Virginia Tech Hokies

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2000 overall record: 11-1
Conference record: 6-1 (2nd)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Lee Suggs* (1,207 yds)
Passing: Michael Vick (1,234 yds)
Receiving: Emmett Johnson* (574 yds)
Tackles: Ben Taylor* (103)
Sacks: David Pugh* and Nathaniel Adibi* (5 each)
Interceptions: Willie Pile* (6)

What's new

	Noel: Aiming for an upset.

Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, there will be a new quarterback now that Michael Vick has taken his skills to the NFL. Grant Noel is the leading candidate to replace him and has a much different style. The days of highlight-reel runs from the QB position are probably gone -- at least for the moment.
Battling it out
Both guard and tackle spots were vacated by graduation, and there is still a lot of competition going into the fall at guard. Jake Grove and Jacob Gibson have the lead following spring drills, but Luke Owens and Anthony Nelson remain in the hunt.
Eye catcher: RB Keith Burnell
Burnell emerged from the depths of the depth chart to appear as the likely backup to Suggs this fall. He was chosen as the most improved offensive player of spring practice and was also the Offensive MVP of the spring game after rushing for 182 yards and two touchdowns.
Budding star: DE Jim Davis
Davis played in all 11 games as a true freshman last year and had 3.5 sacks (plus two more sacks on consecutive plays in the Gator Bowl). He was overshadowed by Adibi in his freshman class, but he should get even more playing time in 2001. Davis has the pass-rushing skills to follow in the great line of sack men at Tech.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.