Virginia Tech Football: Hokies' 2015 Offseason Checklist

With spring football in the rear-view mirror, the beginning of the 2015 college football season is approaching fast for the Virginia Tech Hokies. 

The 2015 season should be an exciting one in Blacksburg. The Hokies are coming off of three straight seasons of playing mediocre football. However, a bevy of talent returns for Tech on the offensive side of the ball, and quarterback Michael Brewer looked outstanding throughout the spring. 

VT's biggest offseason victory, of course, was keeping longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster in Blacksburg. According to the Roanoke Times' Andy Bitter, Foster flirted with the idea of leaving the Hokies to take the same position at Texas A&M, but in the end the Hokies stepped up, and Foster stayed in town. 

The Hokies open the season in just over three months when the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes invade Lane Stadium. What's the most important things Tech needs to accomplish before that time?

Here's a look at Virginia Tech's offseason checklist for the next three months. 

Settle on Brewer at Quarterback

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Brewer

When spring practice began, VT had Michael Brewer and junior Brenden Motley atop the depth chart. Tech hasn't updated the depth chart since spring practice ended, but it's safe to say that Brewer will head into fall camp as the No. 1 signal caller. 

Brewer did not throw an interception in the spring game or Tech's three scrimmages. That's a far cry from what fans were accustomed to seeing from him last season. 

In fairness to Brewer, he arrived on campus last summer and almost won the job immediately. He didn't have a full grasp of the offense until late in the season.

Brewer definitely has a better understanding on the offense and a stronger rapport with third-year offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, per Will Grooms of The Key Play.

"I just feel so much more comfortable," Brewer said. "I feel so much better out there, being able to get a signal from the sideline and visualize it in my head—okay, if the defense does this then I do that. If the defense does that then I do this."

Get Healthy

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Kendall Fuller breaks up a pass in Tech's bowl triumph over Cincinnati

The Hokies were missing several of their top stars in spring practice—especially on defense. All-American cornerback Kendall Fuller, defensive tackle Luther Maddy and defensive ends Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem all missed spring activities. 

Cornerback Brandon Facyson, a freshman sensation two years ago, also missed the entire spring. Recovering from a broken leg, Facyson is expected to be on the field this fall, according to the Daily Press' Norm Wood.

The Hokies are replacing just three starters on defense and have a chance to be special again this season. Tech should be able to create plenty of turnovers and get to the quarterback often in 2015.

In order for the Hokies to be at their best, they'll need to get healthy for practice later this summer. 

Find Another Playmaker on Offense

Credit: 247Sports

Jaylen Bradshaw

For the first time in years, Virginia Tech has some good pieces on offense. Sophomores Isaiah Ford, Cam Phillips and Bucky Hodges represent one of the more underrated pass-catching groups in the nation for 2015. 

The reliable Willie Byrn graduated, opening a void for someone to emerge as Tech's No. 3 receiver. Hodges, a tight end by title only, figures to see plenty of time lining up in the slot. 

But if one of the aforementioned three players is injured, who will step up for the Hokies?

Senior Demitri Knowles is a candidate. However, he's had plenty of chances before and always seems to disappoint. 

One name to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman Jaylen Bradshaw. Bradshaw is a good athlete who is fairly new to the position. According to 247Sports' Evan G. Watkins, he spent his redshirt season impressing coaches in practice. He can be electric with the ball in his hands, and look for Loeffler to find ways to get the ball in Bradshaw's hands. 

Come Up with an Aggressive Game Plan for Ohio State

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Former Hokie Detrick Bonner celebrating last season's win over Ohio State

The Hokies couldn't possibly do the impossible two seasons in a row, could they?

The best part of playing Ohio State in the season opener is you get all offseason to prepare. That's likely the strategy Tech employed last year with William & Mary as the opening opponent in 2014. Foster was aggressive against freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett and rattled him enough to help Tech pull off the upset. 

Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer will be ready for Foster's all-out blitzing this time around. Unfortunately for the Hokies, they don't even know who will be under center for the champs. Ohio State has three capable passers, and all could give Tech fits.

Loeffler and the offense will need to be aggressive, too. The Hokies will not win this game sitting on the football with each possession. The Hokies will need to take shots downfield and capitalize on any turnovers.