KEY LOSSES
Obviously, QB Tyrod Taylor is the big loss here after winning ACC Player of the Year and guiding the Hokies to their fourth conference title in seven years. The coaching staff is hopeful that Logan Thomas will prove he's ready to assume the reins in spring practice. Other big losses include DT John Graves and CB Rashad Carmichael, both because of their leadership as much as their ability. The Hopkins brothers -- Antoine and Derrick -- must become more consistent performers to replace Graves, while sophomore Kyle Fuller should get the first crack at replacing Carmichael.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2011:

QB Logan Thomas -- A redshirt sophomore who spent last year backing up and throwing just 26 passes, Thomas must replace Taylor, one of the most revered players in school history. Thomas is a different style of QB at 6-6 and 242 pounds, but can scramble when necessary. If he can demonstrate the ability to properly read a defense, he'll have plenty of experienced receivers at his disposal.

TB David Wilson -- Some thought he was the best tailback last year, although Darren Evans started and Ryan Williams was the No. 2 man after returning from his injury. But Wilson made big plays as a runner, receiver and kick returner that all affected games. This year, as the No. 1 runner, he could put up numbers which could compare with Williams' freshman year in 2009 (1,655 yards, 21 TDs).

LB Bruce Taylor -- An unknown commodity entering last season, Taylor turned into a second team All-ACC linebacker as he minimized errors and maximized his skill. Taylor is now the leader of a crowded linebacking corps which will also include 2009 starter Barquell Rivers, 2010 starter Lyndell Gibson, Orange Bowl starter Jack Tyler and the gifted Tariq Edwards.

CB Jayron Hosley -- What does the All-America do for an encore? Hosley picked off nine passes last year, capping the season with a theft of Andrew Luck in the Orange Bowl and nearly getting a second pick. He'll have to adjust to being the guy teams try to avoid.

PLAYER NOTES

--DE Chris Drager might end up back at tight end before spring ball starts. After switching from offense to fill a need and playing pretty well on defense last year, many think Drager will move back to offense as he's believed to be a legitimate NFL prospect at tight end with his size and good hands.

--LB Lyndell Gibson (shoulder) missed the Orange Bowl after being injured in the ACC championship game Dec. 4. Gibson might be limited in the spring, but should be 100 percent by the time preseason practice starts in August.

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