Virginia Tech Football: Top 5 Weakest Positions to Worry About

Now that spring practice is over for Virginia Tech, the depth chart is becoming clearer.

Not every starting position is set, but the Hokies appear to be in good shape on the defensive side of the ball.

The defensive line could go nine-deep this year and not miss a beat if either of the starters go down.

Linebacker is another area where the Hokies are particularly deep. All three projected starters missed some or all of spring practice, allowing the reserves a chance to shine. 

There are more questions on offense, especially along the offensive line.

So, what are the top five positions Hokie fans may need to worry about in 2012?

Right Tackle: Vinston Painter

Vinston Painter is a fifth-year senior and a former highly-regarded recruit. 2012 will be the first year where Painter will enter the season with a starting job.

Painter doesn't lack for physical ability. At 6'6" and 304 pounds, Painter moves like a tight end. 

Early in spring practice, Painter struggled, but as the sessions wore on, he had some spirited battles with James Gayle. If Painter can stand up against Gayle, that is a good sign going into 2012.

But, if Painter struggles, the Hokies will look to a group of inexperienced backups. Painter is replacing a three-time, All-ACC right tackle in Blake DeChristopher. DeChristopher anchored the running game, and Painter will be counted on heavily to replace him.

Overall, Painter had an excellent spring. The Hokies are hoping it carries over into the fall. 

Left Tackle: Nick Becton

Nick Becton brings plenty of experience to the left tackle position. He has several starts on his resume, and in 2011, Becton rotated with Andrew Lanier.

Much of the concern with Becton is centered around why he couldn't beat out Lanier for the full-time job. Becton has been inconsistent, but it is not because of a lack of preparation or ability.

Becton's primary problem is developing the type of attitude a team wants out of the person who protects the quarterback's blind side. Becton is often seen as a passive player.

Becton isn't as strong as Painter, but he is every bit the athlete. Becton has the talent to play in the NFL, and if the Hokies are to win the ACC in 2012, Becton needs to step up. 

Kicker: ?

Virginia Tech never seems to have a problem finding a kicker.

2012 could be different. Coach Frank Beamer was so concerned about the position he held an open tryout for all students at the beginning of spring practice.

Cody Journell's status is still unresolved at this point. If he returns, the Hokies will be in good shape. Journell had really improved his accuracy from when he first started.

As in past years, Beamer will look to walk-ons if Journell isn't welcomed back. 

Redshirt sophomore Conor Goulding appears to be the leader right now.

Scott Demler and Michael Branthover, both who struggled at punter in 2011, are also options. 

Defensive Backfield

The starters here are unquestioned. Kyle Fuller is a potential All-American. He can play any position in the secondary, and if he stays at cornerback for a full season, he will have an excellent season.

Junior Antone Exum moves to cornerback after having previously started at rover and free safety. Exum is strong against the run, but his size at cornerback will be an asset. 

Sophomores Detrick Bonner and Kyshoen Jarrett will start at rover and free safety, respectively.

Both Bonner and Jarrett were cornerbacks in 2011. Bonner in particular was strong at rover in spring practice and looks like a natural there.

The problem isn't the starters in the secondary. It is the depth. Each of these players are versatile and can play a number of positions, but there is little experience behind them.

If the Hokies suffer an injury to any of the four starters, they could be in trouble. 

Quarterback: Logan Thomas

OK, the Hokies have a potential All-American at quarterback, so how can this be a concern?

Consider the team will have eight new starters on offense. Thomas' presence will be even more important to carry this unit, especially early in the season.

With four new starters on the offensive line, having a good backup is imperative. The Hokies feel they have that in Mark Leal. However, Leal missed the latter stages of spring practice with what was deemed a "respiratory issue." 

If Thomas goes down, the Hokies' season is over. Even if Leal is healthy, he can't produce on the same level as Thomas. Keep in mind, Thomas and Leal are the only two quarterbacks on scholarship in 2012. 

It could be argued that Thomas is the most important player in college football in 2012.