We have entered the part of the offseason where things quiet down ahead of fall camps opening next month. We are two months away from the Virignia Tech football team opening the season on Aug. 31 in Atlanta against South Carolina. Over the next eight or so weeks, we'll start to see outlets release their preseason awards lists.
Last season, Virginia Tech, with all the hype entering the season surrounding them, had a slew of players recognized before the season began, but this season is different. With a lot of losses to the transfer portal and the NFL Draft, the noise around the Hokies has been quiet. Athlon Sports released their All-ACC Preseason teams, and there were six members of the Hokies who were on the lists.
Six Virginia Tech football players earn All-ACC Preseason honors from Athlon Sports
Six members from Virginia Tech were mentioned, and it was a split right down the middle between transfers and returning players. Making the Second Team Offense was West Virginia transfer Tomas Rimac, who expects to be a big part of the rebuilding offensive line under new coach Matt Moore, whom he played for in Morgantown.
Two Virginia Tech returners, sort of, were named to the Third Team Specialists was kicker John Love and punt returner Tucker Holloway. Love has an explosive leg, as we have seen, but Holloway is returning after suffering an injury before last season, which was a big loss. Jaylin Lane filled in as the punt returner at times for head coach Brent Pry and did a great job, which helped raise his draft stock in April.
Three players were named to the Fourth Team All-ACC, one of offense and two on defense. Bowling Green transfer running back Terion Stewart was named on the offensive side, while linebacker Caleb Woodson and defensive lineman Ben Bell, a Texas State transfer, were named on the defensive side of the ball.