Virginia Tech Football: The Biggest Offseason Storylines for the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies' 2014 football season is in the books. Now, we look forward to 2015.

What does 2015 have in store for Virginia Tech and head coach Frank Beamer?

The first order of business is national signing day, which is just under one month away. The Hokies must use the next several weeks to lock up what is a strong class and perhaps steal a commitment or two from an undecided prospect.

Spring practice doesn't begin for a few months, but here are four storylines you should keep an eye on this offseason. 

Finish Strong in Recruiting

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Dwayne Lawson

According to 247Sports (subscription required), Virginia Tech currently ranks No. 22 in the class of 2015. Tech's class got much better with two big commitments a week ago. 

Defensive tackle Tim Settle, from Manassas, Va., and quarterback Dwayne Lawson from Tampa, both 4-star recruits, gave verbal pledges to the Hokies. Both players could factor immediately in 2015 if academic issues are in order. 

The Hokies have seven players who have signed their letter of intent and will enroll in January. The rest of the class features 16 commits and the Hokies would like to add one or two more at defensive end and on the offensive line. 

People will remember the players Tech didn't get—Josh Sweat and Jalen Dalton—but overall this is one Beamer's best classes in years.

Now Tech must hold it together for a few more weeks. 

Frank Beamer's Future

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Frank Beamer

It's been a tough year for Frank Beamer. The legendary coach finished a third-straight disappointing season coaching from the booth instead of the sideline, due to throat surgery in December. 

But new athletic director Whit Babcock feels good about Beamer and his future in Blacksburg, per Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post:

"We have high expectations here, and the guy who’s our coach created them,” Babcock said. “I think he really wants to prove the doubters wrong, I like that scrap and that fight.”

After a long run of 10-win seasons, the Hokies have finished three consecutive seasons with eight wins or less. That's not bad but expectations are much higher in Blacksburg.

And as Babcock said, that's a credit to Beamer.

Eyes will be on the longtime head coach and his health as he will be 69 years old next fall. 

Who Will Play Quarterback?

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Michael Brewer

Michael Brewer started every game under center for Virginia Tech in 2014. He had some ups, and he had some downs. Overall, Beamer and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler need more from the quarterback position.

Turnovers plagued Brewer all season. Later in the year, Brewer became more indecisive in the pocket due to his turnovers and uneven offensive line play. 

In 2015, the quarterback battle will be much more interesting. Brenden Motley, a rising junior, will push Brewer. Motley is not advanced as a passer, but he's an excellent athlete with a lively arm. 

A pair of redshirt freshmen, Andrew Ford and Chris Durkin, will also be in the mix. Ford is an accomplished pocket passer, while Durkin is a big-bodied, athletic quarterback with a very strong arm. 

And don't forget about the true freshman, Lawson. He's 6'6", 207 pounds, with a great arm and is an outstanding athlete. 

Offensive Line

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Wyatt Teller

The offensive line has been a mess for the Hokies in recent years. Virginia Tech's bread and butter is a strong running game combined with outstanding defense. The outstanding defense is always there. The running game has struggled for three years now. 

The biggest reason is inconsistent offensive line play. First-year offensive line coach Stacy Searels is Tech's third coach in three years at the position. 

Tech will lose left tackle Laurence Gibson to graduation. Caleb Farris and David Wang, who both played guard and center, also depart. Right tackle Jonathan McLaughlin, a two-year starter at offensive tackle, returns in 2015.

Perhaps the best news concerning the offensive line is rising sophomore Wyatt Teller. The former defensive lineman took over as starter midway through the 2014 season and excelled. It's no coincidence that VT's run game was much better with Teller in the lineup at guard.

Teller's development and who plays next to him will be something to watch out for this offseason.