I am begining to wonder if I am the only one who is not as concerned about the offensive going into this season. Yes, we lost a lot at WR but, Davis, Coles and Roberts are all experienced seniors and talented. Coale is one of my all time favorite Hokies and losing him really hurts, my 10 year old bascially lives in his # 19 Hokie jersey, but I really like what these 3 seniors bring to the table and feel like WR is going to be fine this year. The OL lost 4 seniors, but Becton is basically a returing starter and a senior. Wang was slated to play alot last season before the injury and looks solid. The right side of the line is more concerning but we have 2 former 4 star recruits who bring alot to the table plus we have Via off the bench. The OL should be fine, and not as much of a drop off as being made. We lost the reining offensive player of the year,I doubt we see the kind of plays that Wilson made last season for a long time. However, Holmes is going to be just fine and 1 or 2 of these freshmen are going to really surprised a lot of people, my $ is on Harris. TE is going to be more athletic. Last, I really feel like Thomas is really going to have a big year and make place a lot of pressure on defenses. I guess we find out come labor day.
Most people are concerned because our offensive line hasn't played together, and, most are first time starters. There's a lot more to offensive line than just being good individual players. They've got to work together as a unit. The Oline can make or break an offense in many regards so that's probably the reason behind the concern.
The key is can Becton be consistent.He has the talent he just has to do it every snap.And Davis has to be on every game too.He can't disappear like he has in previous years.
As fans we are likely to look for the positive. Heck, I hear from UVA fans every year this is their yr they get us.
You make a lot of solid points.
Here is my two cents...
RB...definite downgrade in skill but no deal breaker. Holmes likely has better vision.
OL...higher potential group but experience helps. I've seen too much false positivity at this position over the yrs do I want to see it first. Health as always is paramount here. I lean towards thinking it will be very similar to last yr.
WR...not a huge drop off. We'll all miss Coale and Boykins but I think this group is better and more balanced. Boykin and Coales were more reliable but athleticism in bunches with this group. I'd go slight edge 2012.
TE...Dunn making strides is huge. New weapon for our offense. Obvious increase in production expected at this position.
QB...Logan will be ready to roll and the unquestioned leader with a year under his belt. So we're upgraded at the most important position.
Overall, I don't think we're much better than last years offense but I see a slight improvement.
I would take an O as productive as last season take away the 2 Clemson games. If we could equal last years O with the Nasty D we hope to have it would be a special season IMO.
I am cautiously optimistic. To me the only concerning piece is the O-line. We say every year "the offensive line is going to be better". Some years it is, but many years it isn't. So we will see. WRT Harris, if hes on campus in the fall he will probably redshirt to heal his knee. However, I agree that one of Coleman, Edmunds, Mangus is going to step up at RB. My money is on Edmunds.
To me the only concerning piece is the O-line. We say every year "the offensive line is going to be better".
That is it in a nutshell for me. All other positions have weapons. Cannot the gameplanning and playcalling also improve and will Frank allow the offense to continue to open up?
I think everyone agrees the key unit every year is the offensive line (for any team). One thing that can help them be successful is having a decent amount of mis-direction plays in the game plan. Counters, screens (God forbid).....and use some quick slants to get the ball down field to beat the blitz.
2012 Offense verses 2011