ACC Spring Football Wrap: Virginia Tech

The defending ACC champs complete the trio of Clemson's Coastal opponents replacing QBs...

Reviewing Key Spring Issues: 1) Staff shakeup – QB coach Mike O'Cain called plays for both sides of the ball in the Virginia Tech spring game, and had success with new QB Logan Thomas and a host of others in the 27-0 Maroon triumph over White. The Hokies held six different scrimmages (counting the spring game), but we'll see the impact come this fall of the shakeup.

2) Another new QB – The real question now is if 6'6 240 Logan Thomas can live up to the hype that he created this spring. The redshirt sophomore went 10/21 for 131 yards passing and 2 TDs, 2 interceptions in the final scrimmage - completed 55 percent of his passes over the spring for 743 yards, 6 TDs and 3 INTs. Thomas has even drawn comparisons to Cam Newton (he rushed for 37 yards on the game on 5 rushes.

3) Replacing the kickers – Sophomore Cody Journell won the placekicking job after a consistent spring with 3 field goals in one scrimmage and another in the spring game. At punter, the picture is pretty murky. Senior WR Danny Coale even tried out for the job late in spring and had an average of 44 yards per punt in the spring game (long of 53).

Spring MVP: WR Marcus Davis (RS Junior, 6-4 231, 24 career receptions for 364 yards)

Breakout Offensive Player: QB Logan Thomas (RS Sophomore, 6-6 245, 12/26 passing for 107 yards in career)

Breakout Defensive Player: DE J.R. Collins (RS Sophomore, 6-2 253, 25 tackles, 5 sacks in career)

Key Injuries: LB Bruce Taylor (shoulder, will be back for summer).

Spring Game Notes: 1) Logan Thomas leaves no doubts at QB - Thomas is your 2011 Virginia Tech QB, and his spring performance and freak size (6'6 245) will keep the Hokies well on the radar for another ACC Championship and top tier national ranking. He especially found a connection with WR Marcus Davis this spring for six catches for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns.

2) Defense impresses - Maroon pitched a shutout with only 83 total yards allowed and the White squad picked off two Thomas passes and allowed two TDs (2 FGs and a punt return made up the rest of the scoring). From all accounts, the Hokies seem to be on the right track after dropping to 52nd nationally in total defense from their usual spot around the top 10.

3) Top RB out for track - The running game wasn't there for the most part with Logan Thomas leading rushing for one squad and unknown James Hopper leading the RBs with 29 yards rushing. It was clear who the Hokies were missing - true sophomore sparkplug David Wilson. As a freshman, Wilson finished third in the ACC on all-purpose yards between being in a rotation of RBs and returning kicks.

Quotable: Beamer on transitions at QB and offensive coordinator: "No, it's pretty much the same thing. I think you've got a taller quarterback that is not quite as nifty as Tyrod (Taylor), but when he gets running he can run. So I think some of the things that he does best, that's what you emphasize in your offense. But basically from the standpoint of quarterback -- Mike is in those quarterback meetings and talking with him, I think you find out more what they like and so forth, and that's one part of it."