Virginia Tech football's weakness is a big cause for concern entering 2024

Going into the 2024 season, the Virginia Tech football team returns a lot of their key pieces on defense. Edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Josh Fuga, and Cole Nelson return along the line, while Keli Lawson at linebacker is back with Mansoor Delane and Dorian Strong in the secondary.

Jalen Stroman returns as a safety for the Hokies, but just who ends up being the other one remains to be seen. Head coach Brent Pry spoke on Friday about just how things are going and he said that Mose Phillips III is pushing himself into the lineup. Early in the season, one national college football writer wrote about each Top 25 team's weakness and safety as the issue facing Virginia Tech.

Carter Bahns of 247Sports thinks Virginia Tech's weakness going into 2024 is at safety

Carter Bahns of 247Sports wrote about each Top 25 team in 247Sports preseason rankings and Virginia Tech, which came in at No. 24, is already addressing its weaknesses according to Bahns.

"Safeties — Mansoor Delane and Dorian Strong are two of the top corners in the ACC, but the rest of the defensive backfield has plenty of questions. The Hokies exited spring without a clear starting option next to Jalen Stroman at safety."

- Carter Bahns

Let's face it, with the additions from the transfer portal, the Hokies' defensive line is going to be deep and if Middle Tennessee State transfer Sam Brumfield can solidify the Mike linebacker spot, the second level should also be good.

The big question is how will the safety spot end up working out. Keeping Delane at cornerback with Strong with ideally what Virginia Tech wants to do instead of moving him to safety and that's where Phillips III or freshman Quentin Reddish can fill that spot opposite of Stroman. If the Hokies can fill that position and solidify the defense, then they will be an ACC contender in 2024. If they can fill that spot, then that could be something that keeps them from becoming a dark horse.