Virginia Tech football: Analyzing the updated depth chart

For coaches, the depth chart means very little. They’ll give you basic answers about not reading too much into the depth chart and everybody must be ready to play. With that being said, the Virginia Tech Hokies released an updated depth chart on Monday and there really wasn't any major surprises.

Braxton Pfaff won the right guard job and we’ve been expecting that for weeks now. Let’s hope Pfaff can stay healthy and maintain the consistency he’s shown throughout the spring and in fall camp.

At right tackle, Tyrell Smith has been the guy since the spring. Unfortunately for the redshirt sophomore, he’s been banged up and for now, senior Kyle Chung is slated to start against West Virginia next weekend. If Smith can get healthy, he could get his spot back.

Another minor surprise on offense, Dalton Keene is listed as the No. 1 tight end. We’ve heard great things about Keene since he enrolled in January and this is an affirmation of what the coaches think of him and his readiness. Chris Cunningham will play, however, Keene’s versatility has head coach Justin Fuente salivating.

At running back, Steven Peoples and Travon McMillian are both atop the depth chart. Peoples has had an excellent fall camp and will likely see the bulk of the carries this Sunday night. However, McMillian will also be involved.

Defensively, there weren't any surprises. Brandon Facyson is listed behind Adonis Alexander, Tech’s No. 1 corner, but that’s because of Facyson missing so much time. When the Hokies go with three corners, it’ll be Facyson and Alexander on the outside with Greg Stroman in the slot. True freshman Bryce Watts is listed as the top backup at left corner. Fuente discussed his progress with the media.

Finally, at kick returner, Ohio State transfer James Clark, is the top guy. His speed and experience placed him ahead of the other contenders. It was a minor surprise the coaches didn’t go with Henri Murphy.

The biggest takeaway from this depth chart is the number of true freshman in the two-deep. It’s a positive thing for the Hokies and a sign the best players will play. Like most depth charts, though, it’s fluid.