First Hokies squad chart released ahead of opening game against Vanderbilt

We did it, we made it to the 2024 college football season. On Tuesday we announced our Virginia Tech's first depth chart ahead of their season opener at Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon. There were a few surprises in the first game and here are some quick thoughts on the Hokies' first lineup of the season.

On offense, Benji Gosnell is listed as the starting tight end with Nick Gallo as the backup. It's not surprising that Gosnell is listed as the starter, as he played well in the Military Bowl win over Tulane and had a good spring practice and camp. Gallo is working on his recovery from surgery and will eventually have an impact on offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen as the season progresses.

Wide receivers Ayden Greene and redshirt freshman Takye Heath are in the two-deep, while the offensive line starts freshman Layth Channam at left guard with Braelin Moore at center and Kaden Moore at right guard in front of quarterback Kyron Drones. As for the kicking game, Jaylin Lane is listed as the punt returner for Tucker Holloway, with Ali Jennings as his backup.

On defense, sophomore Mose Phillips starts at safety opposite Jalen Stroman, and that's not surprising after head coach Brent Pry basically said that in a meeting with the media a week ago. The defensive line has a number of transfers and Aeneas Peebles starts at tackle, while Josh Fuga or Oklahoma transfer Kelvin Gilliam starts at the other tackle position. Wilfried Payne or Iowa Western Community College transfer is the backup. Jaden Keller (will), Middle Tennessee State transfer Sam Brumfield (mike) and Keonta Jenkins (star) are the starting linebackers.

On the kick returner side, Bhayshul Tuten is listed as the starter and Malachi Thomas as the backup. With four days until kickoff, it was great to see the first lineup for Virginia Tech for the 2024 season.