The Hokies' 2009 spring game will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lane Stadium. The Maroon team will be represented by the No. 2 offense and No. 1 defense and the White team will be represented by the No. 1 offense and the No. 2 defense. It'll be fun to watch because we'll get the chance to see 1s vs. 1s when Tyrod and Co. are on the field.

Tyrod Taylor has slowly improved his passing ability but he's not the only player you need to watch Saturday.

Ryan Williams - Fr. - RB (Maroon)

The most obvious choice. It's his first spring and Saturday will be our first chance to get a good look at him after he redshirted in 2008. Williams brings a playmaking ability the Hokies haven't had since Kevin Jones. Saturday is his chance to show the fans that he will live up to their expectations.

Brandon Dillard - Sr. - WR (Maroon)

Dillard was the star of last year's spring game, both on catches and on end arounds. However, he ruptured his Achilles' tendon in July and missed the 2008 season. Is Dillard's speed anywhere near what it was last spring? Can he contribute to the Hokies or will he simply provide depth at WR? These question might be answered Saturday.

Beau Warren - Jr. - C (White)

Warren is expected to the starting center in the fall. Watch to see if he can open holes for Darren Evans (who will play for both Maroon and White) and Zac Evans. He'll be the only member of Tech's project starting interior offensive lineman who will play Saturday. The other two guards (Sergio Render and Jaymes Brooks) will be held out with injury.

Kwamaine Battle - So. - DT (White)

Battle fought his way onto the field late last year and will be needed to provide depth at a position that is extremely thin for the Hokies in 2009. Taco Thompson and Demetrius Taylor are expected to be solid as the two starting tackle spots. However, Tech needs Battle to step up and be a third reliable defensive tackle.

Jake Johnson - So. - LB (Maroon)

Like Williams, this is Johnson's first spring game and is a fan favorite among Hokies. Saturday will be our first chance to see him at full speed. He is in a fierce battle with fellow sophomore Quille Odom for the starting backer spot. He has all the physical attributes to be the next great linebacker at Tech. It remains to be seen how he does in game situations.

Rashad Carmichael - Jr. - CB (Maroon)

Carmichael is expected to be the starting field corner for Tech in the fall. However, Cris Hill and Eddie Whitley have had great springs. Carmichael needs a good spring game to take momentum into the fall and show that he deserves to be a starter.

Dorian Porch - Sr. - (Maroon) and Davon Morgan  - Jr. - (White) - ROV

In my mind, this is the biggest and closest position battle for the Hokies. Morgan won the job last fall, but tore his ACL against Nebraska. Porch became the starting rover and was fantastic. Now, Morgan is back and is having a better spring than Porch. This position won't be won or lost on Saturday, but I'm interested to see which player fares better.

Other Spring Games

Marhsall, Boston College and Maryland will have their spring games Saturday. The Herd return their starting QB, RB and both tackles. However, they'll be looking to replace their best WR and key players on defense.

The same goes for Maryland, which returns Da'Rel Scott at running back and Chris Turner at QB. However, the Terps need to replace playmakers at WR and on defense.

Meanwhile, BC has a three-headed monster at QB that won't be decided until the fall. Dominique Davis started the ACCCG against VT, but Jesse Justin Tuggle and Codi Boek are improving this spring and will have a say in who's taking the snaps for BC next season.

Linkage

Hokies

- TSL doesn't expect a lot out of the OL Saturday. (Tech Sideline)
- Let's all hope for no injuries Saturday. (VT Fan)
- The NCAA 10 cover athletes don't include the Commonwealth's Percy Harvin. (CGB)
- This BS championship game doesn't include Fraggle Rock. (The North End Zone)

Atlantic Coast Conference

- This aggression will not stand, man. (Block-C)
- A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. (The Legacyx4)
- Jacory Harris is improving as Miami's primary QB. (Annette)

Things Only I Care About

- Doug goes in search of Lego titties. (Hey Jenny Slater)
- "Everybody is stupid except me. I hate everybody." (Mr. College Football)
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and in a heartbeat would give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) wants to know if we should boo Teixeira. The answer is a huge yes. With gusto. (Extra Bases)
- This is what I live with. (The Lost Ogle)