2014 Summer Position Rankings: Virginia Tech’s Top 5 Offensive Linemen
By Tim Thomas
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Mark Leal (6) takes a snap from center during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
5. OG Augie Conte
This spot could have gone Mark Shuman, Wyatt Teller, or Parker Osterloh but Conte beat those guys out and almost ended up at the number 4 spot on this list. Conte played a limited number of snaps last season but seems very likely to end up being the Hokies’ starting right guard at least to start the season.
Augie Conte impressed the staff this spring with led him to being honored with the offensive Dr. Richard Bullock Award as the player who showed the most improvement during workouts this spring. Conte has had some very impressive workout numbers and definitely has above-average strength. On top of that, Conte has the size of a tackle at 6-6 and just under 300 pounds which can at least be a nuisance for opposing players.
The big thing for Conte will be gaining experience as he starts his redshirt sophomore season as a starter most likely at right guard. Conte will get a game to get his legs under him against William & Mary but then will be thrown into fire against a Ohio State defensive line that has potentially three future first round picks in Joey Bosa, Noah Spence, and Michael Bennett.
Conte definitely is a big part of the future and the now for the Hokies on the offensive line.