No. 1 -- RB Scales. Martin Scales (5-11, 226) moved over from FB this spring, and RBs coach Shane Beamer said he would stay at RB come the fall. Scales proved to be an effective runner this spring as a big back who simply gets up field. There will be plenty of options in the backfield next season, especially with two more freshman RBs coming in, but Scales may have carved out a role as a short yardage back. No. 2 -- RT Painter. Vinston Painter (6-6, 304) came to Blacksburg as a heralded recruit, but entering his senior season, he still has not been able to get on the field. This spring, coaches praised not only his play but his leadership ability on an O-line that has to replace four starters from a year ago. Painter has the physical tools and looks like he might be ready to have a productive year. No. 3 -- OLB Vandyke. Ronny Vandyke (6-3, 215) redshirted in 2011 while playing safety. This spring, he moved over to OLB and turned a lot of heads with his size and athletic ability. Vandyke probably won’t start this year, but OLBs Alonzo Tweedy and Jeron Gouveia-Winslow are seniors. He has positioned himself well to take over the starting OLB spot in 2013.
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