Georgia Tech has played an FCS opponent in week one in each of coach Paul Johnson’s first four seasons in Atlanta. That won’t be the case this year as the Yellow Jackets travel to Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech on Labor Day. A few questions remain for Georgia Tech. Here are the three position battles to keep an eye on as the Yellow Jackets go through preseason camp:

  1. Defensive end: Senior Izaan Cross will man one defensive end spot, but defensive coordinator Al Groh needs to figure out who will start opposite Cross. The good news is the players who are competing for the job all have experience. Junior Emmanuel Dieke played in all 13 games in 2011, registering 20 tackles with two sacks. Junior Euclid Cummings also appeared in every game last season with 22 tackles and two tackles for loss. Redshirt sophomore Anthony Williams will also compete for time. Junior Christopher Crenshaw is a talented pass rusher who has played both defensive end and outside linebacker.
  2. Wide receiver: Georgia Tech’s wide receiving unit has zero career catches. The team must replace 2011 starters Stephen Hill and Tyler Melton. Not only must the receivers be a threat in the passing game, but they must also block well in Johnson’s option offense. Chris Jackson transferred in from Alabama after his freshman season in 2008. He is atop the depth chart at one receiver spot, but Jackson mainly played special teams last year. Sophomore Jeff Greene is listed as the other starter. He is 6-4, 210 pounds and offers size and athleticism on the outside. Junior Jeremy Moore and sophomore Darren Waller will also compete for playing time.
  3. A-Back: Johnson will be looking for another A-back to start alongside Orwin Smith. Sophomore Deon Hill and junior Robert Godhigh are among a host of players competing for playing time. Hill played in all 13 games last year but mostly on special teams. Godhigh was originally a walk-on, and he had two carries for 18 yards last year. Sophomore Tony Zenon is 5-8, 182 pounds but is fast. Back-up quarterback Synjyn Days is also getting some work at A-back. Johnson wants to find a way to get him on the field. Sophomore B.J. Bostic and freshman Broderick Snoddy could also factor in.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.