Virginia Tech Football: Biggest Storylines Heading into Fall Camp

After a run of eight consecutive 10-win seasons, the Virginia Tech Hokies have struggled a bit over the last three years. In two of the last three years, Tech needed to win its season finale against Virginia just to become bowl eligible. 

Speaking of bowls, the Hokies have been to 22 consecutive bowls—the second-longest active streak in the country behind Florida State. 

But that's not good enough for Virginia Tech fans. Hokie Nation wants another ACC title and the opportunity to play for a national championship. Can that happen in 2015?

The Hokies do return 16 starters on both sides of the ball and appear poised to build off of a strong finish to the 2014 season.

As fall camp is set to begin next week, here are some storylines Hokie fans will be paying close attention to during the month of August and beyond. 

Frank Beamer's Future

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Legendary head coach Frank Beamer enters his 29th season in charge of the Hokies. Could it be his last?

Well, that's a complicated question. Beamer is a legend in Blacksburg. He built the Virginia Tech program. He is from the area and brought Tech—his alma mater—unprecedented success. 

But the last three years have been difficult for Beamer and the Hokies. They haven't experienced the same type of success and can't win a less-than-stellar Coastal Division. That's led to questions about the game passing Beamer by. To complicate things, Beamer had a throat surgery in December that forced him from the sideline in VT's bowl win over Cincinnati.

In addition to each of these factors, the school has a new president and athletic director. Will they be loyal to Beamer if the results don't match the school's past success?

Beamer is aware of this, per David Teel of the Daily Press:

"I understand that," Beamer said. "I understand where we are, what we need to do and where we've been and where we need to get back to. But we've got capabilities. It's up to myself and our football team to get back there. If you don't feel pressure in this business, you're misguided."

The 2015 season could help determine Beamer's future, whether he wants it to or not. 

The Arrival of Dwayne Lawson

Credit: 247Sports

Dwayne Lawson

Dwayne Lawson is now on campus and ready to begin his college career when fall camp opens next week. Lawson is a player Virginia Tech fans are eager to see. But fans shouldn't get too excited—yet.

Lawson possesses spectacular talent, but a step up in competition means there will be an adjustment.

Fortunately for Lawson, he'll have an experienced teacher showing him the ropes in senior quarterback Michael Brewer, per Alex Koma of The Key Play:

"

I'll give him a script and tell him to stand behind me and watch and follow along. He's going through the learning process, just trying to figure out how to help him how to learn. So I want him to be able to learn it as a quick as he can and give him a good chance to be successful here, he's just got to figure it out as he goes.

"

Having Brewer around should be a blessing for Lawson. It will allow him time to acclimate to the college game and learn VT's offense. Fans shouldn't expect Lawson to see the field this season as it would best for the future of the program if Lawson gets a year to learn. 

Who Takes over at Rover?

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Virginia Tech defensive back Chuck Clark makes a play on the ball in a win over Duke in 2014

C.J. Reavis' absence complicates things for what could be a great Virginia Tech defense. While not much is known about his situation or when—or if—he'll return to the field, the show must go on.

Reavis looked like Tech's next great defensive back after a terrific spring. Now, the Hokies are left scrambling to find out who'll take it over at rover where Reavis was expected to start in 2015.

Junior Chuck Clark looks like the guy.

Clark, a cornerback, started 11 games in 2013. His versatility allows coaches to move him all over the field, and Beamer certainly values Clark's ambidexterity, per Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times:

"He’s the one that to me gives you some more flexibility right now," Beamer said. "And he’s got size. He can do a lot of things. Plus, he’s a smart guy. And being football smart is not always the same, but with him it is. And I think he gives you some options."

Coaches would prefer to keep Clark at corner or have him play free safety. However, he's VT's most versatile defensive back and can play any of the positions in a pinch if needed. 

Senior Donovan Riley is another option at rover, but he is best suited to stay at cornerback.