Wade Hansen Moves to the Offensive Line

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

Wade Hansen had two very productive season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was ready for a challenge at a higher level of college football. Hansen made a big jump up the ladder when the defensive tackle from Troy, New York decided to transfer from Division III RPI to the FBS level with the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Hansen had to sit out last season as he served a redshirt year due to NCAA transfer rules but that gave him a chance to get adjusted to the higher level of college football. This spring, Hansen looked to try to start working his way up the depth chart at defensive tackle and started battling Vincent Mihota to be the Hokies’ number 4 defensive tackle with Ricky Walker joining the battle this fall.

Wade Hansen was able to give it a good run at defensive tackle but is now changing positions as the Hokies’ coaches hope to see if he might be able to get playing time elsewhere.

Hansen could very well end up at offensive tackle at first as the only way he might touch the field as a starter in Blacksburg might be at offensive tackle with Laurence Gibson and Mark Shuman both being seniors. However, Parker Osterloh seems like the future at the offensive tackle spot opposite of Jonathan McLaughlin after 2014 which makes it hard for Hansen to get playing time.

Wade Hansen could also be someone that ends up bouncing around a little as OL Coach Stacy Searels looks to figure out where on the offensive line would be best for him. Hansen has a tough challenge ahead but he will do what he can to fight to get playing time in Blacksburg.