Virginia Tech Football: Top Performers from the Hokies' Spring

Spring practice concluded for the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday with the school's annual spring game. The Hokies did things a bit differently this year, though. Instead of the Maroon-Orange game, the teams were split up and named Team Pylon and Team Medal of Honor, to honor the school's military roots.

Also this spring, the Hokies did things a bit differently with their lineups. The first-team defense teamed up with the second-team offense, while the first-team offense paired up with the second-team defense. This guaranteed the starters from both sides of the ball would face one another multiple times. 

Well, if you're interested in the score, Team Medal of Honor—featuring the first-team offense—won the spring game 24-21. 

With spring practice in the books, head coach Frank Beamer felt really good about his team over the past four weeks, per the team's official website:

"

We’ve really had a good spring practice. I think our players and coaches have really gotten the most out of it. I like where we are. I like our football team. I think we’ve got a lot of good character guys and a lot of good football players. I like where we are right now and we’ve got to keep going in a positive direction.

"

Of course, every coach in America is probably saying the same thing as the always buoyant Beamer.

Who stood out this spring for Virginia Tech? Here are the five top performers from Tech's spring.

Defensive End Vincent Mihota

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Defensive end Vincent Mihota

Vinny Mihota entered spring practice as a backup defensive tackle. The freshman finished spring on the field with the starters as a defensive end.

While Tech is short on depth at defensive end, it was Mihota's talent that helped him force his way onto the field. Mihota, who came to VT as a defensive end last year, moved to defensive tackle last year in part due to his lack of explosiveness and size that was more suited to playing inside in defensive coordinator Bud Foster's scheme. 

Mihota consistently stood out this spring, proving to coaches he belonged on the field. He was arguably one of the top overall performers throughout the spring. In fact, he was named VT's most improved defensive player of the spring, per Nathan Warters of The Free Lance-Star.

Both starting defensive ends—Ken Ekanem and Dadi Nicolas—will be on the field this fall. Seth Dooley figures to be the top backup. However, keep an eye on Mihota. He will play and could push Dooley as Tech's top backup defensive end, in addition to his role at defensive tackle.

Defensive Back C.J. Reavis

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C.J. Reavis

Before spring practice, the biggest question surrounding Tech's defense was who would step up and replace Kyshoen Jarrett and Detrick Bonner at rover and free safety, respectively. Well, sophomore C.J. Reavis certainly appears ready to be the Hokies' new starting rover in 2015.

Reavis had an outstanding spring, culminating with an excellent performance in the spring game. He led the Hokies with nine tackles and also blocked a punt. Remember, it was Reavis who blocked a punt against Virginia last year that led to a touchdown. 

Frank Beamer was effusive in his praise of Reavis after the game, per Norm Wood of the Daily Press.

"He's got a chance to be really good," he said. "I think you see it. I think in every aspect, he's a guy that I want to continue to mature and be an all-the-time guy. I think he will."

Reavis must continue to show coaches he has a good grasp of the defense. He plays fast and must play smart, too. Reavis' impact on special teams is another facet of his game that will endear him to Hokie fans.

Offensive Tackle Wade Hansen

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Virginia Tech offensive tackle Wade Hansen

You have to love Wade Hansen. First of all, you have to know his story to truly appreciate where he is now. 

Hansen transferred to Virginia Tech two years ago from tiny Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was a defensive tackle who moved over to the offensive line last year and ended up starting three games for the Hokies. He struggled, but he continued to work and get better.

Now, he's atop VT's depth chart at right tackle, and he doesn't appear to be leaving anytime soon.

The offensive line had a strong spring. Improved interior line play was a big reason for that, but don't discount Hansen's performance. Many felt incoming freshman Austin Clark would push Hansen this spring. He didn't, and Hansen will begin fall practice as Tech's No. 1 right tackle. 

Frank Beamer is certainly proud of Hansen and awarded him a scholarship last week, according to Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. 

“He’s kind of what our program’s all about,” Beamer said. “Work hard, keep your nose clean and it works out. He got a scholarship and the whole team was happy for him.”

Defensive Back Chuck Clark

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Chuck Clark

The Hokies' secondary played a bit shorthanded this spring. Projected starting cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson missed the spring with injuries, while Tech is trying to replace both starting safeties from a year ago.

Junior Chuck Clark is a player Bud Foster and secondary coach Torrian Gray are high on. Clark, a cornerback, was expected to get a chance to compete at free safety this fall. That still may happen, but coaches needed him more at corner this spring—and he delivered.

The 6'0", 206-pound Clark was named Tech's defensive MVP of spring practice. He had a strong sophomore campaign, starting 11 games, and coaches felt he was ready for an increased role in 2015. 

Clark is ready wherever he's needed, according to Norm Wood.

"I feel like I can do whatever I'm called to do," Clark said. "I think corner is where I'm feeling best right now. I'm just a natural (defensive back). If I was playing back at safety, I feel like I could do (well) in a snap, so I feel like I could do either or."

Clark will be on the field somewhere this fall and in the starting lineup. He's too good to not be on the field, particularly in passing situations. His ascension as a leader was another important part of his progression this spring, too.

Quarterback Michael Brewer

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QB Michael Brewer

Brewer was Tech's most improved player on offense this spring. That's a deserving award; however, it could be argued that he was VT's most valuable performer of the spring.

Regardless, Brewer couldn't be happier about his play after an up-and-down junior season—his first in Blacksburg. He did not throw an interception in any of the Hokies' scrimmages or spring game, something he said was a major focus throughout the offseason, per the Washington Post, via the Associated Press.

“It’s been a big point of emphasis,” Brewer said. “That was something we needed to improve upon last year, and I think we’ve done a good job of that this spring.”

Before spring practice, he was tied atop the depth chart with Brenden Motley at quarterback. Motley didn't have a bad spring, he just didn't come close to matching Brewer. No one knows for sure if the two signal-callers were actually even before the spring, or if the coaching staff wanted to push Brewer. If that's the case, it worked.

While Brewer still needs to perform well in fall camp, he looks much more comfortable than he did at any point last season. If he can resemble the player he was in the upset over Ohio State, the Hokies have a chance to win the ACC in 2015.