Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer told reporters during a teleconference Monday that linebacker Tariq Edwards will not play in the team’s opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.

This from Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times:

Edwards had a rod inserted in his left tibia in March to relieve pain from a stress fracture in his shin. At the time, Edwards was expected to be out three to four months. However, Edwards had to have surgery a couple weeks ago to remove a screw from his knee that was causing him pain.

Virginia Tech will do some shuffling at linebacker with Edwards out. Jack Tyler will get the start against Georgia Tech in the middle while Bruce Taylor will move over to take Edwards’ spot at the backer position. Tyler does well defending the run, which works out well against Georgia Tech’s option offense.

Edwards started all 14 games for the Hokies last season. He had 71 tackles with 3.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.

Beamer also told reporters that versatile offensive lineman Michael Via will battle right guard Brent Benedict for the starting job this week. Benedict is a transfer from Georgia and was slated to be the starter at the beginning of preseason camp. Via is a fifth year senior who was working at right tackle. He has played center, guard, and tackle during his career at Virginia Tech.

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