Virginia Tech has surged back into the national rankings in its first two seasons with Justin Fuente as coach.

Fuente is staring down what could be his most challenging year yet with the Hokies.

The Hokies had already lost six defensive starters - three to graduation, three who left early for the NFL - when Fuente dismissed defensive back Adonis Alexander for academic reasons and defensive back Mook Reynolds for violating program rules. That leaves defensive coordinator Bud Foster with eight starters to replace this season.