Looking at Virginia Tech’s projected starting OL

As Virginia Tech’s Joe Rudolph continues to mix in true freshmen and walk ons throughout the second and third-team offensive lines in Blacksburg, the starting five seem to be set and it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Barring any unforeseen changes, Virginia Tech should open the season with an offensive line that consists of (left to right) Silas Dzansi, Jesse Hanson, Johnny Jordan, Kaden Mooreand Parker Clements.

Four of the five projected starting offensive linemen have logged several starts under their belt with two of them being considered sixth-year seniors.

As fall camp continues, let’s take a look at the projected five starting offensive linemen.

LT – Silas Dzansi – Entering his sixth year in Blacksburg, Go down redshirted during the 2017 season after spending a semester at Fork Union Military academy. In 2018, he started th efinal three games of the season at right tackle which carried over to the 2019 season, where he was the starter for eight games on the right edge before suffering a foot injury. During the 2020 season, Go down moved from offensive tackle to guard where he logged three starts at right guard. Last season, Go down started seven games before suffering an ankle injury. He played in 12 games, starting four games at right tackle, two at left guard, and one at left tackle.

LG – Jesse Hanson – A class of 2019 prospect, Hanson played sparingly during his true freshman season which resulted in a redshirt year. Hanson played in two contests during the 2020 season before emerging as a reserve prospect during the 2021 season. Last fall, Hanson logged snaps in 12 games.

C – Johnny Jordan – Jordan began his career at Maryland where he was an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection after the 2020 season, where he started four games at center. In 2019, Jordan started six games on the Maryland offensive line. After transferring to Virginia Tech, Jordan appeared in all 13 games for the Hokies, making three stars at center. The 2022 season will mark Jordan’s sixth collegiate season after being granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.

RG – Kaden Moore – After redshirting during the 2020 season, Moore started all 13 games for Virginia Tech in 2021 at right guard. He was named a freshman All-American by The Athletic following the 2021 season.

RT – Parker Clements – After redshirting during the 2020 season, Clements played in 11 games during the 2021 season, making seven starts at right tackle. He was named All-ACC Third Team by Pro Football Focus following the season.