As the Virginia Tech football team heads into the 2024 season, most people’s attention will be on the wide receivers the Hokies have back, and why not? It’s a talented and strong group that, if they stay healthy, can be among the elite.

Not looking to be outdone, Virginia Tech returns a tight end group that will be crucial to the offense, whether it’s blocking or catching passes from quarterback Kyron Drones. As the Hokies neared the end of training camp last summer, they suffered a key loss: Nick Gallo was out for the entire season. Dae’Quan Wright took over many snaps in Gallo’s place, but after Tech earned bowl eligibility with a win over Virginia, he announced he would enter the transfer portal. He did not play in the Military Bowl against Tulane, which opened the door for two younger players who took full advantage.

To see how things unfold during camp, it’s worth watching the tight ends position group. Let’s take a closer look at this position group.

Benji Gosnell

Wright, who caught 28 passes for 366 yards in 2023, transferred to Ole Miss last winter, but his absence from the Military Bowl opened the door for Benji Gosnell and Harrison Saint Germain, who each caught a touchdown pass in the 41-20 victory. Gosnell, whose brother Stephen is a wide receiver for the Hokies, caught 12 passes for 137 yards, with his biggest game coming against Marshall when he caught four passes for 52 yards.

Harrison Saint-Germain

Saint Germain played in all 13 games last season, but saved his best for last. Against Tulane, he caught two passes for 13 yards in the rain, including a 1-yard touchdown from Drones. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Virginia native started once last fall and will likely play a bigger role this season.

Nick Gallo

On New Year’s Day, Gallo announced he would return to the Hokies for one more season. In his first four years in Blacksburg, he has 55 catches for 469 yards and one touchdown. Gallo’s absence last season was a major blow after training camp, but while he won’t be a focal point of the offense in the passing game, he adds depth to the veteran Hokies at the position.

Other players on the roster that could step up at the position and make a splash this year include Zeke Wimbush, Cole Pickett, Ja’Ricous Hairston, Connor Ferguson and Cole Reemsynder. Overall, this is a group that will be counted on in many ways on offense this fall, whether it’s blocking or receiving passes. However, the key will be for Gosnell and Saint Germin to take the next step in their development for the future, which could be a good move with either player. They have depth here at a position that needs it.