Amid Defensive Inexperience and Quarterback Instability, Skill Players Must Raise Level of Play

Justin Fuente faces a myriad of challenges in his third season as Virginia Tech head coach. The Hokies will be one of the youngest teams in the ACC, especially at critical defensive positions. After signing several strong recruiting classes, Fuente is now in a position where "his guys" have to be productive on the field. Improvement on the offensive side of the football is paramount to ensuring the Hokies do not take a step backwards this season.

Much of that discussion will be focused on the quarterbacks, and rightfully so. After an 'eventful' offseason, will Josh Jackson be a more decisive and accurate passer? Can Ryan Willis, who looked like a much more dynamic passer in the spring game, challenge Jackson? Will Hendon Hooker take the leap forward I, and many others, expected after his 2017 spring game performance? How will fall camp repetitions be allocated to talented freshmen Quincy Patterson and DeJuan Ellis?