After suffering an injury Friday against Duke, Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente announced today that redshirt senior offensive lineman Tyrell Smith will miss the rest of the season due to that injury.
Justin Fuente said OL Tyrell Smith is out for the year with an injury. Tough way for a senior's career to end. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) September 30, 2019
Smith was one of Virginia Tech's top reserves entering the season and considered a versatile swing offensive lineman who could rotate in at guard or tackle. Smith being out will make a young Virginia Tech offensive line even younger as Smith was the only senior on the offensive side of the trenches.
Additionally, Smith has been praised in the past for his leadership and though he still should be around the program, he won't be able to provide it at the same level due to his injury limitations.
With Smith out, Luke Tenuta moves into the third offensive tackle role though we've seen Tenuta push starting right tackle Silas Dzansi already this season. Lecitus Smith, TJ Jackson, and Doug Nester remain the top options at guard though Austin Cannon could see his role grow on the interior with Smith out.
On a team already lacking seniors who have seen the highs and lows, losing Smith hurts more in the veteran experience category especially ahead as the Hokies head to Miami as major underdogs.