That was like one of those awkward episodes of elimiDATE where both of the guys in the hot tub compliment each other while taking turns making out with the broad. It worked out in the end for them, and her.

QBs are much shinier when still in their original packaging.

Over the last two seasons Tyrod Taylor made us all forget just how expensive experience underneath center is. Will Logan Thomas make us remember?

Forgetting the Michael Vick experience, past events would answer yes. But we wouldn't be exclusive, look at how Texas and Florida struggled to replace their veteran quarterbacks. However, the circumstances at Tech benefit Logan and all give him the best opportunity to succeed in year one.

The 2011 schedule is more than manageable. The big-time season opener that Tech is notorious for losing is inconspicuously absent, the Coastal division is weak, and the two best defenses in the ACC may reside in Tallahassee and Blacksburg, the former is not an immediate concern. There's an abundance of offensive talent surrounding Thomas too. Tech's four leading receivers from '10 Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale, Dyrell Roberts and Marcus Davis all return to catch balls. The fifth, David Wilson, will be the primary focus of any defensive gameplan. Four-fifths of the starting offensive line return to protect LT, and hopefully this will be the year everything clicks upfront, but I'm not holding my breath. Unlike Noel/Randall and Glennon/Taylor, Thomas won't be a part of a controversy. Ju-Ju Clayton, who Thomas beat out for the backup job last season doesn't realistically seem to factor into the race and neither do youngsters Mark Leal and Ricardo Young. Sure it can be argued that not having someone nipping at, and pushing Thomas is a negative, but taking the maximum number of first team reps in practice and him not having to look over his shoulder are positives.

Ultimately, Thomas' first season as starter won't be judged on numbers. Tech quarterbacks, whether they are freshmen or seniors, don't throw for 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. Thomas will be successful if he can manage games, mitigate mistakes, get the ball to his playmakers, or become a difference maker himself if need be. Do I think that can happen? Yes. Is it likely? If what I saw last spring and summer at practice is any indicator, then yes. So what do you think and expect from LT?