Alston Smith Moves Ahead of Wyatt Teller at Left Guard

Nov 24, 2012; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies offensive tackle Vinston Painter (71) guard Brent Benedict (55) and center Caleb Farris (79) line up against Virginia Cavaliers defensive tackle Chris Brathwaite (56) at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports Images

The Virginia Tech offensive line has been a very fluid situation especially on the interior. Caleb Farris is the only interior offensive lineman that is certain to have a starting spot and Farris’s versatility will allow him to play wherever he is needed on the interior line. David Wang also could end up starting though injuries have really prevented the senior from seizing the job.

Two former defensive linemen, Wyatt Teller and Alston Smith, have been battling each other and some of the other interior linemen to earn a starting spot. However, one has passed the other via the depth chart that was released on beamerball.com and reported on by many Virginia Tech beat writers.

Both of these players are pushing hard to start but Wyatt Teller has fallen to second string at left guard while Alston Smith has moved ahead of him. This battle should continue but the redshirt sophomore Smith and the redshirt freshman Teller seem like big parts of the future for the Hokies.

Alston Smith did gain some playing time last year as he played offense, defense, and special teams though it looks like he has finally found a spot at guard. It will be interesting to see how this battle for starting spots on the interior line between Smith, Teller, Augie Conte, and David Wang play out over the next couple of weeks.