Defensive Line Note: Vinny Mihota to get Reps at DT

According to the latest interview with Bud Foster on Hokiesports.com, Vince Mihota will get reps inside to back up Luther Maddy as the No. 2, three-technique defensive tackle.

"We're also going to probably look at Vinny Mihota some inside," Foster said in the interview while discussing depth along the defensive line.

Foster's initial stream of consciousness suggested that this is a short term move, necessitated by "class conflicts" with guys who may miss some practice time (I am guessing that would be Wade Hansen). He also said it gives the Hokie defensive staff an opportunity to get Mihota more reps and time on the field for evaluation.

Interestingly though, Foster finished the thought with, "He's going to grow into that [defensive tackle] position when it's all said and done."

Given how highly recruited Mihota was, and how Foster's compared Mihota to John Engelberger, who was one of the top defensive ends to ever play at Virginia Tech, I think some will be surprised by the move inside. At the same time, Engelberger came to Tech as a 6-4, 215 pound walk-on defensive end, while Mihota is already 6-5, 250+ with a body that can grow comfortably to the 270-280 range without losing much in the way of speed.

For those of you keeping score at home, factoring in Foster making special mention of Corey Marshall, emphasis is my own, "It's nice to have Corey Marshall back. I'm hoping he'll be consistent in all aspects, and if he does he's got a chance to really be a dynamic player for us", the defensive line depth chart probably looks like this.