Turkey Talk

Turkey Talk Update

2006-08-12T08:15:00.000-04:00

Those of you wishing to find the lowdown regarding Virginia Tech position previews as well as season opponent analysis, trust me -- it's on the way, but for you hardcore readers wonderin' what's the delay, here's my excuse:

With the start of the fall semester at Virginia Tech just around the corner (classes begin Aug. 21), all next week I will be out of town relaxing at the beach, getting my act together, if you will, before heading back to Tech. (Not that bad of a way for a 19-year-old college student to spend the last seven days of his summer after bein' on the grind for the past three months).

So, big deal Andrew, right? Well upon returning, I will be part of a new blogging network, with a completely new site, but still devoted to the same ol' Hokies. My writing responsibilities with the Virginia Tech school newspaper, the Collegiate Times, will have returned, seeing as I already have three football stories lined up, all of which are going to be published in the CT's team preview. These individual works are not to be outdone by additional team insight posted online, and actually just an overall total commitment to posting anything and everything considered Hokie.

Until then, LET'S GO ... HO - KIES !!!

Andrew Kinney
Turkey Talk

Hokie Football: CB Jahre Cheeseman Injured

2006-08-11T23:24:00.000-04:00

Another Tech injury in the secondary. Just days after first-string cornerback Roland Minor got in a car wreck, redshirt freshman Jahre Cheeseman tore his lateral meniscus and is expected to have surgery. The 5-9, 200 prospect was reportedly coming along well, having made the most progress of anyone in the secondary during the spring training sessions. Diagnosis on his recovery time is listed at three to six weeks.

Hokie Football: Season Tickets

2006-08-10T15:05:00.000-04:00

Keeping all you future Hokie season ticket holders out there up to date, courtesy of Hokiesports.com

Season football tickets to be mailed this week
All tickets anticipated to be delivered by Monday
August 9, 2006

BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced Wednesday that the 2006 season football tickets would be shipped starting today and should be completed by tomorrow. The shipping is being handled by Virginia Tech's contracted ticket printer, Weldon, Williams and Lick. The company will coordinate the shipping from Fort Smith, Ark.

UPS will begin processing the first shipment of the packages marked for Three Day Delivery today but due to the size of the shipment, some packages may not be en route until Thursday.

Individuals with post office boxes will have their packages sent via First Class Mail. The Athletic Ticket Office anticipates that most customers will have their tickets in hand by Monday, Aug. 14.

Every patron who has an email account listed with the athletic ticket office will be notified of their tracking number via email.

They're coming ... 2006 Virginia Tech Football season tickets ... Are you ready?

Hokie Athletics: 2005 - 2006 ACC Honor Roll

2006-08-09T14:24:00.000-04:00

It's always a good thing to read about Hokie student-athletes excelling at that other reason they came to college -- academics, and yesterday I was able to do just that, as the ACC announced its 2005-2006 Academic Honor Roll, recognizing student-athletes from all 12 schools who maintained a 3.0 grade point average or better for the full academic year.

Altogether, more than 2,500 student-athletes in the conference were honored for their hard work in the classroom, with the top representation on the list from one school coming from Duke (of course) with 362 students. Tech placed 177 of their very own on the list, and of those represented by the university, 24 football players made the cut, including starters Sean Glennon, Brandon Pace, and Carlton Powell.

Hokie Football: Grohing for the Better

2006-08-09T09:55:00.000-04:00

Just a little letter I composed this morning to Virginia Cavalier head coach Al Groh. I'll be sure to send this out later today.

Al Groh
University of Virginia Athletic Department
McCue Center - PO Box 400837
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4837
August 8, 2006

Dear Mr. Groh,

Now I know your title as Virginia Cavalier head coach has been extremely frustrating as of late, especially with the troubled offseason you and your program have being experiencing, as well as the recent success (or lack thereof) against in-state rival Virginia Tech, so on that note, I send this letter in the highest regard and respect for your program, free of any ill will. More specifically, however, this letter pertains to the recent news regarding one of the better players on your roster, Mr. Deyon Williams.

First of all, let me be the one to praise you for your coaching skills in turning Mr. Williams into such a talented prospect, with the young man currently having several impressive accomplishments to his name, all of which I am sure you are familiar, such as ranking amongst the top three in the conference last season in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The time you have spent nurturing this talent seems to have been well spent, and for that I commend you.

That being said however, I found it appropriate to mention a brief recommendation to you and your program on behalf of Mr. Williams' recent injury -- the stress fracture to his foot that he suffered earlier this week.

As I continue, please do realize that I say the following not knowing, perhaps, every detailed aspect of background information on the following issue, but, in addition to possessing a legitimate amount of football knowledge, as well as having read the report regarding Mr. Williams' injury, I have accumulated enough information on the topic to come up with a simple conclusion, which I offer to you.

Today's local area newspapers reported on Mr. Williams' injury, and for the following example, let's refer to the work of the renowned Hampton Roads newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot, whose sportswriter Ed Miller was all over yesterday's incident, writing about the costly loss of Williams that your program now has to address.

After reading the first few lines of the piece, which announced Williams had succumbed to a serious injury, being the devoted Hokie fan that I am, I grinned, for I always find it satisfying to relish in the misfortunes of your program. All in all though, Williams' particular story wasn't too much of a shock, seeing as all programs encounter injuries, and there really isn't anything you, as a coach, can do to prevent such things from occurring.

Or so I thought, until my eyes scrolled over the next line of the said article, which read something like this:

Williams, an All-ACC candidate, had been practicing since camp opened Friday but complained of soreness in his foot. Virginia head coach Al Groh said he did not recall which one.

Immediately upon finishing that sentence, I stopped reading. Though I'm sure no other readers found that statement as nearly offensive as I did, I couldn't contain myself, forcing me to go as far as to type up this letter and speak my mind, giving you a simple piece of advice, perhaps letting you 'Groh for the Better'.

Which leads me, Mr. Groh, to my point. In regards to Mr. Williams' injury (and do correct me if I am wrong here), but wouldn't it have been ideal to pay a tad bit more attention to the needs of Mr. Williams, arguably your best offensive player, especially when he specifically told you he was in pain, as to avoid him suffering a major injury only days later?

On the contrary however, I know football players are expected to maintain an invincible, 'Bad to the Bone' mentality, showing no signs of weakness and playing through any degree of pain, but in this case -- during a mere training session in early August, is the participation of a player, and one of your best ones at that, all that necessary? Would it have been too much of a detriment to your program to let Mr. Williams sit out a week or two to recover? Regardless how you answer, now you've lost his skills for almost two months -- the estimated amount of time a player with an injury of this sort needs to fully heal.

In conclusion, though my opinions and background reasoning throughout this letter have been thorough and detailed in nature, my suggestion for you comes as a brief, simple bit of advice. I am sure you are kicking yourself for the way this incident has unfolded, so the following words are most likely an utter reiteration of what you have been thinking over the few days to do about the situation. Had you taken the simple time to address Williams' mild situation (when it was first presented to you), you quite possibly could have prevented his resulting injury. Your lack of judgment and decisive action just sums up the overall mediocrity of your performance during your tenure in Charlottesville, and things don't look to get better for your team anytime soon..

So, Mr. Groh, without further ado, here's my advice:

Just quit.

Sincerely,
Andrew Kinney
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Class of 2008

Hey, there's always NASCAR.

Hokie Football: Catchin' Up

2006-08-07T15:04:00.000-04:00

Several events in regards to Hokie football transpired over the weekend while I was out of town (and unable to access any computer with internet connection capability), so here's a quick recap of what I missed:

With less than a month remaining before Virginia Tech's home opener against Northeastern, the Hokies held their first fall practice Friday afternoon. The team workout, which reportedly had a total turnout of more than a hundred players (105 to be exact, 17 of them being D-1A college football newbies), lasted two hours, and featured each player practicing in helmets, jerseys and shorts. Practices featuring full pads for the Hokies are set to begin today.

Following Friday's team workout, Hokie Boss Frank Beamer didn't seem too impressed with his team's overall performance, stating:

"It was a typical first day ... we didn't throw the ball great, we didn't catch it great, the timing was off a little bit ... I think the effort's good, the attitude's good, but we've got to improve on some football."

Again, just like Beamer's recent comments about VT's special teams last week (see the article below), his remarks aren't much for Hokie followers to fret upon, seeing as he's just going on another one of his typical rants, and in all fairness, it was the team's first official get-together since spring training ended in mid-April.

In injury notes, Tech's secondary took a big hit talent-wise as starting cornerback Roland Minor, one of the few returning leaders from last season's top-ranked Hokie defense, suffered knee and wrist injuries following a car wreck while riding around his hometown of Washington D.C.

According to team trainer Mike Goforth, Minor's wrist required surgery Friday to insert pins that will remain there for a period of four to six weeks, with a full recovery expected to take almost two months.

Tech's costly loss of the experienced returnee in Minor comes at a time when the abundance of talented starters with playing time under their belt is limited, and the redshirt junior's injury will undoubtedly prompt defensive coordinator Bud Foster to rethink a few coverages heading into the earlier part of the year.

Last year, Minor served as a talented sidekick to All-American cornerback Jimmy Williams in the defensive backfield, and on the season, the duo, combined with safeties Justin Hamilton and Aaron Rouse, combined to form a pass defense that ranked second in the nation in terms of opponent passing yards per game (149.1), second only to Miami (148.2). Also of note from that secondary was the fact they managed to only allow a total of eight scores through the air, good enough for third in the nation, all the while snatching a smooth total of 19 picks in the process, with Minor recording for three.

Despite the fact Minor was (and, in fact, still is) expected to play an instrumental part of Foster's lockdown pass defense this year, expect true sophomore Victor Harris, one of the few freshman from last season who got to see significant playing time, to step in and fill the void left by Minor's injury.

Overall, the kid's cocky, and rightfully so. He's got the speed (4.4), the durability (6-0, 200), and the swagger (his nickname is 'Macho' for crying out loud), to really emerge on the ACC scene as a star. After taking his first year to make the adjustment to college from the high school level, word is that he's developed significantly over the off-season, and is ready to showcase his improved skills come September.

Much of Harris' time on the field last year was spent getting reps in at defensive back as well as spending significant time on special teams. Those around him have realized the tremendous amount of athleticism and potential he possesses -- Beamer and Tech's coaching staff have known this ever since welcoming the five-star recruit to Blacksburg, and are anxious to let him blossom on the season as a starter.

One obvious example of Beamer's determination in attempting to utilize Harris' talent took place earlier this year during the team's spring training sessions. With top rushers Brandon Ore and George Bell out nursing injuries, Beamer and his staff worked the rising sophomore at running back -- point being, they had to get the kid on the field some way or another.

Looking at Harris' new found situation though, heading into the team's season opener next month, his desired starting spot at right cornerback, playing opposite junior CB Brandon Flowers, basically fell right into his lap. Expect him to have a strong August training session, taking the time to soak in his newly acquired role and heavily prepare for the team's September season kickoff.

Come to think of it now, as September rolls through, it'll be a relief for the young Hokie that his first few games as a starter are against some very weak competition in Northeastern, Duke, North Carolina and Cincinatti. Also a plus for Harris and the Tech secondary is by the time Georgia Tech's phenomenal supreme being at wide receiver, Calvin Johnson, and his Yellow Jackets buddies come to town, Minor should be back and ready to go, and hopefully every other Hokie will be too.

The USA Today Coaches' Polls were released on Friday, listing the Hokies as 16th on the list. Definitely a bit higher than I (and everyone else) would have expected, but it's nothing to get riled up about -- they're just preseason rankings, y'all.

Hokie Football: Switcheroo

2006-08-06T14:38:00.000-04:00

Here's an article, courtesy of The Virginian-Pilot, which mainly focuses on the current status of ex-Hampton Roads quarterbacks Greg Boone and Kam Chancellor, who are currently undergoing what many Hokie football players are doing -- changing positions. With the concept of both players most likely not being able to become a factor in the QB battle as well as possessing substantial size and speed, leave it to Frank Beamer to find one way or another to best utilize their talent, in this case, at tight end.
Two area high school QBs likely will be playing new positions for Va. Tech
By KYLE TUCKER, The Virginian-Pilot
August 6, 2006

BLACKSBURG - Greg Boone and Kam Chancellor both left South Hampton Roads as heralded high school quarterbacks. Each hoped the Hokies would give them a shot under center.

And, to an extent, they have.

Boone, the former Oscar Smith star, handled a handful of snaps in practice as he redshirted last season, then tossed a few more passes during the spring.

Chancellor, a recent Maury grad, is Tech's fourth quarterback through two days of fall practice.

But two factors should see both at new positions by the time the season starts.

First, the battle for the starting quarterback job is a three-man race with Sean Glennon, Cory Holt and Ike Whitaker - all of whom have a better grasp of the offense than Boone or Chancellor.

Second, and perhaps more important, both local products have bodies and abilities that are conducive to playing elsewhere.

Boone, a redshirt freshman, is 6-foot-3, 275 pounds (he wants to drop 15 of those) and surprisingly agile. Sounds like a tight end, right?

Given that Tech doesn't have a single experienced player at that position, Boone has already made the switch and could compete for the starting spot.

"I'll be on the field this fall," he said. "I can't sit anymore."

And Chancellor, a true freshman who has wowed the coaches since arriving this summer, could be soon to follow.

At 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, Chancellor's athleticism is hard to ignore. In summer testing, he ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds, bench-pressed 320 pounds and had a 30-inch vertical leap.

After Saturday's practice, Beamer pulled Chancellor and fellow true freshman Zach Luckett, a muscular 6-foot-3 player recruited as an athlete, to the side.

He watched both work at defensive back and receiver against each other.

"Those big guys that are fast, I'd kind of like to get them on the field," Beamer said.

Hokie Football: Beamer's Special Thoughts

2006-08-02T10:28:00.000-04:00

Here's hoping we don't see this sight too often, or better yet, any at all, in 2006.
While skimming through the pages of today's sports section in the Daily Press (Hampton, Virginia's local newspaper to which I frequently refer to), I was quick to discover the following article on Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, written by veteran sportswriter David Teel, one of the paper's premiere staff members who regularly contributes pieces covering the Hokies.

In the write-up, Teel illustrates Beamer's preseason concerns with VT's special teams, particularly in regards to the talents of kickers Brandon Pace and Jared Develli, by saying: "I want to make it clear," Beamer said. "I think we've got to get better in the kicking game."
To be honest, Beamer's remark comes off as a bit of a surprise, seeing as Tech's kicking game features two of the conference's best in Pace and Develli, who are both coming off stellar years with impressive season statistics that Teel specifically points out later in his writing.
"...Develli produced 29 touchbacks in 64 kickoffs; (while) Pace made 19 of 22 field goals and scored a school-record 108 points, this after a first-team all-conference season in 2004."
Beamer's concerns aside, after witnessing Tech's special teams have a solid 2005 season, I can't really picture the strengths of that unit, the kicking and punting game in particular, falling off much at all, seeing as both Pace and Develli, as well as one hoss of a man in punter Nic Schmitt are all returning, and shouldn't be too hesitant in getting back to business from where they left off.

Following what Frank had to say, I see the scenario as this: At this point and time, with only a month remaining before Virginia Tech's season opener, Beamer is trying to inspire and motivate his special teams to stay focused in their preseason training and work harder than ever prior to September's opening kickoff, thus reiterating their importance to the team in the process.

One of Beamer's main claims to fame was his personal connection to the success of his special teams, whose game-breaking performances over the years garnered huge attention for the program. With the unit's style and success becoming so recognized, there success went as far as to even have a specific nickname coined after them in BeamerBall.

Back to Beamer's comments though, ultimately, there shouldn't be any real worry for Hokie fans about Beamer and his ranting, seeing as he has also been notorious for being a perfectionist when it comes to Hokie special teams, seeing as he has taken on the sole title of special teams coach and views their performance as a direct reflection upon himself.

All that being said, here's what Teel had to say, you can take a look at the article in its original state here, or read below.

Beamer's worries special
by David Teel, Daily Press
August 2, 2006

Virginia Tech football faithful, not to mention coach Frank Beamer, know their list of preseason concerns by heart: inexperience at quarterback, tight end and guard; lack of depth at tailback, linebacker and the defensive line.

But as the Hokies await Friday's opening practice, Beamer raises another issue.

"I want to make it clear," he said. "I think we've got to get better in the kicking game."

Huh? Beamer bemoaning his special teams? That's like Exxon Mobil carping about its second-quarter profit ($7.64 billion, but who's counting?).

If there's been one constant during the Beamer era, poised for its 20th season, a top-shelf kicking game is it.

"That's the part of college football that (Beamer) put as much emphasis on, and brought to the forefront, as anybody," Boston College coach Tom O'Brien said. "Everybody would give lip service to it, but (he) actually made it work."

So well that the Hokies blocked 62 kicks during the 1990s, more than any other Division I-A program. So well that kick returners such as Andre Davis and DeAngelo Hall, and placekickers such as Shayne Graham and Brandon Pace, have orchestrated many a victory.

Moreover, Tech boasts what Beamer considers the best group of kickers he's coached: punter Nic Schmitt, kickoff specialist Jared Develli and Pace. Schmitt averaged 43.2 yards per punt last season and placed 15 punts inside the 20-yard line; Develli produced 29 touchbacks in 64 kickoffs; Pace made 19 of 22 field goals and scored a school-record 108 points, this after a first-team all-conference season in 2004.

Still, Beamer's not happy. Not happy with coverages and returns. Not happy with a decline in blocked kicks.

Nor should he be. The Hokies haven't returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown in either of the last two seasons, and last year they ranked 88th nationally in kickoff returns, 62nd in punt returns. Their third-quarter meltdown in the ACC championship game began when Florida State's Willie Reid scored on an 83-yard punt return.

Most worrisome, blocked kicks, the staple of Beamerball, have slowed to a relative trickle. Last season the Hokies blocked two field goals and a punt, matching the second-lowest total of Beamer's tenure. In the last three seasons, Tech has blocked 11 kicks; in the previous three seasons the Hokies blocked 22.

"We've been back there ... and haven't quite gotten them blocked," Beamer said.

Only one player on this season's roster has blocked a kick in a college game. Sophomore cornerback Macho Harris deflected a punt in the 2005 regular-season finale against North Carolina.

Have opponents finally caught on to Beamer's special-teams legerdemain? He doesn't believe so. "We've just got to perform," he said.

More so because with new starters at quarterback (either Sean Glennon, Cory Holt or Ike Whitaker), guard (some combination of Nick Marshman, Sergio Render and Ryan Shuman) and tight end (Sam Wheeler), Tech's offense may stagger out of the gate. If the kicking game can generate touchdowns and/or good field position, the untested offense can afford some missteps.

The critical early test will come at North Carolina in the season's second week. The Tar Heels won three of four home conference games last year, and in 2004 extended the visiting Hokies until the final horn before losing 27-24. That game turned dicey when UNC blocked a Vinnie Burns punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"In the last 10 years I think one of the biggest changes in college football is that people have concentrated on special teams much more," Beamer said. "I mean everyone. Ten years ago you had a chance to get a little advantage on people because maybe they didn't emphasize them as much as you did."

Virginia Tech needs that little advantage more than ever.

Hokie Football: Rackin' Up Recruits

2006-08-01T09:40:00.000-04:00

With Virginia Tech's official summer training sessions just around the corner, and the Northeastern season opener looming in the near future, it's safe to say that the Hokies' coaching staff has been extremely busy over the past month, with perhaps no bigger testament to this statement being the recent results produced by VT strong safety and outside linebacker coach, Jim Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh, currently going on his 10th year with the program, also serves as the team's recruiting coordinator, a title he earned back in 2002. His full acquiring of the job was undoubtedly a direct result of the major role he played in bringing Michael Vick to come play for the Orange and Maroon. Cavanaugh's current list of other recruits he has brought into Blacksburg doesn't look too shabby either, as in addition to Vick, he has landed the talents of 2004 ACC Player of the Year Bryan Randall, both Nathaniel and Xavier Adibi, plus standout defensive linemen Jonathan Lewis and Chris Ellis.

Lately though, Cavanaugh has been on a roll in attracting new talent to the Burg, as the coach has been racking up a boatload of recruits -- an ACC-leading 21 to be exact, with 19 of those recruits coming throughout the month of July.

Since acquiring quarterback sensation Tyrod Taylor on July 22, eight additional recruits have declared their verbal commitments to Virginia Tech, with the following four having announced their decision during just yesterday alone:

Name	Position	Stars	Height	Weight	40	Hometown	State	Status
Ellison, Rhett	TE	* * *	6-5	230	N/A	Mountain View	CA	VT Commit
Latif, Khalil	OL	* * *	6-3	290	4.92	Midlothian	VA	VT Commit
Prince, Courtney	DE	Pending	6-2	260	5.0	Brandywine	MD	VT Commit
Tweedy, Alonzo	DB	* *	6-1	173	4.5	Richmond	VA	VT Commit

After having to endure all the controversy, speculation, and let-downs over this past year with VT, Hokie readers should be relieved to see things starting to come together for the program, especially in regards to the team's recruiting practices and success. Tech's roster future is shaping up in a promising fashion, with the potential for several more big name recruits to declare themselves future Hokies highly likely to occur.

All in all, things couldn't be going any better for Cavanaugh and his 2006 recruiting campaign, except perhaps for the factoring in of a successful regular season, conference title win and Bowl Game victory.

But all that happening is purely another story, and good enough to cause a migraine. Let's just take this time to focus on the good news rolling in for VT, and save the headaches for later.

Hokie Football: Familiar Faces, New Places

2006-07-31T13:16:00.000-04:00

Just a few snapshots of former Hokie standouts Marcus Vick, Jimmy Williams, and Daryl Tapp in their respective NFL training camps over the past weekend.

DAVIE, FL - JULY 30: Wide receiver Marcus Vick #16 of the Miami Dolphins reaches up to catch a pass during training camp at Nova Southeastern University on July 30, 2006 in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 27: Cornerback Jimmy Williams #4 (Left) and wide receiver Michael Jenkins #12 of the Altanta Falcons go for the ball during the Atlanta Falcons training camp on July 27, 2006 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Barry Williams/Getty Images)

CHENEY, WA - JULY 29: Defensive end Darryl Tapp #55 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to tackle running back Josh Scobey #33 as fullback David Kirtman #34 blocks during training camp on July 29, 2006 at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Hokie Football: 2007 Recruit - Jaymes Brooks

2006-07-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

Ever since last week's signing of Tidewater QB Tyrod Taylor, the recruits for VT keep rolling in, and there doesn't seem to be a dropoff in the immediate future. That's what five-star prospects can do for a program.

That being said, here's the latest on Tech's newest recruit, Jaymes Brooks, a rising senior offensive lineman with some size at Denbigh High in Newport News, courtesy of The Virginian-Pilot sportswriter Kyle Tucker:

Denbigh lineman commits to Virginia Tech

Momentum is barreling in Virginia Tech's favor these days.

On Friday, the Hokies picked up their 15th football commitment in July and 17th overall when Newport News offensive lineman Jaymes Brooks picked Tech at a news conference.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound guard from Denbigh High chose the Hokies over offers from Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, N.C. State, South Carolina and Tennessee. Offensive line was Tech's biggest area of need in its 2007 recruiting class, and the Hokies have received verbal commitments from four offensive linemen. A fifth, Khalil Latif from Midlothian, visited Blacksburg on Friday and could make a decision before the end of the weekend.

Latif is rated the No. 13 player in the state by techsideline.com, while Brooks is No. 11. Rivals.com rates Latif No. 18 in Virginia and Brooks No. 23. So far, the average size of Tech's offensive line prospects is 6-4-1/2 and 291 pounds.

The Hokies also got a commitment this week from Kellam tight end Greg Nosal - who at 6-7, 255 pounds projects favorably as a future lineman. The depth of blockers piling up bodes well for the jewel of Tech's class, five-star quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Hokie Football: 2006 Schedule

2006-07-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

Virginia Tech 2006 Schedule
Realistic best case record with this schedule: 12-0
Barring total disaster worst case record: 8-4	Realistic record: 10-2
It'll be a major shocker if the Hokies aren't 5-0 going into a nationally televised road trip to Boston College. This is a tailor-made national title schedule with only one game, at Miami, that Tech is likely to be the underdog, and there isn't another killer to be found. Outside of the trip to Miami, the road schedule is a light breeze playing at North Carolina, BC and Wake Forest.
Sept. 2 - Northeastern	Oct. 21 - Southern Mississippi
Sept. 9 - @ North Carolina	Oct. 26 - (Thurs.) Clemson
Sept. 16 - Duke	Nov. 4 - @ Miami
Sept. 23 - Cincinnati	Nov. 11 - Kent State
Sept. 30 - Georgia Tech	Nov. 16 - @ Wake Forest
Oct. 12 - (Thurs.) @ Boston College	Nov. 25 - Virginia

Almost certain win

Likely loss

Could go either way

I've been all over CollegeFootballNews.com this week, as lately they've been unleashing preview after preview regarding practically every football team worth a damn, and while taking a glance at several ACC schedules, I stumbled upon their brief outlook on Virginia Tech's upcoming season. I decided to take it a little further, putting the schedule into a easy-to-read table and put in my two cents worth.

For the most part, this simply is a schedule for Virginia Tech with national title implications. In fact, the idea of a perfect season in 2006 for the Hokies is not at all far-fetched. All four out-of-conference matchups are a joke and will undoubtedly serve as a breeze for head coach Frank Beamer and his crew. The only obvious test for the Hokies will be their mid-season trip down to the sunny beaches in Miami, where VT has, in fact played better over the past few years. Other conference matchups such as hosting North Carolina and a trip to take on BC shouldn't be too much of a cause of concern for Hokie fans, as CFN summed it up best in their preview by stating:

If the Tar Heels and the Eagles are two of your biggest road obstacles to playing in the national title game, you're going to be in the hunt.

Virginia and Georgia Tech could also be deemed as big-time threats to dethrone any Hokie hopes at an unblemished record, but I just don't see these teams causing much of a ruckus against Bud Foster's stellar returning defensive unit led by the Big Three -- Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall and Aaron Rouse. Coming off career seasons, their individual performances will ultimately compromise much of the team's success or failures, so don't be surprised for them to surpass last year's numbers with ease.

Hokie Football: Don't Believe the Preseason Hype

2006-07-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

With the AP Preseason Polls just weeks away from being released, I couldn't help but indulge in a piece written over at CollegeFootballNews.com by columnist Richard Cirminiello, who in his article entitled, "Don't Believe the (Preseason) Hype", offers insight into which programs around the country in recent years have been over- or under-hyped based on their placement in the AP Preseason poll heading into the season. The main premise surrouding Ciriminiello's article revolves around the big question:

Which teams are the most consistently overrated (and underrated) by the preseason polls?

When actually addressing the question, however, one may find it a bit harder than usual to put aside any biases against a certain program, select a list of teams, and then back up their answer with a significant amount of research and analysis to further their claim.

That's where Cirminiello comes in, addressing the issue using a strict formula and composite score to judge each program without a tainted eye. In fact, here is what he describes as the main criteria to base his formula upon:

For this exercise, we’ve sampled AP rankings from the last 35 years and are only evaluating schools that have been recognized in 10 or more preseason polls. Trying to cull some meaning out of, say, Kansas, Indiana or any other school that makes a once-every-decade cameo in summer rankings would prove fruitless.

And Ciriminiello's individual composite score for each school is as follows:

Composite score represents the average annual number of spots a school's final ranking fell below its preseason ranking since 1971.

Now of the 31 teams Ciriminiello analyzed, Virginia Tech ranked 29th on the list of the teams considered to be the most overrated in college football over the past 35 years, meaning over the studied time-period, the average post-season ranking to pre-season ranking was lower in difference for Virginia Tech than 28 of the other programs. This ranking for the Hokies was just two spots behind the overall leader considered by Ciriminiello's formula as the must underrated team in college football history -- the Miami Hurricanes, whose program posted a composite score of -2.41, as opposed to Tech's score of -2.70.

Moving along the topic however, in looking back on last year, several teams entered the preseason polls being considered 'underrated', as they weren't making too much of a splash on the college scene -- with the main exception being USC at #1. No matter how you looked at it, aside from USC fans, many football followers in general put the Trojans in that 'overrated' category from the season's beginning to end, especially after seeing the Trojans show signs of weakness against conference opponents Oregon, Arizona State, and Washington, as well as seeing them literally push their way to a controversial overtime victory in South Bend.

The ultimate fact of the matter was despite the majority of college football fans recognizing USC's tandem of Reggie Bush and LenDale White as an unstoppable duo on the ground, other aspects of the team (primarily their defense), weren't thought of as highly, and the college football world watched in January as their respective flaws were exploited by the Texas Longhorns in the national title game.

Contrary to programs like USC, however, as the season progressed, several teams saw their underrated preseason status change for the better, grabbing the attention of college football fans by storm, with one clear-cut example of this being the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Entering the 2005 season ranked eighth in the AP Preseason Polls, Virginia Tech raced to an 8-0 start, earning a ranking as high as third in the nation, unfortunately however, everything for Virginia Tech came to a screeching halt following the university's 20-point loss to longtime rival Miami in a defeat that would go down as one of, if not the most devastating of all Hokie setbacks.

With that being said however, writing about the event caused me to reminisce. It takes great pains every time to take a minute and think about such a promising season and ask the question, "What could have been?"

- Had Virginia Tech won, would they have played better against Florida State, and gone into Bowl Season with a perfect record?
- Had Virginia Tech won, could Texas or USC have crumbled under the pressure of maintaining perfection and done the unthinkable -- actually drop a game?

The boundaries for queries are limitless, and though those questions pertain to a scenario that has no significance now, I still look back and try not to remember the season that ‘Could Have Been’ for VT, as well as the events that led to the downfall. Unfortunately though, I remember it a bit too well…

Virginia Tech’s success all began by the resurgence of a humble-mannered, well-behaved (aside from the Morgantown flip) Marcus Vick, who returning off a one-year suspension, got the ball rolling early for the Hokies with a crucial win over N.C. State and their star-studded defensive line. This victory was followed by a handful of dominant victories that came off as no surprise, unlike Vick’s success under center, whose flashes of brilliance on the field seemed reminiscent of his older brother. With everything going well heading into the later half of the season, the Hokies saw their winning streak unfold to eight consecutive games, causing many to take notice.

Perhaps no rise in the amount of publicity towards a program compared to that of VT’s in '05, and this was all arranged with a mid-season climax in mind when Larry Coker and company would be making a certain trip to Blacksburg. Looking back, if any attempt to limit school publicity was ever made (a highly unimaginable and extremely ludicrous feat in its own right), it sure didn't help that throughout the fall, the heralded and ever-popular ESPN Gameday crew came to Blacksburg for the first time in five years, twice. Hokie Hype was going through the roof, and there were no signs of it stopping anytime soon.

Meanwhile in the BCS, with the end of the season within sight, controversy was brewing on the thought regarding USC, Texas, and Virginia Tech all finishing the year with untainted records. The difference in strength of schedule between VT and Texas was razor thin, and talks arose as to who would play for a title, had the three-way tie been played out. Statistics and probability aside however, priority number one for the Hokies was, if they were to make any case at deserving a stab at a national championship, to make a strong showing come November 5 against ‘The U’.

Going into the highly publicized meeting with Miami, the Hokies were undefeated at 8-0, and the Hurricanes, under rookie quarterback Kyle Wright, were riding high as well, standing at 6-1 -- their only defeat being a three-point loss to in-state rival Florida State. On top of the impressive records, both Tech and Miami boasted the right as the top two defenses in the nation, respectively.

Though Tech had the better record going in, they were simply overwhelmed by the Hurricane defensive line, as they tore Vick and the Hokie offense to pieces, causing six turnovers from the Hokie playmaker, alone. From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, Miami dominated all 60 minutes, and had pulled out a much-more-lopsided victory than the final score of 27-7 indicated.

Immediately following that first loss for the Hokies, as expected, Tech went straight to being thrown in that pool of overrated programs in college football, and deservingly so -- their inability to win the big game came back to haunt the Hokies, and in regards to the BCS picture left them on the outside looking in.

When I look back at this time and moment of the 2005 season, as cliché as it sounds, that specific loss to Miami truly hurt my heart, and let me be the first to admit that I am not one to totally preoccupy my life so much with sports to the point where a loss during the regular season gets to me personally. To some that may come off as not being the diehard fan, but I see it as not getting too caught up in the physical endeavors of 11 grown men on a stretch of grass. On that note, however, that defeat was an extreme low-point during my tenure as a Virginia Tech student. It hit hard. Perhaps a simple explanation of the events leading up to the game would highlight what this game meant to not only myself, but the university as well.

In the week leading up to that game, all throughout campus there was that certain indescribable atmosphere -- the city of Blacksburg was literally booming and bustling with excitement towards the Saturday night matchup. Not only was the increased interest towards the two teams' meeting found amongst the students, but between the faculty and staff as well. Many professors, who usually made it a point to keep class lectures 'strictly business', were in this case, constantly talking amongst students in class about all things related to the approaching Saturday Night Showdown. Even at the dining halls, employees serving meals or working the cash register always seemed to work in a line or two regarding the game to the students as they came and went. All anyone seemed to be concerned with was the upcoming Miami game itself -- nothing more, nothing less.

With so much hype surrounding this one game with monumental consequences and ramifications to the rankings of each program, if you were hoping to attend, yet were not a season ticket holder or a student fortunate enough to land a ticket, then basically you were SOL in finding a seat in Lane without having to pay an arm and a leg. In fact, friends of mine amongst the stadium at kickoff said scalpers were, no joke, charging a full $1,000 for individual tickets spread throughout the upper to nosebleed sections, and people were paying. The public's desire to see this game in person was ridiculous.

Unfortunately for every ticket holder in attendance, there wasn't much of a game to be played, as all 65,000+ in attendance at Lane and millions nationwide watching on Primetime ESPN witnessed Frank Beamer's lineup get completely worked by a better, more determined Miami team from start to finish, erasing all hopes of a undefeated season and any remote chance at playing for a national title.

What ensued amongst the Virginia Tech campus following that loss was a complete and utter reversal in the overall demeanor of every single Blacksburg student and resident alike to the point where crowd-chant starters, notoriously known as the loudest and rowdiest of the diehard Hokie fans, were walking back to their cars, dorms, or buses with their heads hung low, in silence amongst throngs of depressed crowds everywhere. There would be no post-game rally, parties or celebrations, and rightfully so -- for all there was for the majority was just a dismal, disappointing ending to a dismal, disappointing showing by the home team on a night where they couldn't have played any worse.

Campus the following morning was a ghost town from dawn until dusk, compromising what arguably could have been considered the gloomiest day ever at Virginia Tech, period. The streets were pure silence. There were no cars, no students, no nothing -- hardly the case on the weekends. I specifically took note of this when I strolled through to get a quick bite at one of the on-campus dining halls. I never spent less time finding a parking spot or waiting to get my meal -- it seemed everyone was spending the day sulking up the loss in their room, depressed beyond any immediate types of consolement following such a devastating event.

The university would eventually return to normalcy two weeks later following a bye week with a 52-14 drubbing of bitter rival Virginia for the Commonwealth Cup and in-state bragging rights. Reflecting back on the Miami loss though, it seems unfathomable how the effects of just one game made such an impact on the university, and unfortunately, things would only get worse. Only a month later Hokie fans would have to witness the team's defeat at the hands of Florida State in the Conference Championship, in addition to having to experience the eventual dismissal of quarterback Marcus Vick from the program once again.

Skipping ahead to present day, foregoing a few minor developments for the Hokies during the off-season, the Hokies' ranking will be heavily affected by the loss of several key starters and a lack of experience all throughout the offensive depth chart. Despite that, however, led by a strong defensive rating, the Hokies should land a spot in the preseason rankings ranging in the mid-twenties, and with their relatively easy schedule this year, could go as well as 12-0, that's right, 12-0.

With that being said though, we'll save the reasoning behind that claim for another time, for as for right now, let's shift gears back to Ciriminiello and his article -- do have a peak at it.

Since 1971, 31 college football programs have graced the AP’s preseason Top 20—Top 25 beginning in 1989—at least 10 different years. Some have routinely lived up to their expectations, rewarding voters by either meeting or exceeding summer expectations with a solid season. Many others over the last 35 years, however, have not been as kind to the pollsters, often fading quickly and failing to meet their advanced billing.

Beyond being just interesting factoids and fodder for message boards, it’s relevant to understand which programs have historically received the benefit of the doubt in August, only to tank once the one meaningful barometer of success—live action—begins in September.

Preseason polls are vital because they establish expectations and give those chosen schools a decided head start in the race for a national championship. And if Behemoth U. is getting a perennial lofty ranking because of its reputation and national notoriety, well, that’s cause for a closer look. There’s little debate that biases exist in the rankings, but until preseason and postseason polls are compared side-by-side, it’s difficult to truly and tangibly know which schools have been overrated and which have earned their station on the charts.

For this exercise, we’ve sampled AP rankings from the last 35 years and are only evaluating schools that have been recognized in 10 or more preseason polls. Trying to cull some meaning out of, say, Kansas, Indiana or any other school that makes a once-every-decade cameo in summer rankings would prove fruitless.

Composite score represents the average annual number of spots a school's final ranking fell below its preseason ranking since 1971.

The 31 teams that have been in at least ten preseason AP polls

The Most Underrated Team Has Been...

31. Miami – The ‘Canes were a little late getting to this party, but once they arrived in the early 1980s, they were here to stay. The 1983 team traveled from No. 20 to No. 1, and kicked off a 10-year stretch in which Miami finished in the Top 10 eight times. Since that championship season, they’ve also crashed and burned just once. That was the one-year rebuilding period of 1997, when the ‘Canes went 5-6, lost by 47 to Florida State and had a rare postseason without a bowl game.

*Composite Score: -2.41

29. Virginia Tech – The Hokies’ first preseason AP ranking didn’t occur until 1994, but they’ve attracted enough attention to pick up the requisite 10 mentions to qualify for this debate. They’ve replaced spectacular with steady, notching at least seven wins and a bowl berth in each of the last 13 seasons. The bottom has yet to fall out since they started getting respect in the polls, and they’ve had just enough double-digit jumps in the polls to manufacture a very respectable composite score.

*Composite Score: -2.70

The Most Overrated Team Has Been...

1. Michigan State – No matter how good they look or how many starters are back, do not do it. Do not champion the Spartans, America’s most overrated college football program. Resist that temptation and you’ll prove wiser than your peers in the end. Ten times since 1971, Michigan State has been ranked in the preseason. In nine of those years, they ended the season unranked. And there are some real clunkers in the school vault, including Bobby Williams’ last team, which opened 2002 at No. 17, yet could only manage four victories and a host of off-field missteps.

*Composite Score: -19.80

Hokie Football: NCAA Football 07 Custom Cover: Eddie Royal

2006-07-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

Hokie Football: Virginia Tech Lands QB Tyrod Taylor

2006-07-22T09:26:00.000-04:00

Last night amongst a crowded press conference with much of the Tidewater area tuning in, Hampton High quarterback Tyrod Taylor announced his decision to play next year for Frank Beamer and 'The University of Virginia Tech', kicking his other prime choice of Florida University to the curb. Though it's no official letter-of-intent towards VT, this is still big, big news not only for the Hokies, but for many colleges around the nation as well, as the rising senior admitted to having been offered a total of over 50 scholarships altogether during his recruitment.

Hokie followers everywhere should be ecstatic upon hearing the newest of Hokies' commitment to come to Blacksburg, especially with the aftermath of the Marcus Vick controversy still looming as well as having to witness Tech's troubles at quarterback throughout the training sessions this past spring. Though Virginia Tech has been praised for their tremendous job towards in-state recruiting, it's been several years since the program landed a five-star quarterback, and this one is shaped exactly in the on-field mold of Marcus and his older brother, Michael.

As you may have already read in my earlier posts not more than a few days ago, this young man from Hampton Roads is the real deal, and to illustrate the effect his decision has already made in the area, here are several full articles from the local paper, the Daily Press, that have been all over this story since it unfolded last night:

Taylor's choice: Virginia Tech
Hampton High quarterback Tyrod Taylor picks Virginia Tech, saying he wants the chance to play close to his home and his family.
July 22, 2006
By Melinda Waldrop

In the end, Tyrod Taylor wanted to be close to his family.

Taylor, Hampton High School's highly sought-after quarterback, ended months of suspense Friday, announcing that he will stay in state and attend Virginia Tech next season.

His family - both immediate, including his two great-grandmothers, and extended, totaling about 200 people - was mighty glad to hear it.

The crowd, gathered at Crabbers Restaurant in Hampton, broke into a loud, lengthy cheer when Taylor made his choice live on WAVY News 10 TV. "I wanted to be around my family where they could come see me play, (and) I fit in well with the coaches and the players," Taylor said.

Taylor, who his dad said had been offered more than 50 scholarships, narrowed his choices to Florida and Virginia Tech. But after attending a camp for rising high school seniors at Tech on July 8, Taylor became more certain of his decision, and he canceled a visit to Florida he'd scheduled for last week.

"I had a real good feeling," after the camp, said Taylor, who said he also took into account the Hokies' pledge not to recruit any other quarterbacks from the class of 2007.

After he announced his choice - by saying "the University of Virginia Tech," which caused a few heads in the audience to snap around before he finished his unconventional phrasing - Taylor donned a maroon hat emblazoned with the letters VT that his mother, Trina Taylor, pulled from a gold bag. His dad, Rodney Taylor, soon sported similar headgear.

Rodney Taylor said his son liked Tech's academics, and the fact that he'll be competing on a national stage for the perennial ACC title contender.

"You know they're gonna be in some big games," Rodney Taylor said.

"Playing at Hampton High School, all the games are big over there. You can't lose any of them. We expect that same thing at Virginia Tech."

Rodney said his son visited Penn State, N.C. State, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and South Carolina.

Tyrod Taylor wanted to make his decision public before attending the Elite 11 quarterback camp in Los Angeles this weekend, and before beginning practice with the Crabbers, whom he led to the Division 5 state championship last season.

Several members of the championship team were on hand for the announcement, as was Elton Brown of the Arizona Cardinals, who played at Heritage and Hampton.

Taylor accounted for 2,588 total yards - 1,544 through the air and 1,044 on the ground - in 2005. Hampton coach Mike Smith said the process of choosing a college hasn't deterred Taylor from focusing on duplicating, if not bettering, those numbers this year.

"He hasn't quit working. I'll tell you that," Smith said. "I don't know that there's anybody that's worked any harder than he has. He's really put some time in in the offseason on his own. I think he's gonna go out and have a good showing at the Elite 11, come back, and be ready to roll."

Taylor's announcement came as no surprise to Smith, who gave Hampton native Curt Newsome credit for sealing Taylor's choice. Newsome, Tech's offensive line coach, who recruits the Southside and Hampton High, is a former coach at Kecoughtan and Heritage high schools and has enjoyed a long relationship with Smith and his players.

"He's just a really well-established name here in the community and in the state of Virginia," Smith said.

Smith also thinks the Hokies' offensive scheme will appeal to Taylor.

"He can play under center or in the shotgun, either one, and they utilize both aspects," Smith said. "They throw a lot of play-action, and the things that we do are similar in that respect. So I think he's gonna fit in extremely well."

Taylor isn't worried about any potential comparisons to former area standouts-turned-star Hokie QBs, such as Michael Vick, with whom he spoke before making his decision.

He's just eager to get to Blacksburg and begin competing for the starting job, currently being contested between Sean Glennon and Cory Holt.

Taylor said he's eligible to graduate from Hampton in December and enroll in Tech in January. He'll make that decision, he said, before the Crabbers' season starts in September.

"I just want to get there and play," Taylor said.

Taylor decision sparks Tech
With Tyrod Taylor's recruitment behind him, he's in the process of doing some recruiting of his own for Virginia Tech.
July 22, 2006
By Norm Wood

HAMPTON -- Tyrod Taylor looked comfortable early Friday evening with the Virginia Tech baseball cap pulled down over his eyes. He was ready to get back to his part-time job as one of Tech's biggest unofficial recruiters.

There will be time in the future to worry about Tech's depth chart at the quarterback position. That situation wasn't his most pressing concern Friday after he committed to Tech at a Hampton restaurant. Forget about Jim Cavanaugh, Bryan Stinespring and Curt Newsome, all Tech assistant coaches and the football program's primary recruiters. For the next few months, Taylor will be Tech's most influential recruiter.

"I'm going to try to bring in as many players as I can," Taylor said. "If I can't bring in any, I'll just work with what's there."

Taylor, who will be a senior at Hampton High this fall, has already started stumping for Tech with some of the nation's top wide receiver recruits. Numbers for receivers Jay Smith from Virginia Beach, Mark Barnes from South Carolina and Arrelious Benn from Washington, D.C., are all in his Taylor's cell phone.

Smith had 17 catches for 276 yards and six touchdowns last season at Kempsville, and will attend Lake Taylor High in Norfolk this fall. Taylor said he and Smith have had many conversations about college plans.

Smith is considering scholarship offers from Clemson, Michigan State, Miami, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Virginia and Virginia Tech. After hearing about Taylor's commitment to Tech, Smith's father, Mordecai, admitted it's bound to affect his son's decision.

"I thought it was a great decision to go to Tech," said Mordecai, who added Jay plans to announce his intentions after this coming football season. "In my opinion, and my son's opinion, he's one of the best players in the nation. My son would love to have the opportunity to play with him. It's definitely in our thought pattern (to go to Tech)."

Mordecai said Jay has official visits scheduled for both U.Va. and Tech. U.Va. picked up a commitment in April from Peter Lalich, a top-rated quarterback from West Springfield High in Northern Virginia. Despite Lalich's commitment, Mordecai said if Jay had to narrow his list down today, U.Va. would get cut before Tech.

It's all because of Taylor.

"Not taking anything away from Pete Lalich and Virginia, because the Virginia assistant coaches are great people, but this decision (by Taylor) does play a major factor," Mordecai said. "It's a new era at Virginia Tech. It's the Tyrod Taylor era. We saw the Michael Vick era. Now, we have to brace ourselves for this Tyrod Taylor era."

Taylor said he has spoken with Barnes, and has gotten a positive response regarding Tech, but hasn't had the opportunity to talk with Benn. Benn said he's looking forward to listening to what Taylor has to say.

"I've never really seen him play, so I don't really know much about him, but I definitely want to talk to him," said Benn, who added that Tech is currently behind Notre Dame, Florida State, Illinois and Maryland on his list. "I know who he is. I'm going to go check out some video and things (on Taylor) right now."

Though Taylor just made public one of the worst-kept secrets in recruiting circles, his college future hasn't been any mystery to Tech recruits. At a July 8 camp at Tech for rising high school senior football players, Taylor said he told a few recruits he was going to commit to Tech.

He said he spoke with offensive linemen William Alvarez and Blake DeChristopher and receiver Patrick Terry. DeChristopher had committed to Tech two days earlier. Terry committed on the day of the camp, and Alvarez committed July 15. They were three of Tech's 10 commitments during a torrid 11-day span.

After he's done making his phone calls to recruits, Taylor said he will make a decision on whether to enroll at Tech in January or wait until fall 2007. With sophomores Sean Glennon and Cory Holt fighting for Tech's starting quarterback job this fall, and redshirt freshman Ike Whitaker waiting in the wings, the sooner Taylor gets to Tech may be the better.

Considering Tech has had its share of success with mobile quarterbacks in recent history (see Michael Vick, Bryan Randall and Marcus Vick), it might not take long for Taylor to move ahead of Glennon, Holt and Whitaker.

"They're all good players," Taylor said. "I love to compete. There's competition wherever you go. I want to compete for that job as long as it's fair.

LET'S GO HOKIES!

Hokie Football: Taylor: 'It's Virginia Tech'

2006-07-21T08:44:00.000-04:00

This is BIG. More tomorrow.

TYROD TAYLOR: IT'S VIRGINIA TECH
Highly regarded Hampton quarterback picks Hokies over the University of Florida.
MELINDA WALDROP and LYNN BURKE
Daily Press
July 21, 2006, 6:29 PM EDT

HAMPTON -- Tyrod Taylor, Hampton High School's highly touted and heavily recruited quarterback, will play his college football at Virginia Tech.

Taylor picked Virginia Tech over traditional SEC title contender Florida during a televised press conference Friday night. He becomes the fourth high-profile Peninsula quarterback in the last decade to pick Virginia Tech, following Michael Vick and Marcus Vick, both from Warwick, and Bruton's Bryan Randall.

Taylor also considered Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina State.

The crowd gathered at Crabbers Restaurant in Hampton broke into a loud, lengthy cheer when Taylor made his choice live on WAVY News 10.

"I wanted to be around my family where they could come see me play, (and) I fit in well with the coaches and the players," Taylor said.

Taylor, who his dad said had been offered upwards of 50 total scholarships, narrowed his choices to Florida and Virginia Tech in late spring. But after attending a camp for rising high school seniors at Tech on July 8, Taylor became more certain of his decision, and he canceled a visit to Florida he'd scheduled for last week.

"I had a real good feeling" after the camp, said Taylor, who said he also took into account the Hokies' pledge not to recruit any other quarterbacks from the class of 2007.

Taylor amassed 2,588 yards -- 1,544 passing and 1,044 rushing - as he led the Crabbers to the Division 5 state championship last season as a junior. Rivals.com, a website that tracks high school recruits, ranks Taylor as the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the country and the No. 18 prospect overall. Scout.com ranks Taylor as the No. 7 quarterback prospect nationally.

Taylor has said he wanted to announce his decision before attending the Elite 11 quarterback camp in Southern California this weekend. Nike selected 12 top rising senior quarterbacks from a pool of more than 1,000 candidates to attend the camp.

Hampton coach Mike Smith said he and Taylor discussed several different schools, taking into account things such as whether Taylor's family would be able to see him play.

Smith's program also has produced such high school quarterbacks as Ronald Curry, now a wide reciever with the Oakland Raiders, and Marques Hagans, who was drafted by St. Louis out of Virginia in May.

Smith said Taylor reminds him of those two in several key ways.

"I think all three of those guys had the same God-given ability," Smith said. "They're talented, and they don't let things bother them. If they make a mistake or somebody on their team makes a mistake, they don't dwell on it. They're all confident. They all take command in the huddle, but they don't let things bother them, and I think that's really, really important as a quarterback, that you don't dwell on what's happened."

Smith said the hype surrounding Taylor's decision is probably the greatest of the three because of the national exposure he's gotten through camps and combines.

Hagans went on to a successful four-year career at Virginia, becoming the school's second-most accurate passer, and is expected to contribute to the Rams on special teams. Curry's collegiate career at North Carolina was injury-plagued, and he's currently trying to recover from a torn Achilles' tendon.

Taylor, Smith thinks, has the potential to achieve great success at the next level.

"He's played against a lot of speed," Smith said. "He's played against a lot of great athletes. He's a very disciplined kid. He's got all the characteristics that he would need. … Barring injury, he's gonna be a good one."

For more details, read the Saturday editions of the Daily Press.

Hokie Football: NCAA 07 Player Ratings

2006-07-19T11:51:00.000-04:00

As I write this, I'm fairly confident that the majority of people reading this already hopped over yesterday to their local Wal-Mart or video game retailer and picked up a copy of this year's NCAA Football title, so on that note, many of you are probably already aware of the ratings of the players posted in this piece. But for any of you Hokie fans out there who haven't bought the game yet or perhaps were just curious as to see how the guys over at EA Sports made Beamer's Boys for this upcoming season, this post is for you.

*Disclaimer: Before posting, I briefly browsed for other sites around the web for a simple player rating database for this year's roster, but to my dismay I found only one, and as of today it was not updated with the new ratings.*

NCAA Football 07 Virginia Tech Hokies Player Ratings
Number	Last	First	Position	Year	Overall Rating
1	Harris	Victor	CB	So.	80
2	Morgan	Josh	WR	Jr.	87
4	Royal	Eddie	WR	Jr.	87
6	Bowman	Andrew	LB	r-So.	72
7	Glennon	Sean	QB	r-So.	82
8	Boone	Greg	QB	r-Fr.	71
9	Hall	Vince	LB	r-Jr.	93
11	Adibi	Xavier	LB	r-Jr.	96
12	Holt	Cory	QB	r-So.	80
13	Gordon	Corey	LB	r-Jr.	75
15	Minor	Roland	CB	r-Jr.	87
18	Flowers	Brandon	CB	r-So.	82
19	Hyman	Josh	WR	r-Jr.	83
20	Lewis Jr.	Kenny	RB	Fr.	77
23	Schmitt	Nic	P	r-Sr.	93
25	Parker	D.J.	FS	Jr.	87
26	Hicks	Kent	CB	r-So.	75
27	Cheeseman	Jahre	CB	r-Fr.	76
28	Ore	Branden	RB	r-So.	76
30	Wade	Cary	ROV	r-Sr.	85
31	Hill	Brenden	LB	r-Sr.	86
33	Warren	Brett	LB	Jr.	80
34	Bell	George	RB	r-So.	86
36	Rouse	Aaron	ROV	r-Sr.	94
37	Allen	Jesse	FB	r-Sr.	92
38	Lewis	Elan	RB	r-Fr.	81
39	Weatherford	Carlton	FB	r-Jr.	75
40	Wall	William	DE	r-Fr.	82
41	Martin	Cam	FS	r-Fr.	80
43	Virgil	Stephen	CB	Fr.	74
45	Sturdivant	Purnell	LB	r-So.	76
46	Pace	Brandon	K	r-Sr.	94
49	Ellis	Chris	DE	r-Jr.	93
51	Welsh	Matt	G	r-So.	75
58	Shuman	Ryan	C/G	r-So.	80
59	Booker	Barry	DT	r-Jr.	85
60	Burnett	Chris	DT	r-Sr.	77
63	Norris	Robert	G	r-Fr.	70
67	Marshman	Nick	G	r-So.	74
69	McGrath	Danny	C	r-Sr.	88
70	Render	Sergio	G	Fr.	76
71	Brown	Aaron	T	Fr.	77
74	Frye	Brandon	T	r-Sr.	86
75	Robertson	Kory	DT	r-Jr.	86
76	Brown	Duane	T	r-Jr.	85
77	Gore	Brandon	G	r-Sr.	82
79	Davis	Eric	G	r-Fr.	72
80	Dillard	Brandon	WR	r-Fr.	67
81	Harper	Justin	WR	Jr.	83
82	Friday	Justin	DE	Fr.	77
83	Wheeler	Sam	TE	Fr.	83
85	Wang	Ed	TE	r-Fr.	75
87	Clowney	David	WR	Sr.	86
90	Martin	Orion	DE	r-So.	78
92	Dunlevy	Jud	PK	r-Jr.	80
93	Green	Hivera	DT	r-Fr.	73
95	Thompson	Cordarrow	DT	r-Fr.	71
96	Burchette	Noland	DE	r-Sr.	92
98	Develli	Jared	PK	Jr.	82
99	Powell	Carlton	DT	r-Jr.	88

Hokie Football: Individual Game Tickets Now On Sale

2006-07-19T10:59:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Hokiesports.com

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced today that a limited number of football tickets are now on sale for three of the eight home games scheduled in 2006. Tickets are available for Tech's home opener vs. Northeastern on Saturday, Sept. 2; Tech's ACC home opener vs. Duke on Saturday, Sept. 16; and the Hokies' Nov. 11 contest with Kent State. The available tickets are due in part to each of the visiting teams returning a portion of their ticket allotments.

To purchase tickets call the Virginia Tech Athletic Ticket Office at (540) 231-6731 or toll-free at 1-800 VA TECH4 (1-800-828-3244), or log on to Hokietickets.com.

Hokie Football: Four New Commitments

2006-07-17T08:52:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Staff Wire Reports from the Daily Press

Hokies get four more commitments
July 17, 2006

Though the pace is sure to slow down, Virginia Tech might fill all available spots for its 2007 football recruiting class by the end of July if commitments continue to roll in at this rate.

Tech added four more commitments this past weekend, all from offensive players: tackle William Alvarez, wide receiver Danny Coale and running backs Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby. They bring Tech's commitment total to 11. Tech picked up nine of those players in nine days (July 6-15). Feb. 7 is the first day recruits can sign a letter of intent with a university.

Alvarez, a 6-foot-6, 305-pounder from C.D. Hylton High in Woodbridge, got scholarship offers from Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Penn State, Miami, North Carolina and others.

Coale, a 6-foot, 195-pound student at Episcopal High in Alexandria, had an offer from Virginia Military Institute in his hometown of Lexington. He had 14 touchdown receptions last season.

Evans, a 6-foot, 215-pounder from Warren Central High in Indianapolis, considered offers from Purdue, Colorado, Washington, Louisville and others. He has more than 4,300 rushing yards and has scored 66 TDs in the last two seasons combined.

Oglesby, a 6-foot, 210-pound recruit from Garner High in Garner, N.C., turned down offers from Wake Forest, N.C. State, East Carolina and UNC.

As mentioned, with the added recruits, our current total of commitments increased to 11. Here's a look at who has verbally committed to becoming a Hokie.

Name	Position	Stars	Height	Weight	40	Hometown	State	Status
Alvarez, William	OL	* * *	6-5	305	N/A	Woodbridge	VA	VT Commit
Barden, Brandon	TE	* * *	6-5	220	4.57	Lincolnton	GA	VT Commit
Battle, Kwamaine	DT	* *	6-1	260	4.8	Bailey	NC	VT Commit
Coale, Danny	WR	* *	6-0	195	4.42	Lexington	VA	VT Commit
DeChristopher, Blake	OL	* * *	6-5	290	5.0	Midlothian	VA	VT Commit
Drager, Chris	TE	* * *	6-4	235	4.8	Jefferson Hills	PA	VT Commit
Evans, Darren	RB	* * *	6-0	205	4.55	Indianapolis	IN	VT Commit
Lanier, Andrew	TE	* *	6-5	305	4.75	Roebuck	SC	VT Commit
Odom, Quillie	LB	* * *	6-1	200	4.6	Manassas	VA	VT Commit
Oglesby, Josh	RB	* * *	6-5	220	4.57	Lincolnton	GA	VT Commit
Terry, Patrick	WR	* *	6-0	182	4.39	South Boston	VA	VT Commit

Hokie Football: Tyrod Taylor Update

2006-07-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

Just following my article yesterday on the Hampton High football standout and possible future Hokie quarterback Tyrod Taylor, today the local Hampton Roads newspaper, the Daily Press, released this article into print about the prospect, basically reaffirming many of the things I wrote yesterday, and going further into depth.

Kudos to DP sportswriter Melinda Waldrop for putting together this detailed article that features insight from not only Taylor's head coach, the local legend in Mike Smith, but from Taylor himself, on the main issue of who will be his college of choice come 2007.

To check it out, you can read the quoted article in full below or click here for the original link.

Hampton High's Taylor to make college pick
Tyrod Taylor inches closer to announcing his decision, but his coach says he's already made up his mind.

BY MELINDA WALDROP
July 15, 2006

HAMPTON -- One of the players drawing the most attention at Friday night's VHSCA East-West all-star football clash wasn't even in the game.

Hampton High quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who will be a senior this fall, roamed the sidelines as Virginia's best graduating seniors competed in front of him. Dressed in baggy denim pants cinched just above the ankle with a snappy drawstring, Taylor exchanged handshakes with players, greeted friends and often pressed his cell phone to his ear.

A lot of eyes have been on Taylor for a long time. Having narrowed a laundry list of interested Division I suitors down to Virginia Tech and Florida, Taylor is set to announce a public decision in a week, Crabbers coach Mike Smith said. But Smith also said Taylor's choice has already been made.

"He knows where he's going," Smith said Friday night. "I know where he's going."

Taylor himself didn't have much to offer on the subject. "I'm trying to get to Florida next week," he said in between critiquing the East coaches' playcalling from the sideline.

Taylor said he still wants to announce his choice before he attends the Elite 11 quarterback camp in Los Angeles, slated for July 24-27. The camp is designed to highlight the country's top 12 rising senior quarterbacks, selected by Nike from a field of more than 1,000 candidates.

Taylor accounted for 2,588 total yards - 1,544 through the air and 1,044 on the ground - and 30 touchdowns as Hampton won the Division 5 state championship last season. He also showed off his ability as a cornerback, causing the title-clinching fumble as the Crabbers defeated Stone Bridge to claim the state crown.

Taylor's stat-studded year has led to much interest in Smith's storied program, which has also produced current Oakland Raider Ronald Curry and Marques Hagans, drafted by St. Louis in May after a four-year career at Virginia.

"We've been through a lot of them," Smith said. "We just kind of let them go through it, but (Taylor) has handled it well."

Smith said Taylor has talked to him about the recruiting process, but didn't go into great detail about how he culled the teams he was considering, including Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina State, to the Hokies and the Gators.

"We talked about things, just like all the guys," Smith said. "Things you want to look for, and where you're comfortable. ... Are your parents gonna be able to see you on Saturday? ... He's thought a lot about it."

Smith said Taylor has tentative plans to reveal his choice next Friday at Crabbers Restaurant in Hampton. A few weeks later, on Aug. 14, the Crabbers begin practice and pursuit of a second consecutive state championship.

"I think that it's important that he does it before the season starts," Smith said. "Whoever gets him, they're gonna get a good one. (But) they can't have him till we're through with him."

Hokie Football: The Second Coming of (Michael) Vick?

2006-07-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

Virginia's very own Tyrod Taylor is on the verge of entering the national spotlight, joining the likes of California standout Jimmy Clausen (above), who has already commited to joining the Fighting Irish.

While strolling through ESPN.com this morning, I came across their recent high school football recruit list they had updated, entitled "The ESPN 150", featuring their choice of 150 of the nation's best high school and prep school seniors.

Just upon glancing at the large collection of names already full of prestige, yet still booming with potential, perhaps the only name that caught my eye, aside from the top overall ranked player, Jimmy Clausen, was that of a Hampton, Va. quarterback whom critics and fans alike have already begun to compare to the likes of Virginia high school football legends Michael Vick and Ronald Curry.

That being said however, being compared at such a young age to players with incredible football pedigrees might come off to some players as not that flattering compliment, but as an intimidating assumption, for a comparison like that leaves one with extremely big shoes to fill, and Taylor, of all people, knows this. Fortunately for him, filling those shoes with another impressive season will be that much easier this year, as he will not have to play with the added pressure of his senior performance making-or-breaking his chance at a college offer. The Hampton Crabber has recently stated that his list of over 50 college offers was narrowed down to two, with Florida University being one, and Virginia Tech being the other.

Yes, I know. Your interest in this article just increased dramatically. And it should have, for the chance of this young prospect with all kinds of talent and heaps of potential coming to Blacksburg is a reality -- something that has coaches at Blacksburg salivating over the thought of him playing at Lane.

So with that being said, still in the dark as to who I've been referring to? None of this sound familiar at all? Then I guess you haven't been paying that much attention to the the recruiting sites lately, but not to worry, because without further ado, let me take the time to introduce to you the name of a football phenom that you will undoubtedly be hearing in the many years to come:

Tyrod Taylor.

Come a few years time on the college level, he will be all the rage. Best believe it.

I first became aware of this talent in early January over the Winter break in, when during my time back home from Tech (in Yorktown -- you know, where we beat the British), my parents received the sudden urge to witness a game featuring two of the area's top high school basketball programs, the Hampton Crabbers and the Bethel Bruins (where he went), after reading about the matchup in the local paper.

Upon making their decision, I was asked to come along and agreed to do so, giving into the hype, knowing that these two bitter rivals were pitted off against one another in not just any old, regular matchup -- this game was going to be for the championship of Bethel's esteemed Christmas tournament.

After making about a ten minute drive down the street to the nearby venue, we arrived to the ticket booth surrounding the school gym with loads of time to spare before tip-off, but despite that, the facility was already approaching its sold-out status and we had to scrunch our way into the back of the crowded stands, slightly scattered between other families and fans awaiting the start of the game.

As tip-off time slowly started to approach, both teams entered the gym for warmups, when I casually first catch a glimpse of the Hampton standout in Taylor with whom his reputation I was only slightly familiar with, and the only reason I remember noticing him was because of how he stood out with a puffy afro that rivaled that of Mr. Ben Wallace himself.

In my forgetful mind, the game came and went -- my only true memories being Bethel winning the game on a shot with a second remaining on the clock, as well as the crowd around me seeming obviously impressed by the talent of Taylor as he wowed everyone watching with an array of athletic moves and finishes at the basket. Though I forget the exact amount of double-digit points he finished with (which was not available online for internet confirmation), I do remember Taylor earning MVP honors of the entire tournament (which was available online for internet confirmation),a respectable feat to accomplish in one of the state's better, if not best, Christmas tournaments.

All in all for Taylor, though an impressive athlete on the basketball court, word is Taylor's skills on the hardwood don't even compare to the insane amount of talent he posseses on the gridiron. In fact, as a junior last year, not only did the junior throw for nine touchdowns and more than 1,500 yards, but he also showed he had the coveted ability to create plays on the run, as he racked up a total of 21 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards on the ground. Time and time again, Taylor was able to find the end zone, and his success as a complete all-around threat under center was all the reason why the Crabbers finished with a 14-1 record.

(Highlights of the team's season included a 66-20 romping over the Vick's former high school in Warwick, followed by the avenging of the Crabber's only loss on the season -- a 6-12 defeat at the hands of the Adibi's former high school in Phoebus, by defeating the Phantoms a month later by a final score of 29-7).

Bringing a pass-first but "run when necessary" mentality to the quarterback position similar to the Vicks, Taylor (left) finished last season with a total of 30 scores in addition to more than 2,500 all-purpose yards -- as a junior. Come next year, the reality of the Hampton Roads dual-threat QB coming to Blacksburg is surprisingly much closer than you'd be inclined to think.

Following the team's remarkable season which included a run all the way to the state finals, Taylor capped off the successful season the only way he knew how -- leading the Crabbers a 15-8 victory, and its 17th AAA state football championship, finishing the game with a total of 106 yards on 15 carries and a score.

Ever since his success during his junior year, Taylor has been the recipient of consistent praise and accolades, as even the area's paper, the Daily Press had him crowned as the area's Athlete of the Year. ESPN's Top 150, which lists the young Taylor as the 13th best player in the entire nation, also has him as one of the top three quarterbacks in America to keep an eye on. Even the highly respected (and worshipped) Rivals.com gave the Virginia Prospect a five-star rating, in addition to his ranking as the second best dual-threat quarterback and the 18th best player in the entire country.

Still not impressed?

Perhaps the fact that the kid runs a 4.5 40-yd dash, or that he has a 32-inch vertical, or that he has some size as a 6'1, 200 pound 16-year-old does it for you. Perhaps it doesn't, I agree -- he's not some giant physical specimen under center. But looking back, our greatest playcaller to date didn't possess the biggest of all statures -- in fact he was smaller at that same phase of his career.

In the end, what it all boils down to catching my eye about Taylor is the fact that the kid honestly (and I don't have never said this) reminds me of that former quarterback who wore that sacred Hokie number seven, and come 2007, the possibility of him coming to the 'Burg is a strong possibility, as Rivals.com reports:

It's down to an either/or situation for Hampton (Va.) dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor. After narrowing his list of over fifty offers down to a final two of Virginia Tech and Florida, the nation's No. 18 rated player will make his final decision in a couple of weeks while out in California participating in the EA SPORTS Elite 11 Camp.

50/50? When it comes to a quarterback this good joining your program, I'm not complaining.

And when it's all said and done, I'm pretty sure this guy isn't either.

	Tyrod Taylor
	School:	Hampton High
	Height:	6-foot-1
	Weight	200 Pounds
	Jersey Number:	5
	Position:	Quarterback
	40-yard dash:	4.55 secs
	Vertical	32 Inches
	Shuttle	3.93 secs
	College Choices	Virginia Tech / Florida

Scout.com Player Evaluation: Tyrod Taylor

STRENGTHS

+ Accuracy / Consistency

+ Running Ability / Mobility

+ Touch

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

- Size

Biography:

As a passer Taylor has all the throws in his arsenal. He can throw with zip or touch, is very accurate and throws a great deep ball. When forced out of the pocket Taylor shows excellent accuracy when throwing on the run, even against his body. While in the pocket he is very tough to bring down because of his exceptional quickness, hips and footwork.

Last season, Taylor led Hampton to the Group AAA Division 5 State Championship and earned Associate Press All-State honors after passing for 1,544 yards and nine touchdowns, and rushing for 1,044 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Hokie Football: Summer Update

2006-05-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

Yes, it has been a hot minute since I put up anything related to Virginia Tech's recently dissapointing athletic programs, but I'll attribute that to me being on the college grind and making that 'difficult' transition to summer.

Realistically though, when it's come to updating, I've just been plain negligent to do any.

But just like a certain former Hokie quarterback/convict, I'll get back on top of things, though maybe not exactly in the same manner this felon might have gone about it. (When it's all said and done, he literally gets on top of things).

With that being said however, as I'm sure you all are aware of, here's a quick recap on some Virginia Tech happenings that have gone down since my last post in early April.

1. April 15: Hokie Football concludes its spring training session ends with the play of the university's annual Spring Game -- In a closely contested matchup, Tech's Maroon team defeats White by a score of 14-10.

2. April 17: Hokie Football head coach Frank Beamer declares redshirt-junior Sean Glennon next year's starting quarterback over other contenders Cory Holt, Ike Whitaker and Greg Boone.

3. April 29-30: The 2006 NFL Draft takes place -- a total of nine Hokies are chosen. Of all the Hokie prospects chosen, perhaps the name that grabs the most attention amongst draft viewers is unselected quarterback Marcus Vick.

1. Jimmy Williams, 2nd round (37th overall), Atlanta Falcons
2. Darryl Tapp, 2nd round (31st overall), Seattle Seahawks
3. James Anderson, 3rd round (88th overall), Carolina Panthers
4. Jeff King, 5th round (155th overall), Carolina Panthers
5. Jonathan Lewis, 6th round (177th overall), Arizona Cardinals
6. Justin Hamilton, 7th round (222nd overall), Cleveland Browns
7. Jimmy Martin, 7th round (227th overall), San Diego Chargers
8. Will Montgomery, 7th round (234th overall), Carolina Panthers
9. Cedric Humes, 7th round (240th overall), Pittsburgh Steelers

4. May 5-7: Ex-Hokie starting quarterback Marcus Vick practices with the Miami Dolphins in the team's rookie camp.

5. May 11: The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announces that the Hokies will play a home-and-away football series with the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers beginning in 2008.

6. May 15: Vick later signs with the Miami Dolphins as an 'undrafted college free agent.' He is assigned the number 16 and is listed as a multi-position player: quarterback/wide receiver/specialist.

Hokie Football: Column on Marcus Vick

2006-05-02T11:45:00.000-04:00

Interesting piece on "Michael's convict brother" that I'm sure many Hokie fans and critics alike will come to agree with.

Marcus Vick's on-field skills can't hide his off-field shenanigans
May 2nd, 2006
by Clark Ruhland

Suzy Kolber made me laugh a little bit on Sunday. I have to admit, I watched the second day of the NFL Draft, the day for die-hard football fans. Kolber, ESPN's Sunday anchor, led all viewers to believe that Marcus Vick was going to be drafted, even after four Virginia Tech players were selected in the seventh and final round.

"The seventh round has belonged to Virginia Tech," Kolber said with 10 picks remaining. "But still, no Marcus Vick."

The picks kept winding down: Ten ... Seven ... Three - Vick was still on the board. Finally, the last pick was coming up. Once again, Kolber talked about Vick.

"All of the fans in here have been chanting Marcus Vick for the last 10 minutes," Kolber said, in a laughing tone. "Will he be Mr. Irrelevant?"

Finally, Paul Salata, the founder of the Mr. Irrelevant award, came out to announce the final pick in the draft. The crowd grew quiet, ready to hear Vick's name be called.

"The 2006 Mr. Irrelevant is Kevin McMahan, wide receiver, the University of Maine," said Salata, as the crowd began to chastise the selection.

"Now, don’t boo him," Salata said.

Fans were booing with laughter. The brother of the most prolific player in pro football and the first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference quarterback was not valued as a better pick than Furman's Ingle Martin (148th overall) and Toledo's Bruce Gradkowski (194th overall). The draft was officially closed, and the biggest question on day two was answered: Nobody took Marcus Vick.

Vick has potential -- we all know that -- but so did Ryan Leaf, the second overall pick in 1998. Leaf will always be known as the biggest flop in draft history due to his immaturity and arrogance. Vick's biggest flaw, much like Leaf's, is his lack of character on and off the field, a huge turn-off for current teams.

On the field, Vick had a great year statistically, earning him several accolades. But his antics -- showing the West Virginia fans that they were "number one" and the Elvis Dumervil stomp -- were played over and over on television, dropping his already fragile credibility down the drain. Then came more run-ins with the law, forcing fans to question if he would be selected in the draft at all.

Obviously, the draft is about athleticism, but character comes a very close second. Teams look for players they know will represent their team in a positive light.

Ryan Leaf set the San Diego Chargers back almost seven years.

After covering the Hokie football team for two years, I knew who was a good fit in the NFL by their athleticism and mostly their character. Two guys with tremendous character that immediately come to mind are Darryl Tapp and James Anderson -- taken in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Tapp and Anderson handle themselves with class regardless of setting. Both players are leaders on and off the field. Anderson, Tech's quiet defensive leader, was recognized as a Virginia Tech scholar athlete of the year. Tapp, who is heavily involved with Athletes in Action, graduated a semester early to prepare for the NFL.

All of the Hokies taken in the draft showed class this season. After all the years of thugs on Tech's team in the mid-1990s, the team's characteristics have changed drastically. The Team United philosophy has worked to perfection, led mainly by the players drafted this year.

Vick was destined for the NFL this year. If he had not contributed to the delinquency of minors, not been caught possessing marijuana, not driven with a suspended license and not allegedly brandished a firearm, Vick would be sitting pretty.

If Vick never got into trouble in the first place, he would have won the starting job over Bryan Randall in 2004 and had a Heisman Trophy-caliber year last season. He would have forgone his senior year and darted to the NFL Draft. Some experts projected him to be a top pick.

Instead, the train-wreck of Marcus Vick went undrafted due to the fact that nobody wants to take a chance on him. His lack of character cost him a guaranteed contract and numerous sponsorship endorsement deals.

Vick is a laughing matter. His talent alone has earned him an invitation to the Miami Dolphins rookie camp, but if he would have kept his nose clean, he could have had a starting roster spot and been known as Marcus, not "Michael's convict brother."

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #8 - Michael Gee

2006-04-09T10:49:00.001-04:00

Hokies ready for arrival of Gee
April 12th, 2006
by Naeemah McDuffey, Senior Staff Writer

This is the final part of the Collegiate Times' eight-week series looking at some of the incoming football talent for the class of 2006.

In walks a quiet, sometimes distant young man, but out marches a relentless warrior. Mike Gee's transformation on the field is an alter ego that can paralyze even the toughest of opponents.

On the field, the 6-foot-1-inch, 228 pound defensive end from New Jersey is fierce and aggressive, but when the game is over, the gladiator leaves, and a subdued soft-spoken man remains, often with more on his mind than football.

Throughout his high school career, Gee's focus wasn't only on football, but on his family. Gabe Infante, Queen of Peace High School's defensive coordinator (Gee's 2004 school), watched him balance both aspects of his life.

"Mike's a family-oriented kid," Infante said. "They have a difficult situation, so Mike works to help support the family."

Even with responsibilities at home, Gee constantly proves himself out on the field, receiving national and state recognition for his skills.

Gee was ranked as the No. 11 weakside defensive end in the country by rivals.com and as the No. 7 player in the Garden State by Super Prep.

His quickness on the field and his ability to make plays makes him shine on the field.

"He runs extremely well for (a) kid that size. He really comes off the ball well," Infante said. "He plays well with his hands, and is able to change directions extremely well."

His talent has made Gee a standout player since his freshman year.

"Mike has garnered attention from big time schools ever since he was a freshman," Infante said. "For his size, he’s just very athletic. He's into the curve pretty much throughout. So he's always been a kid that’s got a lot of attention."

Even after moving to three different high schools, his athleticism enticed recruiters to stay on his trail.

Virginia Tech defensive line coach, Charley Wiles, was one of them. He knew Gee's drive to succeed would make him a nice addition to Tech’s squad.

"I think he'll fit in well." Wiles said. "I mean, the guy is very hungry, I think he's very anxious to come down and be a big part of what's going on here in our program. I think Mike is the guy who you know goes the extra mile. I think he's going to fit in real well, he's our kind of guy."

Gee's size should help him achieve on the field with Tech, and his agility will also make him a nice addition to the squad.

"I try to make a lot of plays," Gee said. "I play quick and I just try to be a playmaker all over the field."

Though off the field Gee is described as shy and quiet by many of his coaches, he still impacts the team by allowing his actions to speak louder than words.

"He's not very outspoken," said Madei Williams, assistant coach of Dwight Morrow High School (Gee’s current school). "He probably leads by example. He's the unspoken leader. So he has a big presence on a lot of them (his teammates) on the field and off the field as well."

The Hokies hope to feel the presence of this soft-spoken warrior in the upcoming football season.

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #7 - Beau Warren

2006-04-06T12:51:00.000-04:00

Beau's bloodlines lead to Blacksburg and brothers
April 6th, 2006
by Matt Sams, Senior Staff Writer

Today the Collegiate Times profiles Beau Warren, a three-star offensive lineman from Clifton, Virginia in part seven of a look at Virginia Tech's top football recruits.

For offensive lineman Beau Warren, there was never really any question about where he would play his college football.

In fact, when Warren arrives in Blacksburg this fall, it will have been a full year since he verbally committed to Tech on Aug. 5, 2005 -- a timeline rarely seen these days, as big-time college football recruits often back out of verbal commitments.

He was rated the No. 23 player in Virginia and the No. 55 offensive guard in the country by rivals.com, the No. 73 offensive lineman in the country by scout.com, the No. 23 player in Virginia by "The Roanoke Times," and the No. 20 player in the state by "SuperPrep."

Although he was offered scholarships by other Bowl Championship Series conference schools such as Vanderbilt (Southeastern) and Syracuse (Big East), Warren said there were many factors that played a part in his decision to sign with Virginia Tech.

"I love the atmosphere; Tech has great academics and an awesome campus that isn't too urban," Warren said. "Plus, (former assistant coach) Lorenzo Ward helped me become familiar with the coaching staff and the facilities at Tech. I also have a lot of friends from home who are going to Tech in the fall."

Family Ties

Interestingly enough, Warren failed to mention another factor that may have played a major role in his decision to attend Virginia Tech -- that his two older brothers are also involved with the Hokie football program. In fact, redshirt-senior Blake Warren will graduate from Tech this spring after playing four seasons at whip linebacker, while junior Brett Warren will enter his third season at middle linebacker in the 2006 campaign.

When asked about the obvious family ties at Tech, Beau was reluctant to say that the elder Warrens influenced his decision to sign with the Hokies.

"As much as I don’t want to admit it, they both probably played a part in my decision," Warren said. "I've been coming down to watch them play for a long time, so I guess they helped me see more of the campus and become used to the program."

Jim Cavanaugh, Tech's recruiting coordinator, agrees that the family history may have played a role in Warren's decision, but he feels it was not the decisive factor.

"I think Blake and Brett playing here had a helluva lot do with Beau committing, because it allowed him to become more acquainted with the program," Cavanaugh said. "But at the same time, those guys are pretty independent and they're gonna let each other make up their own minds."

Although only three years separate Brett and Beau, the two have never had the chance to play against each other in high school because Beau played on the freshman team when Brett was a senior. And after speaking with the Warrens, it seems clear that brotherly love will be hard to find on the Tech practice field.

"Not many people have the chance to play with a sibling, and I'm lucky enough to play with both of mine," Brett said with a smile. "I never got to line up against Blake because we were both on defense; so I guess I'll just have to put Beau in his place."

The three Warren boys aren't the only members of the family who are familiar with the pigskin, their father Donnie Warren played tight end for the Washington Redskins from 1979-1992 and still ranks among the franchise's career reception leaders.

Speed and Size

Without question, the senior from Clifton, Virginia had an impressive final campaign at Centreville High School. According to Centreville High School head coach Mike Skinner, Beau's natural talents warranted his honors.

"Beau is tough as nails, both physically and mentally," said Skinner. "He has a great work ethic, but his biggest strengths are his speed and level of athleticism for his size. He weighs about 260 pounds, is 6'4", and runs a 4.9 second 40-yard dash."

From a recruiting standpoint, it was this combination of speed and size that caught Cavanaugh and the rest of the Tech coaching staff's attention. However, Cavanaugh suggests that Warren's ability to run may force a move to the tight end position in the future.

"Beau runs well and he has very good hands for someone his size," Cavanaugh said. "To be an offensive lineman, he'll have to add some weight; but at this point, he has the potential to go either way based upon his skills and whatever needs we may have at either position."

With hints of a position change, one might expect Warren to be anxious about his arrival in Blacksburg. However, it seems that Beau is no ordinary case. In fact, the first-team AAA all-state selection appears prepared to take on whatever challenge the Tech coaching staff throws at him.

"I really don’t have a preference about where I play, as long as I can get on the field," Warren stated. "I played lacrosse for two years in high school, and that really improved my coordination, footwork, and endurance. So I think I can play either position."

Ready to Arrive

As Beau Warren awaits his move to Blacksburg, he is spending his final high school semester throwing the discus and shot-put for the Centreville track team. But by no means does his temporary move to tossing metal around mean that he is tossing precious training time away.

"The discus and shot-put are ok," Warren said. "But I've also been doing a lot of lifting, sprinting, and agility work to prepare for football."

While his training will grind out through the summer, Warren hopes for the end of the summer to arrive very soon. Like any high school senior who is anxious to move on, Beau looks forward to a new environment and new people.

"I've been living in this same place for 17 years, so I'm ready to be in a new place for a while," Warren said. "Meeting new people should be fun, too."

Meanwhile, in Blacksburg, fans await the arrival of the newest class of Hokie football players. It figures that one will be a Warren.

Hokie Football: Quarterback Ike Whitaker reinstated

2006-04-05T03:36:00.000-04:00

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer announced Monday afternoon that quarterback Ike Whitaker has been reinstated to the football team.

Whitaker, a redshirt freshman from Germantown, Md., was suspended from the team on Mar. 2 for a violation of team policy. He rejoined the squad for Monday's spring practice session.

"We asked Ike to get some things done and he has made progress in that regard, " Bearmer said, "With that in mind, he has been reinstated to the team. I feel comfortable that Ike will work hard to be a successful part of this football program."

Tech's spring practice concludes on Apr. 15 with the annual Spring Game at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field, beginning at 2 p.m.

Courtesy of Hokiesports.com

Hokie Football: Defense dominates first spring scrimmage

2006-04-04T14:58:00.000-04:00

Defense dominates first spring scrimmage
April 4th, 2006
by Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer

The Virginia Tech football team continued its spring practice sessions Saturday afternoon at Lane Stadium, partaking in its first inner-squad scrimmage of the year.

The workout, which featured full hitting among players -- excluding quarterbacks, who wore yellow no-contact jerseys -- granted head coach Frank Beamer and his coaching staff a much-needed opportunity to analyze their new assembly of players in a game-type environment in preparation for the team's Spring Game, set to take place April 15.

Highlighting the controlled scrimmage was the strong effort of the Hokie defensive unit, whose pass rush was able to overwhelm Tech's offensive lines, accounting for a total of 13 touch sacks.

"It's about where you expect it to be," Beamer said. "The defense is ahead of the offense from a maturity standpoint, and you really see that out there. It's moving a little too fast for some of our offensive guys (and) we don't slow our defenses down either. We just let them run their stunts ... I like our effort though, and we just got to keep working, and then in the end when we narrow it down personnel-wise, things will look better."

One of the players contributing to the strong showing of the Hokie defense was redshirt junior Xavier Adibi, who finished with five tackles. Following practice, the returning starter at outside linebacker reflected on some of the goals he set for himself before the Spring Game and how the Tech defense has been developing in the offseason.

"We're coming along really well," Adibi said. "Overall, we're starting to play better together as a unit. We're getting good experience with the reps. Individually, I'm just trying to get a better feel for the defense, get my pass coverage down better and be better able to stop the run. We're improving, and we're just trying to win the conference again, so I'm going to do all I can to step up."

On a day that featured Adibi and his defensive teammates consistently breaking through what many consider to be a young, inexperienced offensive line, Adibi later gave words of encouragement regarding the line's status, addressing time is an obvious -- yet required -- factor in their development.

"You have to give the offense a little bit of credit -- they're real young," Adibi said. "They're still getting better. We all realize that it takes more time for the offense to get it together than the defense (and) that kind of thing just takes time. Sooner or later they'll come along -- everyone understands that."

Senior safety Aaron Rouse, another member of the Tech defensive unit that played an instrumental role in Saturday's dominating performance, gave his opinion in analyzing how the spring workouts have been unfolding, in addition to describing how the team has been shaping up on both sides of the ball.

"We know the offense is struggling, coming in with three new coaches and a lot of players with inexperience," Rouse said. "But as a defense we've got a lot of good players returning, and we're trying to step up our games, giving the offense better looks. Here in the spring, they're basically playing every day against the number one defense in the country, which, though it may be tough, is going to help them for next year."

Despite the Hokies only having taken part in two weeks of practice this spring, Saturday's scrimmage reassured fans that the Hokie defense, consisting of playmakers such as Adibi and Rouse, will likely serve as the team's catalyst to victory in the fall.

Following Saturday's workout, Rouse addressed another hot topic regarding the team, discussing how this year's defensive roster would compensate for several key senior losses from last year (Anderson, Lewis, Tapp, Williams). He described how the team expects to have a solid core of younger players step up and fill in right where last year's top-ranked defense left off.

"Every year you're going to lose great players at some point, but what we need to do for the younger players is to try to get them to be key players and contribute," Rouse said. "I know we have the potential to be a great defense again this year, and we're trying to win ball games. We all want to get back to that ACC Championship, myself especially, and I want to be a leader next year to help carry those young guys and help them step up and perform."

The team's spring training sessions are scheduled to continue throughout the week, with another team scrimmage scheduled for this Saturday at Lane Stadium.

Hokie Football: The Starting Quarterback Battle - Glennon or Holt?

2006-04-01T03:52:00.000-05:00

Race for Virginia Tech's Starting QB: The Two Front Runners

Player Name	Sean Glennon	Cory Holt
Height	6'4	6'4
Weight	215	222
Year	Redshirt Sophomore	Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown	Centreville, Va.	Lexington, N.C.
High School	Westfield	Lexington
Games Played/Started	4/0	6/0
Career Stats	8-11; 137 YDS; 2 TDS; 0 INTs	4-12; 80 YDS; 1 TD; 0 INTs

In analyzing the quarterback position for Virginia Tech next year, it's highly obvious that the strength of whoever emerges as the starter will be a question mark until Tech's season opener against Northeastern. Realistically though, Tech's starting quarterback on September 2 could potentially be facing a lose-lose situation in being dubbed the starter to kick off the year.

Seriously? Yep, and it's a pretty simple concept if you think about it, so check this out:

First though, a quick disclaimer. As of right now, I remain unbiased and undecided in my decision of who I think deserves the starting role, so in avoiding using names, let's refer to the starting quarterback as "Ron Mexico."

Now come September 2, when the season starts, who does Tech play?

Exactly -- the Northeastern Huskies. Not even the Connecticut Huskies, the Northeastern Huskies.

Now you probably now know where I'm going with this -- basically the fact that following kickoff, every football critic and fan alike will be expecting nothing short of pure greatness and domination from Ron Mexico and Tech's offense in starting the season off on the right foot. So even if Tech's starting quarterback was to come out against the Huskies and have a phenomenal game, no one is going to be impressed. They will reference to Mexico's strong debut due by saying, "Hey, it was just Northeastern."

On the other hand though, if Ron Mexico was to come out and flop against a team whom many Tech fans wish wasn't even on their schedule in the first place, you can bet that that starting spot for Mexico is as good as gone. There's no doubt in my mind that later on in the day you'll be catching ESPN Gameday's studio recap and hear Lou Houltz's old, cobwebbed-self go on to bash the living death out of the Hokies. Somewhere along his ramblings, the unfortunate, dreaded words will come. Houltz will be sure to reaffirm the horrible thought we were all aware of going into the 2006 season by saying -- "It's going to be a long year for Virginia Tech Football."

After hearing that statement, you'll unfortunately be forced into agreement, and ponder, "If only Marcus wasn't getting caught underage drinking ... or pulling guns on teenagers at McDonald's ... or stepping on the legs of All-American defensive ends ..."

Altogether though, when it's all said and done for head coach Frank Beamer and his offensive unit, the simple fact of the matter is that a great deal of pressure will be riding on this one game against such a lackluster opponent in Northeastern. No disrespect to Northeastern's program and all, but it's just the honest truth -- I'd rather have an out-of-conference schedule that rivals that of Notre Dame's, not New Hampshire's.

So all in all, to whoever isn't crowned as this year's Ron Mexico to start off the season, maybe in the end, that won't be such a bad thing, for you could be coming off the bench a lot sooner than you, and everybody else thinks.

Quarterback battle highlights offense in spring practice
March 30th, 2006
by Clark Ruhland, Senior Staff Writer

Competition is the true embodiment of Virginia Tech football's spring practice -- just ask Sean Glennon and Cory Holt.

The Marcus Vick saga at the end of the 2005-2006 season resulting in his dismissal has opened the door for redshirt sophomore quarterbacks Glennon and Holt. Both have two years of experience in the system, which makes choosing a starter a tough task for Tech's new quarterbacks coach, Mike O'Cain.

"Cory and Sean have carried over a real understanding of what we do offensively and how the offense works," O'Cain said. "What we have to do this spring is what is going on around them -- recognizing what the defense is doing in coverages and where you throw. That takes time and experience."

Experience is what both quarterbacks lack the most. Holt only played in six games as Vick's backup, completing four of 12 passes for 80 yards. Glennon sat out last season as a redshirt, preserving a year of eligibility.

"Last year was tough," Glennon said. "It was a decision that I made along with the coaches. The year is over and now I have this season to look forward to."

With both quarterbacks listed as co-No. 1's on the depth chart, O'Cain says the competition is still a dead heat.

"We're not favoring one over the other," O'Cain said. "They both share equal time with the first and second teams. We've thrown an awful lot at them. We've probably put in five protections, four or five runs, 10-to-12 routes and then you multiply that by three fronts and five or six different coverages. It's not just one route, its one route against five coverages, or two routes against five, and so forth. From the physical standpoint to the mental standpoint, it has been better every day."

Since spring practice began, O'Cain has been pushing both quarterbacks harder and harder, to see which one will stand out.

"We've still got a long way to go," O'Cain said. "We're not where we need to be before we get to September. I've been pleased with the quarterbacks' knowledge from a year ago. What has pleased me the most is their knowledge of the offense. Our offense is fairly complicated for the quarterbacks. They have to do an awful lot of things at the line of scrimmage. It takes a lot of concentration, and the carry-over from a year ago is very good."

Both Glennon and Holt both have minor advantages over each other. However, they are close to the same level when it comes to reading coverages and passing skills.

"Sean has a great understanding of the passing game and has a great arm. He throws the ball on time and has good footwork and mechanics," O'Cain said. "Cory is very much the same as Sean. The only thing I see different in Cory is that he brings a little bit better foot quickness. He's just a little bit better athlete when it comes to running the football and things like that. Sean throws the ball a little bit better, so there are tradeoffs to both of them."

Third on the spring depth chart is redshirt freshman Greg Boone. Stricken by tendonitis in his right knee, Boone has seen limited practice over the past week. In the meantime, Glennon said is working hard to push ahead of Holt for the first spot.

"I want to separate myself from the other quarterbacks, and I haven't done that yet. So, I'm not where I want to be right now," Glennon said. "The first couple of practices I was working out the rust, getting my touch back. I can't throw any inaccurate balls and get them right on the money. I think every day, I've gotten better."

The task of getting better mentally and physically every day is a challenge Glennon is taking in stride.

"I have to do all of the little things right," Glennon said. "Everyone in the stands sees the big touchdowns. Out here, the coaches are watching to see my every move like checking the right play, calling the right protection, making the right read and putting the ball where it needs to be. I have to do those things every play, not just two or three."

Glennon feels he is prepared to lead the Hokies next season, a year earlier than the coaching staff expected.

"I definitely feel that I'm ready," Glennon said. "I've been with the program two years, so it's not like they're throwing me in there a year early. This is the perfect time. It usually takes two years to get going, and I thought I would have to wait another year, so this is a pretty good opportunity."

The opportunity and competition in front of Glennon and Holt will only heat up as the spring continues toward the first game of the season, 156 days from today.

Hokie Football: Addressing Tech's Defensive Departures

2006-04-01T03:02:00.000-05:00

Those of you wondering how Virginia Tech is going to cope with their big losses on the defensive side of the ball (James Anderson, Jonathan Lewis, Darryl Tapp, and Jimmy Williams) check out in this piece how defensive coordinator Bud Foster plans to fill the voids left by his departing seniors, and how the spots in the defensive lineup are unfolding.

Foster faces empty spots on defensive depth chart
March 30th, 2006
by Charles R. Barrineau

The Virginia Tech football team lost five starters on the defensive side of the ball over the winter and has some holes to fill if the unit hopes to remain among the best in college football.

"You're not going to see a drop off of any, I hope, from our group last year," said defensive coordinator Bud Foster. "Does that mean we're going to be the No.1 defense in the country again? I don't know, but what we've got to do is create some depth right now, and that's what spring ball is all about."

One of the biggest blows to the defense was the loss of star defensive end Darryl Tapp.

"Darryl was a big-time playmaker," Foster said. "But, so (are) Chris (Ellis) and Noland (Burchette), so we haven't lost much there. Now what we've got to do is create some depth at that position."

Coaches hope redshirt freshman William Wall will add depth behind Burchette and Ellis.

Wall doesn't mind playing behind Burchette for now, and approaches being number two in the lineup as a learning experience.

"I get to learn a lot while I'm out there," Wall said. "(I'm learning) little knacks with my technique. The coaches teach it to us real well, but when you've got somebody out there who's doing it at the same time, he can tell you a little bit more (about) fine-tuning your technique."

But as with most talented athletes, Wall has his sights set higher than second place.

"My goal is to be number one," Wall said. "Sometime (in) my career I want to be number one, but right now I'm at the learning stage."

Wall plans on moving up the depth chart via hard work.

"I'm (going to) play every down hard," Wall said. "There's going to be a few mistakes here and there, but, for the most part, you're going to see a hardworking football player."

Moving further off the ball, the Tech defense also lost the services of whip linebacker and resident artist James Anderson.

Senior position journeyman Brenden Hill is currently at the top of the depth chart at the whip linebacker position.

"So far, I'm real pleased with Brenden," Foster said. "He's a smart guy (and) has got a good football IQ; (he's a) tough guy and has some ability. Through four days of practice, I've been real pleased with what he's doing right now."

However, Hill isn't an outright lock for that starting position just yet; he is being challenged by redshirt junior Corey Gordon.

"Corey Gordon is a guy that's right there with (Hill)," Foster said. "Corey has really improved ... Corey has a physical size, more like a James Anderson in that he's a 6'2" 225-pound guy. Brenden's probably more of a strong, bigger, safety-type guy. But both are good football players, and there's good competition right there."

The new whip linebacker will join an experienced corps already consisting of redshirt juniors Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall.

"They're a strong part (of our defense)," Foster said. "I'm real pleased (with) where they are right now. They're getting better. As good as they've been, they've got a little area to improve to be complete linebackers, and they're doing that."

Fans will also notice some new faces in the Hokie secondary this fall, and not just on the field.

"It's surreal," said Torrian Gray, the new defensive backs coach. Gray played for Tech from 1992 to 1996 and later played for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. He has also coached in the NFL and college. "It's just an exciting atmosphere to be back in," he said.

The biggest hole in the secondary was left by the departure of cornerback Jimmy Williams.

"I didn't get to coach the caliber of a Jimmy Williams," Gray said. "I'm sure he's a big loss -- you don't have a guy that big and that talented at the cornerback position come around that often, but we have some guys here we can work with and as long as we play as a unit, we'll still be pretty good."

Currently topping the depth chart at the boundary corner position is redshirt sophomore Brandon Flowers.

"I'm most impressed with Brandon Flowers (thus far)," Gray said. "He just comes out and he just works hard."

Right behind Flowers is redshirt freshman Jahre Cheeseman.

"Cheeseman is practicing, and he's getting better each practice," Gray said. "I think he's just trying to get a feel for (the position) to be more natural in his movements and his assignments and things like that. And I'm pleased with how he's progressing up to this point."

Foster shares Gray's feelings towards Cheeseman saying he is seeing the Vorhees, N.J. native improving every day at practice.

Adding depth at the free safety position behind junior D.J. Parker is redshirt freshman Cam Martin, who is out with an injury.

"He got injured the second day of practice," Foster said. "(He) has a hernia. He's probably going to miss the rest of spring ball, but (he) had a great winter."

Look for the Hokie defense to again be among the best units in the nation if it can adequately fill the vacancies left by its departed players.

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #6 - Zach Luckett

2006-04-01T02:48:00.000-05:00

Mr. Versatile brings skills to Blacksburg
March 31st, 2006
by Andrew Jennings, Senior Staff Writer

New Jersey star Zach Luckett is the focal point in part six of the Collegiate Times' eight part series featuring Virginia Tech's top football recruits for 2006.

Speed ... check
Hands ... check
Size ... check
Versatility ... check
Playing experience ... check
Excellent football reputation ... check

These are a few things the Tech coaching staff has been able to check off after evaluating and recruiting wide receiver Zach Luckett. The good news for the Tech football program is that it will have a chance to add onto this checklist in the upcoming seasons as Luckett helps top off the Hokie 2006 recruiting class.

Luckett was ranked the No. 33 athlete in the country by rivals.com, a recruiting website, and the No. 57 receiver. Impressive, being that Luckett did not even play wide receiver at Holy Spirit High School in New Jersey. Luckett had a stellar career as a running back and free safety wherein his senior year he posted 700 rushing yards, 622 receiving yards and three interceptions. Aside from being a star on the football field, this 6-foot-3-inch, 200-pound physical specimen also lettered in varsity basketball and track.

Luckett's high school football coach Bill Walsh feels that his versatility and physical attributes are the main reason college recruits were so intrigued at the chance to bring him into their program.

"Part of the reason why he was so highly recruited is that he's so versatile," Walsh said. "He can play a lot of different positions at the next level because of his size and frame on top of his athletic ability, since he has that there are a lot of options for him."

While it's obvious when looking at him that he is a physical marvel, what Walsh, although impressed with his star's physical talents, stressed to Luckett was the importance of the mental side of the game.

"(Luckett) is an extremely bright kid, proved with his 1240 SAT score," Walsh said. "But the advice for him was simple, if God forbid something happened to (Luckett), which school would mean the most for (him) and him being bright, I think he went for the first option of school being for academics and reputation and then next, for football."

Like Walsh, the Virginia Tech Football coaching staff was equally and quickly as impressed by Luckett's attributes as an all-around football player. They started recruiting him in his junior season and by spring of last year had given him a scholarship offer.

Jim Cavanaugh, Tech's recruiting coordinator and outside linebacker coach, said right away the staff knew by watching game film that Luckett was something special.

"He's a big tall kid who can really run and you don't see that many athletic kids at that height," Cavanaugh said. "He has great speed and great moves, the athleticism for a kid that tall is just very impressive and good especially for an incoming receiver."

The recruiting pursuits were led in large by two former coaches: Kevin Rogers, the quarterback coach, now with the Minnesota Vikings, and Tony Ball, now a running back coach with the University of Georgia.

"Kevin Rogers was in charge of recruiting New Jersey and got film on Luckett last spring," Cavanaugh said. "We saw the film and were interested right away but then Rogers left and Ball had to pick up on recruiting him, but we were interested at first glance of seeing the film."

Even through a change of the recruiter in the process, which is always difficult with coaches coming and going, the Hokies and their staff were able to successfully land Luckett for their team.

Cavanaugh and the staff are optimistic and think that he is a physical force who can grow to be a dominant player, but as of right now like every incoming freshman, it's a question of where and when they will fit in.

"We let all the freshmen come in and just throw them right into the fire," Cavanaugh said. "There is always the potential for him to play right away but if there are kids ahead of him we don't want to waste a year with this kind of talent."

Luckett is being "thrown into the fire" with 15 other freshmen who were recruited outside of Virginia. Luckett headlines as one of the three New Jersey incoming recruits alongside defensive ends Mike Gee and Jason Adjepong.

It's not only an accomplishment for Tech to have Luckett for the future, but also an upside with beating out other football powerhouses on his offering list. Luckett was a highly recruited prospect with other schools besides Virginia Tech interested such as Boston College, Penn State, Syracuse, Virginia and Michigan among others. Though it was a close race, Tech pulled out to the forefront for Luckett due to family ties, tradition and atmosphere.

Luckett's brother Cory Bird was a standout defensive back for the Hokies from 1996-1999, and went on to play in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. This attributed to Luckett growing up with a watchful eye on Virginia Tech football as he progressed over the years into a prime football player ready to make his college decision.

"I had been following Tech since I was young since my brother played for them as well as following Michigan," Luckett said. "But when I went down to Tech it was just beautiful, the campus was nice and the people were great and just seemed like they were really caring, the fans were very supportive when I went down for my visit."

Just as Cavanaugh and the staff see the years to come as very promising, Luckett himself is very anxious and excited about his upcoming opportunities.

"I'm really excited just to play (Division I) football, and especially for Tech," Luckett said. "I'm just excited to get down there and be apart of the team and that family type of football environment."

Well, like Zach Luckett, the Hokie football team and fans are excited for this man of many talents to arrive. This season and seasons to come shall be exciting to see how many more things he can add and scratch off on his already impressive checklist.

David Teel Interview

2006-03-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

Conducted this interview for an assignment in one of my classes (Media Writing) with one of the best writers from around my hometown (Newport News), David Teel, who serves as a prime contributor in covering Hokie sports. Check it out:

Interview with David Teel
Reporter, Daily Press
by Andrew Kinney

Considered to be one of the most distinguished writers in the commonwealth, David Teel of the Newport News-based newspaper, the Daily Press, has many connections to the Virginia Tech community. Through his countless articles regarding Hokie athletics, Teel has been an influential outlet in promoting Virginia Tech sports on a national level.

Teel, a communication major with a minor in business administration and sociology, graduated with highest honors from James Madison University in 1981. Three years later he would go on to join the writing staff of the Daily Press, which he has remained a part of ever since.

Planet Blacksburg recently had the chance to interview Teel, who despite being busy writing about the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, was able to answer several questions via e-mail. The following are a selection of questions and answers from the online interview, which was conducted on March 17, 2006.

Q: List your official title and talk about what it is that keeps you doing the same work.
Teel: I am a senior columnist at the Daily Press and couldn't imagine a better gig. If folks around town or around the country are talking about it, chances are I get to write about it. I love to write and love sports. 'Nuf said.

Q: Talk about how you got your start in sports journalism, and which papers you worked for.
Teel: My sports journalism career began at age 9 when my dad, tired of me watching sports on television all the time, handed me a paper and pencil and said, 'Here, write about what you see.' I still have some of those scribbles.

I later worked on the high school and college papers, interned at the Harrisonburg Daily News-Record while in college and also dabbled in radio at James Madison University's station. From there I took a job as a one-man sports operation at the Maryland Coast Press, a defunct twice-weekly in Ocean City, Md.

I stayed there nine months before heading to the Lynchburg News and Daily Advance to cover high schools. After 11 months in Falwell Country, I went to the Fayetteville (N.C.) Times to cover high schools and colleges. Fifteen months later it was off to the Daily Press, where I've been since April 1984.

Q: What initially made you want to write for the Daily Press? What was enticing about writing in the Newport News area?
Teel: Newport News was attractive for several reasons: It was closer to Baltimore (where I spent a majority of life) than Fayetteville. I knew the sports editor, Skip Miller, and my girlfriend was taking a job there as well. Ah, the things we do for love (she wisely ditched me soon thereafter).

Q: Do you plan on someday becoming editor of the Daily Press?
Teel: In moments of weakness and/or intoxication I ponder moving into management. But I'd hate the administration, meetings, politics and incompetence. I'm a writer at heart and would be miserable chained to the office.

Q: Which aspects of your job do you enjoy? Which do you dislike?
Teel: The best parts of the gig are meeting compelling people, watching them perform and telling their stories. For example, Allen Iverson, J.J. Redick, Michael Vick, Curtis Strange, Boo Williams and Annika Sorenstam to name just a few. Not only that, as a columnist I'm expected to voice opinions.

The hard parts are the obscene hours and the grueling travel. There's nothing like navigating I-81 or Route 58 at 3 a.m., after three Diet Cokes and a Power Bar.

Q: Talk about your typical routine in the writing process of one of your articles.
Teel: I really have no writing routine. I write from the office, home, hotels, stadiums, airports, and have even written from hospital bedsides. The one constant is preparation. Researching your topic before hitting the keyboard is non-negotiable.

Q: Do you plan on someday moving to another paper?
Teel: I've turned down many jobs for various reasons, personal and professional. The good Lord willing, I won't be moving any time soon, because I just moved my mother from Baltimore to a nursing home here. I get to see her every day I'm in town, which is very cool.

Q: What are your thoughts on winning this year's award for being the best sports writer in all of Virginia presented by the National Sportscaster and Sportswriters Association?
Teel: It's flattering because your peers vote. But while winning awards and contests strokes the ego and maybe pries a penny or two from the boss come raise time, they are subjective and best viewed with a jaded eye.

Q: With having to contribute several articles a week, are you ever stressed in making your deadlines?
Teel: Well, I write at least three columns a week but also contribute bylined profiles, news stories and game accounts. Last night's Duke game ended at 12:11 a.m. The deadline was 12:15 a.m. You tell me if that's a stressful deadline.

Q: With having written so much, do you have any favoritism towards covering certain events? What do you look forward to writing about the most?
Teel: I prefer college sports to professional, college basketball in particular. There's nothing like March.

Q: What kind of advice do you offer to young aspiring sportswriters and reporters out there trying to be successful?
Teel: Like any good journalist, a good sportswriter needs to work his ass off. Cultivate sources, educate yourself, be visible, read other newspapers, and be curious about the world around you. That would go to include such subjects as politics, music, movies, current events, and art, not just sports.

Hokie Baseball Recap: Virginia Tech 9, Richmond 6

2006-03-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

Rain delay resurgance leads to late-inning runs, Hokie victory
March 29th, 2006
by Charles R. Barrineau, Senior Staff Writer

The Virginia Tech baseball team squashed the University of Richmond Spiders 9-6 Tuesday evening, ending its three-game losing streak.

"We definitely needed (the win)," said redshirt junior reliever Adam Redd, who picked up the win for the Hokies. "We definitely needed a 'W' today."

It was a critical win for the Hammerin' Hokies coming off a sweep at the hands of Boston College and heading into at three-game conference road series at Wake Forest University beginning Friday.

"I think it's got to help us a lot," said Virginia Tech head coach Chuck Hartman. "Hopefully it's going to give us a little confidence. Another loss, we're already doubting ourselves a little bit, and we'd probably starting doubting ourselves even more. Hopefully a comeback win like this will pick our morale up a little bit."

Once again, the Hokies found themselves down big early on, 5-1. That's what the scoreboard read heading into a 71-minute weather delay in the bottom-half of the sixth inning.

The Hokies went into the weather delay playing like the team that got swept by B.C., but came out of it playing like the team that beat then No.1 Florida State University.

"I think momentum in a game, sometimes, is big. I thought this probably helped us," Hartman said. "I think whoever has the momentum at the time -- that's the one it hurts."

Tech's play picked up somewhat in its half of the sixth when catcher Matt Foley used good eyes to draw a bases loaded walk from Richmond pitcher Josh Horn.

It was evident that the lightning that contributed to delaying the game must have struck the Hokies' bats when Sheldon Adams hit a three-run home run to tie the game. It was his second three-run homer in as many games.

"I was happy this one ended up leading to a win today--it made it a little more worthwhile," Adams said. "Hitting's muscle and memory and it was just one of those where it was in the right spot."

During the eighth, Tech's play continued to be electric, with a two-out rally that yielded four runs.

Third baseman Bryan Thomas began the rally with his two-run single to put the Hokies ahead for good 7-6.

"That was the booster," Hartman said. "That was the shot that lifted us up ... his base hit put us ahead."

The rally continued as second baseman Warren Schaeffer scored on a throwing error and Thomas came home on a wild pitch to put the Hokies up 9-6.

Redd earned his third win in his last four relief appearances, but downplayed attributing his pitching's influence on recording victories.

"It's more the run support," Redd said. "I get in there (and) usually we're down maybe two or three runs and then come back. I try and keep (us) in the game."

Redd allowed no runs in two innings.

"I just think he's pitching well," Hartman said. "He's throwing strikes, and he's getting ground balls and he's striking some people out."

The Hammerin' Hokies return to the Diamond at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Winston-Salem, N.C. where they will take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Hokie Baseball Recap: Boston College Sweeps VT

2006-03-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Gonna do the baseball thing too on this site, so read:

Visiting Boston College sweeps Hokies
March 27th, 2006
by Charles R. Barrineau, Senior Staff Writer

The Hammerin' Hokies dug themselves into a deep hole in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings this weekend, getting swept by the visiting Boston College Eagles in three winnable games.

"It was a tough weekend," said Virginia Tech head coach Chuck Hartman. "You could win all three or you could lose all three. Unfortunately it didn't even divvy up. It was a very tough weekend for our baseball team."

This series was critical for the Hokies because only the league's top eight teams make the ACC Tournament in Jacksonville, Fla. The top two teams in each division qualify, as do the next four teams overall.

"I thought this was very critical," Hartman said. "I thought Boston College would be one of those teams that we'd need to get at least two out of three, and maybe get a sweep. (It) turned out the other way; probably three of the toughest losses our program's had to suffer. We got beat in the ninth, we got beat in the thirteenth and we got beat in the tenth."

Sunday saw the Hokies jump out to a 2-0 lead before the Eagles tied the Hokies in the top of the fourth, eventually taking a 3-2 lead in the fifth. Sophomore right fielder Jose Cueto had a chance to give the Hokies the lead in the bottom of the inning, but struck out swinging, leaving the bases loaded.

Those base runners accounted for three of the 10 left on base for the day. Overall, Tech left 32 runners stranded over the weekend.

"It's been bugging me all along," Hartman said. "When we played Miami down there we left 33 on in three games. I can't hit for them."

In the top half of the seventh, the Eagles had runners on second and third with no outs and were able to get both home due to sloppy defense and a series of errors by the Hokies.

"It's tougher to play when it's cold," Hartman said. "You probably see more mistakes when (there's) not ideal conditions ... I was disappointed we threw the ball around in that inning."

Boston College also drove in another run later in the inning to extend its lead to 6-2.

Tech was down, but not out. The Hokies had the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth with no outs when Matt Foley hit a sacrifice fly to center, cutting the Boston College lead to three.

Sheldon Adams was next up and came through in the clutch. The senior pinch-hitter hit a three-run home run with two outs, tying the game 6-6 at the end of eight.

"I was just trying to look for something I could drive with two outs, hopefully to get them in," Adams said. "It was just right down the middle (and) I happened to get a good swing on it."

Eagle second baseman Ryan Hutchinson hit a solo shot in the top of the ninth to put BC on top 7-6.

In the bottom of the ninth the Hokies were able to get junior second baseman Warren Schaeffer into scoring position with one out. With two outs, freshman center fielder Sean Ryan doubled and drove Schaeffer home to tie the game at seven.

BC once again came alive in the tenth as a two-run home run by Ryan Akel put the Eagles ahead 9-7.

The Hokies had hope in their half of the tenth, with runners on first and second with two outs. However, Schaeffer was unable to drive them home as he struck out to end the game.

"(Two) extra-inning games (and) one nine-inning game," Schaeffer said. "That"s horrible, especially expecting to sweep them coming into the weekend. It's just a big blow."

The Hokies trailed the Eagles 6-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning Friday, but a five-run eighth behind a grand slam by Schaeffer tied the game at six.

The Eagles would outscore the Hokies in the ninth to win the game 8-7.

Saturday's contest saw Tech jump out to a 4-0 lead before a four-run Eagle ninth inning sent the game into extra innings.

In the top of the 13th, the Eagles scored two runs, one unearned, and held the Hokies scoreless to gain their second win in as many days.

The Hammerin' Hokies look to end their three-game skid this afternoon as they host the University of Richmond Spiders at English Field. First pitch is at 3 p.m.

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #5 - Matt Wright

2006-03-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

Today the Collegiate Times continued their weekly series focusing on next year's football recruits, with today's feature telling the story of Phoebus High School standout Matt Wright, who comes to Tech as an addition to the Hokies' linebacker corps.

Overall, Matt was a joy to work with and was nothing but a class act. I truly see this young man as a vital addition to Tech's dwindling defensive unit, and I wish him the best of luck in the years to come. With that being said though, all you Hokie fans and haters out there alike, Tech's got another 757 prospect comin' to the 'Burg, so watch out now.

2006 Hokie Recruit: Matt Wright
By Andrew Kinney
Senior Staff Writer
March 24, 2006

Perhaps no other athletic program at Virginia Tech exemplifies the concept that a good defense is a good offense better than the men's football team, whose defensive unit has earned its reputation for shutting down its opposition and turning its opponents' mistakes into points on the scoreboard.

Last year was no exception for head coach Frank Beamer and his team, as the Hokie defense finished ranked second in the nation, giving the team much success throughout the majority of the year.

Saying goodbye, however, to several seniors who served as key defensive contributors has been no easy task to cope with for Virginia Tech, but in looking at next season, the coaching staff seems to have addressed the key issue of personnel losses on the defensive side of the ball. Ten fresh, new faces for Virginia Tech's defense will come to play in the fall, one of whom will be standout linebacker Matt Wright.

Wright, ranked as the No. 2 linebacker in the state of Virginia by www.rivals.com, will be arriving to Blacksburg in the fall as a graduate of Phoebus High School, located in Hampton of Virginia's Tidewater area.

To Hokie fans, this area should sound extremely familiar, as it served as the same talent base for ex-Hokie quarterbacks Marcus and Michael Vick, as well as Hokie standouts Jimmy Williams, Nathaniel and Xavier Adibi, Chris Ellis and Wright's brother, D.J. Parker.

"The Tidewater area has been such a big talent base for recruiting," Wright said. "At Landstown you had (Percy) Harvin, and if you look at Hampton just down the road, with (Todd) Nolen, who's coming up there next year, the area just has a lot of great talent."

Much of the Hokies' successful recruiting in the Tidewater region can be accredited to Virginia Tech's Jim Cavanaugh, who in addition to his title as the Hokies' strong safety and outside linebacker coach, served as the man responsible for recruiting Wright.

"I first started getting recruited when I was in eighth grade, and when I met coach Cavanaugh, he gave me a very good first impression," Wright said. "He had a good sense of humor, but was very straightforward. I found him to be an honest person, and I respected him for being a good person on and off the field. I knew he was somebody that you could trust. A lot of times when it comes to recruiting coaches, you can't really trust them because they just tell you a lot of things just to get you to go to their school, but I knew coach Cavanaugh wasn't going to do that to me."

Cavanaugh, who will most likely be coaching Wright in the fall, spoke of several attractive qualities regarding Wright when reflecting on the high school senior's recruitment.

"I really liked his combination of size and speed and his ability to make tackles," Cavanaugh said. "To find a kid of his size who is that active and has such an ability to make plays, really is no easy feat. I think he will fit really well into our defense. With Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, we have two very good linebackers, and we are looking for young backups so when those two graduate, somebody will be able to fill in and be ready to go."

In mentioning Adibi, Wright attributed the redshirt-sophomore linebacker to being a form of inspiration while playing at the high school level. Along with the two playing the same position, the duo comes from the same area having both attended Phoebus High.

"I look up to Xavier," Wright said. "I grew up with him. He was kind of a big brother to me; he was always direct and had a good work ethic on the field. He is a good character to follow, and it's going to be fortunate for us to play on the same team next year, hopefully he'll be able to help me out."

Standing at a size of 6'2" and 215 pounds, perhaps the only thing more impressive than Wright's imposing stature are his football credentials. After starting all four years at Phoebus under head coach William Dee, Wright was named the Peninsula District Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being elected to Virginia's first-team AAA all-state by the Associated Press as a linebacker.

Dee, when asked about his defensive standout, had only good words to say in describing the talent and skills belonging to the future Hokie.

"Matt's athletic, and he's got speed, which is what it's all about in Tech's scheme," Dee said. "He has a great work ethic, and he knows what it takes to develop and work hard. He's a good kid, and coming from a good family, he should have a lot of good support up there. I think he will fit in fine."

As a junior, the Phoebus standout was named all-district, all-metro, first-team all-region and second-team all-state after catching 25 passes for 310 yards and six touchdowns, along with making 121 tackles, 10 sacks and three interceptions. With those types of numbers, one might expect such an athlete to be quite arrogant, yet Wright makes it a point to be humble.

"I don't like to toot my own horn, but as far as on the field, I bring leadership, with lots of intensity because I'm a hard worker," Wright said. "I stay humble, and when I'm out there, I'm going to give it my all, all the time. I'm out there to make plays, and I'm just going to try to make this team more successful."

Along with being offered a scholarship to Virginia Tech, Wright received scholarship offers from a long list of other universities, including schools such as Marshall, Maryland, Michigan State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, and in-state rival Virginia. Following his commitment and letter of intent to Tech on Jan. 22, Wright credited numerous aspects about Virginia Tech to influencing his decision.

"Once I got to Blacksburg, I just loved the atmosphere and the vibe I got once I was on campus," Wright said. "I did my research on the other schools, and they just didn't have the adequate resources for me. Tech was just the best school for me. It had everything - coming from the football, academic, and environmental standpoints. Plus in addition to that, I got family up there. All the other schools up there were very successful schools, but it all boiled down to the resources Virginia Tech had."

Family appeared to be a key contributor in influencing Wright's decision, as his older brother, sophomore D.J. Parker, currently attends Virginia Tech and serves as a starter in the team's secondary.

"Playing with D.J. did have a big part to do with (my decision)," Wright said. "We played in high school together for two years. I got to share that experience and I'm proud of that because in youth leagues, we never got to play together on the same team, so this experience should be a great thing. I'll have a chance to play with my brother again, and this is good because we work well together on the same team. He'll be able to help me because he already knows the ropes. He's somebody that if I need anything or need any help on or off the football field, I can ask him. He'll be there for me."

It is safe to say that Parker will be one of the many supporters in the fall for Wright, as the future freshman arrives at a place he says he has visited several times before and considers to be "a home away from home."

As graduation, summer workouts and the eventual fall semester approach for Wright, the Phoebus senior looks forward to arriving in Blacksburg and what will undoubtedly serve as a beginning of a fresh new start.

"I've been on campus so many times, it seems like I already go there," Wright said. "I'm very excited to be coming to Virginia Tech. I look at it as a blessing. Everybody knows about the school's history, it's so deep. For me to be able to be a part of this prestigious program is saying something. I just want to come up there and take things to the next level and help out early."

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #4 - Daryl Robertson

2006-03-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

Blacksburg must prepare for second coming of Daryl
March 16th, 2006
by Alexis Hatfield, Staff Writer

This is part four of the Collegiate Times' series looking at some of the top football recruits for 2006.

"Da-ryl ... Da-ryl ... Da-ryl!"

This is what the Hokie Nation will be chanting in seasons to come, but this time it won't be for Mr. Tapp.

Ladies and gentleman, welcome to Blacksburg, Mr. Daryl Robertson.

Standing 6'3" and weighing 285 pounds, this new Daryl will be lining up at defensive tackle for the orange and maroon.

Nearly all of the Hokie faithful remember when Tapp, the recently-graduated defensive end, would burst around the corner to make appearances on highlight tapes. Although Tapp plays a different position than Robertson, Robertson tends to emulate his game style with the same tenacity, speed and heart.

With Robertson's 5.1 40-yard dash time, he is quick on his feet, which will help him get to the quarterback faster.

"I guess my best attribute as a player is that I'm pretty fast off the ball," Robertson told rivals.com, a recruiting website. "Quickness continues to be the area I’m always working on the most."

Great athletes and coaches come in a packaged deal. Robertson's career would be impossible without the proper guidance of the Liberty High School coaching staff led by Robertson’s former head coach Christopher Watts.

Robertson is characterized by his former coach as a good leader and noted for being "coachable." Watts enforces in all of his players the importance of how football can play an effective role in one's future.

"I teach them not to just be good football players, but good people," Watts said.

He also instills other components of hard work-ethic skills, which have traveled with Robertson.

"I teach them good work ethics by getting things done in the weight room, it is hard to make it out there, so things have to get done now," Watts said.

With Watts’ guidance, Daryl ended his senior season with a total of 75 tackles, seven sacks and one blocked punt. Hokie offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring was the man in charge of noticing Daryl’s talent and signing him on July 11, 2005. Stinespring’s goal was to recruit the best talent that could easily fit in with Virginia Tech’s style of play.

"He had a lot of size, and he was able to move well. He had a good mixture of size and athletic ability," Stinespring said. "We want to see if he can physically go against a 22 year-old senior."

Other Division-I schools such as University of Maryland and Wake Forest University tried to get their hands on Robertson, but Tech beat them to the punch. Virginia Tech was Daryl’s ideal choice because of proximity.

"I chose Virginia Tech because it was close for my family and I could invite my friends to watch me play," Robertson said.

Robertson’s quickness, strength and power have helped him to be ranked amongst the best high school seniors in the nation. As a result, in his senior season, his most memorable personal experience was when he blocked a punt and picked it up to run for yardage.

"That was the first time I have ever ran with the ball," Robertson said.

He also took the role as team captain his senior year because he knew it was his responsibility to take Liberty as far as it could go — and is characterized by his former coach as being a laid-back individual.

"He is always smiling, very approachable, easy to talk to and a polite guy," Watts said. "Daryl is a very likable guy, and he comes from a good family."

Robertson’s parents, George and LyVern Robertson, are very proud of their son’s commitment and his future at Virginia Tech. They emphasize his personal modesty, and how he doesn’t like to stand out amongst the crowd, but to bring others up with him.

"He is still himself. Daryl doesn’t put himself above and we are very proud of him. He is still the same," LyVern Robertson said.

Both parents have collectively instilled the values of keeping true to himself and always remembering where he comes from. Daryl actively participates in his church as an usher for the Junior Usher Board.

"(We told him) Put God first, academics next, and everything will fall in place," LyVern Robertson said.

Robertson’s family background in sports runs deep. He continues in the family legacy of football behind his cousin, former University of Virginia defensive back, Jerton Evans.

The family sports tradition is not just limited to the male side of the family. His mother played college basketball for Saint Paul University. Considering she was a student-athlete in college, she has emphasized that while Daryl is in school he needs to focus on his academics.

"Hitting the books first, and that is what keeps you there," LyVern Robertson said. "We look highly at Tech for mandatory study hall and advisors; he needs that mentor not from just the coaches."

As Daryl’s parents have to let him go from under the wing, Daryl knows he has the support from his family, especially his parents.

"We stayed in the background, but we are there for the support," the Robertsons said.

Robertson’s charm and humble charisma has helped him be successful on and off the field, but sometimes was a concern for Watts.

"Sometimes he is too nice, which was a problem for him on the field, but he has tried to be more aggressive," Watts said.

When asked how it will feel if he was given the opportunity to take the field as a freshman, Robertson replied cautiously.

"I will definitely be nervous, but after the first hit, I will be all right," Robertson said.

Welcome to Blacksburg, Daryl.

Hokie Nation is waiting for you.

Hokie Basketball Feature - 2/28/06

2006-02-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

"Spirited" practice provides needed grit
March 1st, 2006
by Charles R. Barrineau, Senior Staff Writer

It's safe to say that other than the result, the biggest difference between Wednesday's University of Miami game and the Florida State University contest Saturday was effort.

After the team's 70-59 road loss to Miami on Feb. 22, Tech head coach Seth Greenberg indicated an effort would be made to get the intensity back, beginning with the following day's practice.

"Thursday -- it was more about who we wanted to be," said Greenberg. "Thursday's practice was more about being a team and getting back to a culture and not feeling sorry for ourselves. The film session was pretty graphic, but the practice was good."

Redshirt junior guard Markus Sailes said expectations were set in practice.

"A lot of calling you out if you weren't practicing hard -- that's what it was," said Sailes. "We've got a new rule now, if you're not practicing hard, you're not going to play that much ... that's what it should be."

Junior guard Zabian Dowdell even went as far as to call it among his toughest he ever experienced at Tech.

"That ranks at the top," said Dowdell. "Coach was really pissed at the effort that we gave, and I think the guys came in and worked hard and had the mindset that they were going to do better next game."

Difficult practices instill toughness in a team. Thursday's practice helped the Hokies withstand runs by the Seminoles in the second half.

"I think the thing I'm most proud of is every time they tried to break our spirit and make a big play and gain momentum, we wouldn't allow them to break our spirit," Greenberg said.

"I'm sure, going into the game, (Florida State) felt that if they could just hang around long enough and get a run, with everything these guys have been through and coming (after) a very tough game at Miami and struggling (like) we have, that eventually we would break, (but) we went the other way with it. They tried to break our spirit and we kind of put our arms around the game and found a way to win. That's probably what I'm most proud of," Greenberg said.

The most important byproduct of their effort was that the Hokies were able to avoid falling victim to the sunshine sweep.

"I came into the game, I said 'Man, I can't let the Sunshine State sweep me,' " Dowdell said. "I think we did a great job, me and Jamon, coming out and being aggressive on the offensive end and defensive end, and we came out with the win."

The win was also big for Jamon Gordon, a junior guard and Jacksonville, Fla., native.

"Yeah, it means a lot for me because I know a lot of people that go to Florida State (and) I know a lot of players on the team," Gordon said. "It kind of means a lot for me because it's right around the corner from Jacksonville."

Bigger than avoiding the Sunshine Sweep, the win puts the Hokies in much better postseason position with the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament just around the corner.

"It's real big," said sophomore forward Deron Washington. "Our goal at the beginning of the year was to make any postseason play, so we're just still reaching for that goal, just playing as hard as we can and doing whatever we can to win."

Many players on the team are aware of the postseason implications of their upcoming games.

"Oh yeah (we're aware)," Sailes said. "We're not giving up on this season. We feel that there's still a lot of basketball to be played. We're staying positive, feeling that anything can happen, so we're just going out there and playing hard and letting the chips fall where they may."

The Hokies look to lock up postseason eligibility at 7 p.m. Wednesday as they host the Clemson University Tigers, a team they've already beaten this season. With a win on Wednesday, the Hokies would avoid the need for a difficult win at Boston College to become eligible for postseason play.

Hokie Basketball Recap - Virginia Tech 72, Florida State 61

2006-02-28T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hokies exact revenge on FSU with 72-61 win
February 28th, 2006
by Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer

The Virginia Tech men's basketball team overcame a sluggish, sloppy first half Saturday as it crafted a series of well-executed runs down the stretch to defeat the Florida State Seminoles by a score of 72-61.

After settling for a 27-all tie going into halftime, the Hokies were able to attain a feat they hadn't pulled off in a while -- put the game away late in the second half.

Leading the way for the Hokies was junior Zabian Dowdell, who finished atop all scorers with 20 points. Despite his success, the 6-foot-3-inch point guard started off cold like his teammates, going two-for-five in the first half for a total of five points.

"I got in a little bit of foul trouble," Dowdell said. "I kept having to come out of the game -- I couldn't really get a rhythm. Once I got back in, I just wanted to be aggressive and make things happen out there."

Not to be forgotten were the other aspects of Dowdell's performance as he racked up five rebounds, five assists and four steals in the win.

"Zab was Zab," said Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg. "He played a game that we expect from him. He looked like he had his legs, he had good focus, he was coming off screens hard. He made some plays that we've seen before and it was good to see them again."

Junior shooting guard Jamon Gordon, who earlier this season described the combination of Dowdell and himself as one of the best guard tandems in the conference, displayed another strong showing in defense of that claim, as the starter contributed significantly to Tech's winning effort, finishing with a total of 15 points.

Time and time again the twosome was able to put significant defensive pressure on the Seminoles, wreaking havoc throughout much of the night against the Florida State backcourt. In addition to preventing any Seminole guard from reaching double figures, the duo was able to force eight turnovers, recording four steals apiece.

"I think we did a good job defensively the entire game," Dowdell said. "I think our intensity on defense was great. I think that's why we came out with the win today. Any time we can come out with that defensive intensity, we're going to come out with the win."

Gordon accredited the team's success defensively to having a sharper mindset.

"I wouldn't say there was more intensity," Gordon said. "Today we were more focused ... the players were more focused. We go hard every day, concentrating on certain things, and people (are) getting back into getting to know their roles again."

Two of those players who got to know their roles again included junior Coleman Collins and sophomore Deron Washington, who added totals of 13 and 12 points, respectively. With the Hokie backcourt keeping Tech in the game from mid-to-long-range, Collins and Washington maintained Tech's interior, racking up a combined total of 13 rebounds on the night, nine of which belonged to the sophomore.

"We just came out playing hard," Washington said. "Coach got on me all this week telling me to get some more rebounds, so I just focused on getting rebounds this game. It felt good, I just knew I had to out-rebound the guards."

After struggling in a first half that saw Dowdell and Gordon go a combined three-for-nine from the field, the two were able to serve as catalysts in sparking the Hokies' offense during the second half, scoring a combined 28 points to help put away the Seminoles for good.

"I think we just came out and played hard," Gordon said. "Against Miami we didn't really play hard at all, tonight we just came out playing hard ... and that just set the tone."

The victory for the Hokies improved Tech's record to 14-13 (4-10), placing them at 10th place amongst the Atlantic Coast Conference, and served to end the team's three-game losing streak.

The Hokies return back to action 7 p.m. Wednesday as they host Clemson University at Cassell Coliseum. The game will be senior night for Allen Calloway, Shawn Harris and Bob Ritchie.

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #3 - John Graves

2006-02-24T12:12:00.000-05:00

Future humble Hokie ready for Blacksburg
February 24th, 2006
by Clark Ruhland, Senior Staff Writer

This is the third part in the Collegiate Times' series featuring future Virginia Tech football players. This week we look at defensive end John Graves of Meadowbrook High in Richmond.

Ask John Graves if he is ready to play football in Lane Stadium.

"I can’t wait to run out of that tunnel for the first time as a player," said Graves. "I remember the first time I went to a Tech game. It was an outrageous environment."

The four-star standout defensive end from Meadowbrook High School in Richmond is one of four new defensive ends in the Virginia Tech football 2006 freshman class.

Graves was recruited by Jim Cavanaugh, Tech’s recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach. Cavanaugh knew Graves would fit in perfectly with the Hokies.

"He’s relentless, and a mentally tough kid," said Cavanaugh. "He plays really well with his hands. Most guys out of high school have problems playing with their hands, but John does a great job with his hands, which is a big plus."

Cavanaugh first saw Graves play on a recruiting trip through Richmond, but for a different reason.

"John was a sophomore when I first saw him play," Cavanaugh said. "I had heard about this good sophomore at Meadowbrook. But, I was evaluating a player on the other team that night from Petersburg. I was watching the Petersburg player at tight end and defensive end.

"Quite honestly, as the game progressed, I ended up watching John more and more. I knew at that point that John was a young man I would be recruiting."

Graves was heavily recruited by major schools throughout the eastern part of the country.

"I was recruited by all sorts of schools," Graves said. "There are so many of them. Off the top of my head, I remember Tech, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Boston College, North Carolina, N.C. State, Maryland, Clemson, Ohio State and Michigan. There were a few more in there as well."

The soft-spoken 6-foot-3-inch, 249-pound player said his decision to choose a school was difficult.

After narrowing it down to Tech, U.Va and Georgia, he decided that playing for the Hokies would make him feel right at home.

"A lot of my decision had to do with playing in-state. Guys that play in the state of Virginia have a connection with Virginia Tech in some way. A lot of the guys I played against and respected in high school play at Tech now."

Playing football for Virginia Tech next season is something Graves did not imagine four years ago.

"I never even thought about playing college football when I started playing in high school," he said. "I knew I wanted to go to college by getting good grades, but I didn’t think I could go to college on a football scholarship."

However, Meadowbrook head coach Bill Bowles had a feeling Graves was a star in the making.

"We moved him to varsity as a freshman," said Bowles. "He had the size, but not quite the footwork. Going into his sophomore year, his speed really picked up, and at that point we knew he could play (Division 1)."

Graves’ fast technique of play led the coaching staff to completely change the defensive system at Meadowbrook. According to Bowles, the result was a 31-7 record since and the 2004 state championship.

The leadership and playing ability of Graves left the Meadowbrook coaches in awe with some of his moves on the field.

"John sure did make some big plays," Bowles said. "One game that stands out in my mind was when John was a junior. The other team pulled two guards against John on a running play. John reached over the two guards and pulled the running back over top of them and put him on the ground."

Last season, Graves had 65 tackles, forced two fumbles, and blocked five kicks en route to district defensive player of the year honors. He says high school has given him memories he will never forget.

"I have been playing for Meadowbrook for five years," Graves said. "When you play that long, you bond with the coaches and it is really difficult. Coach Bowles is almost like my second father."

Bowles is proud to see Graves go on to be a Hokie.

"You can’t replace a guy like him. John is a very soft-spoken individual and has great manners, and he gets that from his folks," Bowles said. "They are both hard-working people and have raised a fine young man. It is great for our program to see John go on to play at Tech."

Graves is glad his parents do not have too far of a drive to see their son play.

"My mom and dad have never missed one of my games," Graves said. "They like the fact that they don’t have to drive too far to see me play. It’s great that I am in-state. My dad just likes to come to watch my practice. I have a feeling he’ll be up in Blacksburg a lot this fall."

Cavanaugh and Tech defensive line coach Charlie Wiles say the potential for Graves to play in the upcoming season is a strong possibility.

"We need a fourth defensive end, and he’ll get every opportunity to earn that role," Cavanaugh said. "Some guys come in and have talent, but need to learn our defensive scheme. Our scheme lends itself to his abilities. He should fit in well with the four-man front at the end position."

The entire coaching staff cannot wait to welcome Graves when he comes to Blacksburg to stay on July 1.

"Graves is a great kid, and a really great guy," Cavanaugh said. "He is a true student athlete and he is a very humble guy for all of the accolades he has. They come no finer than John, both on and off the field."

Graves is ready for his first opportunity to run out of the tunnel into a packed Lane Stadium.

"It’s a great place to just see a college football game," Graves said. "I love the fans in Blacksburg. They are so supportive and really take ownership of the team, something I think is very important to have."

Hokie Basketball Preview: Virginia Tech / Florida State

2006-02-24T11:25:00.000-05:00

Tech hosts Florida's hottest team
February 23rd, 2006
by Charles R. Barrineau

Perhaps the Sunshine State's hottest team visits Blacksburg Saturday evening. The Florida State University Seminoles, 17-7 (7-6), will take on the slumping Hokies, 13-13 (3-10), in men's basketball.

"It feels a lot better that you've beat a team that's on a roll, than a team that's down," said junior guard Jamon Gordon who averages 11.1 points per game. "It can be a good win."

The 'Noles are as hot as Tallahassee in July, winners of four out of their last five games, with three wins coming in Atlantic Coast Conference contests. This game is crucial for FSU's NCAA tournament hopes, as it is currently fighting for fifth place and an above-.500 ACC record. On the other hand, Tech is more like Blacksburg in March, somwhat cold with the possibility of heating up.

"It's the next game," said Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg. "This time of the year hot, not hot, winning streak, losing streak--it makes no difference. These are big games."

Greenberg criticized his team's effort Wednesday night and says the team will try to put forth a better effort Saturday.

"We're just going to continue to practice," Greenberg said. "There's no magic formula; there's no Michael Jordan's magic potion."

The Hokie backcourt will look to slow its FSU counterparts after getting lit up by the University of Miami's Guillermo Diaz Wednesday for 29 points. Earlier this year, Tech lost to FSU 74-68 in Tallahassee but held its trio of starting guards to just 19 points.

"We'll probably just do the same thing (as the last FSU game)," Gordon said. "(We'll) make them throw the ball into the post."

However, the Seminole backcourt of Todd Galloway, Jason Rich, and Isiah Swann isn't all there is to worry about; they have a potent frontcourt as well.

"Alexander Johnson is a good player," Greenberg said of the man who averages 12.3 points and seven rebounds per game. "He's a big, physical guy that can score around the basket. That's who he is; you've just got to defend him early."

Conference rematches do have their advantages though.

"It's easier, you have a baseline of how they're going to guard your stuff and what's important to them and what they're trying to accomplish," Greenberg said. "Although Florida State is a much different team right now, because they've improved offensively."

This is a bigger game for Gordon, who has ties to Florida State, a school whose football team he follows being that he is from Jacksonville, Fla.

"Football and basketball are kind of different," Gordon said. "I stay close to Tallahassee so it's a big game. I know all the coaches (and) I know a couple players on the team. It's kind of a big game."

The final game of Tech's sunshine swing will tip off at 7 p.m. inside Cassell Coliseum and is not televised.

Hokie Basketball Recap - Miami 70, Virginia Tech 59

2006-02-23T18:46:00.000-05:00

While I've been posting basketball features for the Collegiate Times (which are put on this site), another writer on the staff with whom I work, Charles R. Barrineau, has been busy writing about the team as well. I will be posting his previews as well as recaps from now on. Here is his piece regarding the Miami game last night.

Road loss leaves staff disappointed
February 22nd, 2006
by Charles R. Barrineau, Senior Staff Writer

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- The University of Miami men's basketball team snapped its four game losing streak against Virginia Tech in a 70-59 contest Wednesday evening leaving the Hokie coaching staff rather disappointed after the game.

"I can't imagine us playing any worse, any less inspired, any softer than I just witnessed just now ... It was the most embarrassing effort I've ever been associated with as a coach," said head coach Seth Greenberg. "Right now, the toughness and competitive spirit of our team is embarrassing ... But it will change, I don't know when, but it will."

Noticeably absent from the starting lineup was Tech's starting backcourt tandem of Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon, both natives of Florida, as well as junior center Coleman Collins, who recently attended the funeral of his father who passed away last week. All three entered the game at the 14:08 mark of the first half.

Dowdell and Gordon were removed from the starting lineup for just the second time this season due to what Greenberg referred to as a lack of fulfillment of obligations to the team.

A 13-0 Hurricanes run spanning exactly four minutes during the middle part of the first half had the Hokies down 15 points and left Tech drained.

Due in part to that run, the 'Canes were able to carry a 39-27 lead into the halftime intermission.

A major contributor to Miami's halftime advantage was its 55.6 shooting percentage and its ability to shoot perfect from the free-throw line during the period.

The tone of the second half began on a different note as the Hokies went on a 9-0 run of their own after spotting the Hurricanes a basket.

Dowdell brought the Hokies to within two points on a rare four point play. He and freshman A.D. Vassallo finished with a team-high 15 points.

Junior forward Deron Washington was at the free-throw line twice in the second half with opportunities to cut into the Miami lead, but was unable to sink the front end of a one-and-one leaving up to four points on the floor.

Free-throws doomed the Hokies once again this season, as they shot 58.9 percent as a team from the line -- going into the game, Tech was shooting just under 66 percent from the line.

"(It's tough) When your best player goes 2-for-7 from the free throw line and we're back at the line and miss the front end (of a one and one) two times in a row," Greenberg said.

Tech had the Miami lead cut to four, 55-51, in the second half before a crucial 9-1 'Canes run that broke the game open for good.

In many respects the game was a microcosm of Tech's season; right when it looked like the ball might bounce the Hokies' way, things began to foil and Tech watched its chances of winning fade away.

"We tried to hit too many homeruns, not enough singles," Greenberg said.

For Miami, guard Guillermo Diaz set a season high for points on the night with 29.

"He was good. We've done a good job the last two times defending him. We didn't do a very good job today," Greenberg said. "He makes tough shots. He actually makes tough shots more than he makes catch-and-shoots. He's quick ... they screen for him. You know, he got it going today."

The Hokies have off until Saturday night when they host the Florida State University Seminoles at 7 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum.

Until then, the Hokies will have several days to reflect on their letdown performance in Coral Gables.

"I know one thing, we will have a spirited practice tomorrow," Greenberg said. "It might be without basketballs, but it will be spirited."

Hokie Basketball Feature - 2/21/06 (VT/NCSU)

2006-02-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

Wolfpack expose Tech from outside
February 21, 2006
by Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer (Collegiate Times)

The men's basketball team lost yet another conference game Saturday afternoon, falling short by six to No. 21 North Carolina State University, yet the way in which it was beaten by the Wolfpack certainly shouldn't have surprised anyone.

Coming into the matchup as the second best three-point shooting team in the Atlantic Coast Conference, N.C. State was able to use its arsenal of accurate long-range shooters to beat the Hokies from behind the arc. In fact, of the Wolfpack's 23 scored baskets, 12 of them were three-pointers, which in the end accounted for more than half of the team's 70 total points.

On the day, N.C. State made 46 percent of its attempts from long-distance, including a 56 percent three-point shooting effort during the first half. To further emphasize how successful the Wolfpack was from deep, the Hokies shot a dismal 8 percent from three-point range on a lackluster 1-for-12 effort. However, N.C. State's success from beyond the arc was not something out of the ordinary for the Wolfpack. On the season, they've made at least 10 three-point baskets in 16 of its 26 games, while Tech has managed to attain this feat only once.

Reflecting on the loss, Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said it best when addressing the obvious manner in which the Hokies failed in handling N.C. State's long-range threat.

"The number one thing we wanted to do was take away their three-point shots," said Greenberg. "That was a priority for us the past three days [in practice]. Obviously, we didn't do a very good job of it."

Throughout much of the night, the N.C. State long-range attack was led by shooting guard Tony Bethel. The 6-foot-1-inch senior, who came into the game as the team's most accurate three-point shooter, nailed a total of five three-pointers in the first half alone, and ended the night having made a career-high six three-point baskets, shooting a stellar 67 percent from behind the arc.

"My teammates were able to find me, passing the ball to me when I was open," said Bethel. "I was able to keep my shots on target and I got hot for a while. I felt like I could have hit 30 (threes)."

Also contributing to the Wolfpack's success from three-point range was N.C. State guard Engin Atsur. The 6-foot-4-inch junior out of Istanbul, Turkey poured in his fair share of baskets from downtown, making four of his six attempts, finishing the game with a total of 14 points.

Rounding out N.C. State's efforts from behind the arc was the shooting of senior small forward Cameron Bennerman, who led all scorers with 26 points. Despite shooting only 2-for-9 from long-range, his two three-pointers were the difference in the final score, and his overall presence around the three-point-arc demanded respect from the Hokies, opening things up inside for the Wolfpack.

"Today we shot real good," said Bennerman. "I think though, that we've shot better. We missed some open shots there in the second half, but overall we really took it to 'em."

When asked about the trio's overall shooting effort, Bethel reiterated the fact of how he and his teammates have stepped up and have enjoyed success all year.

"We've been shooting the ball pretty well from deep," said Bethel. "You know, that's a big part of our offense. We practice that, and with Cedric (Simmons) being down low, and Cam (Bennerman) posting, a lot of teams' defenses have to collapse to the post and it creates open shots for the guys outside . . . It makes it hard for our opponents, night in, night out. Tonight we got a lot of good looks, and were able to just knock 'em down."

Hokie Basketball: Associating with the Enemy

2006-02-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

FINALLY was able to find my camera USB cord, allowing me to upload a few pictures I took while at the Duke Game last month. Here are a couple of photos taken from the festivities. (Click to enlarge).

With Sean Dockery
(Yes...The kid who made this).
With Greg Paulus
(The guy pretty much responsible for this).
Redick, on court.
Redick, off court.
My friend Alexis in the half-time dance contest (SHE HELD IT DOWN).
These guys killed us.

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #2 - Jason Adjepong

2006-02-16T00:30:00.000-05:00

Adjepong 'dialed in' to big career with Tech
February 16th, 2006
by Joe Kendall, Sports Assistant

This is the second week of the Collegiate Times' in-depth series where we will provide a look at some of Tech’s top football recruits for 2006. This week we take a look at Carteret High’s Jason Adjepong, a highly-touted defensive end from north New Jersey.

Jason Adjepong’s mother may want to look into a good long-distance plan for her standout son. The high school senior and Virginia Tech commitment has been racking up minutes making friends with his future teammates on the defensive line.

“I talk to all of them,” Adjepong said. “I just got off the phone with (John) Graves, I actually just called Ladi (Ojiboye) on the phone but he didn’t answer. I talk to D-Rob (Daryl Robertson), I talk to Mike (Gee), I talk to a whole bunch of them, and we’ve started really clicking, really meshing. I’m really excited to play with them.”

The Hokies 2006 recruiting class is stocked with potential on the D-line. Of the 19 signees in the 2006 class, six will be lining up at either defensive end or tackle, including three four-star prospects (Adjepong, Graves, and Ojiboye).

It isn’t just his fellow freshmen that Adjepong is building relationships with, either. He’s also been in contact with several current members of the Virginia Tech defense, including the-soon-to-graduate Darryl Tapp, a player that Adjepong has already drawn comparisons to.

“We’ve become great friends throughout this process,” Adjepong said. “I tell him all the time that he’s my favorite college player. He’s everything that I want to be, you know? He’s an extremely hard worker, a great student, a great teammate, and an excellent player. It’s an honor (to be compared to him).”

Adjepong’s path, with its next stop at Lane Stadium, didn’t start with the pigskin, though. Too big to play in the Pop Warner leagues as a kid, Adjepong traded in organized football for organized futbol, and quickly made a name for himself on the soccer fields of North Jersey.

“When I was little, I used to be real good at soccer,” Adjepong said. “I did other things to stay active. I played a lot of baseball, a lot of basketball and soccer. I did some different things, but I met up with football when I got to high school.”

With high school came an end to the weight restrictions of Pop Warner football, and a football-eager Adjepong dove headfirst onto the gridiron where his talent was promptly recognized. After just four games with Carteret High School’s freshman team, Adjepong garnered the attention of varsity head coach Bob Molarz, who suggested that Adjepong be moved from the interior line to fullback and linebacker to take advantage of his speed and athleticism.

The shift paid off, and Adjepong graduated to the varsity team as a sophomore, where he competed with upperclassmen for playing time at linebacker. Knowing that Adjepong was too talented to watch from the sideline, Molarz decided to try him out at defensive end just five days before Carteret’s first game.

“For argument’s sake we said ‘lets put his hand down, let’s make him a defensive end,’” Molarz said. “He started our first game at defensive end, and the rest, as they say, is history. He made us look like geniuses for that move.”

Though he had earned the respect of his team and coaches, it wasn’t until later that season that the rest of the Garden State started paying attention.

“His sophomore year against South River — one of our archrivals — he had 11 tackles, four for a loss, three sacks, an interception off of a deflection, and two fumble recoveries, one in the end zone for a touchdown,” Molarz said. “That put the stamp on it right there. We knew he was going to be special, I think after that one everyone else knew it as well.”

After following his standout sophomore year with a stellar junior season, Adjepong was once again called upon to play linebacker at Carteret. In his senior year, he accumulated 107 tackles and nine sacks while splitting time between the defensive end and middle linebacker positions.

It was during that senior season that calls and letters started piling up from every major college east of the Mississippi. Virginia Tech happened to be one of the schools that piqued Adjepong’s interest.

“We started (recruiting Adjepong) back in the summer of ‘05 and he made a visit here that June,” said Tech defensive line coach and Adjepong’s primary recruiter, Charley Wiles. “We hit it off from the very beginning, and Jason was a priority from the very start.”

As Adjepong trimmed his list of schools down, the Hokies managed to keep their name near the top.

“I waited until real late to narrow it down, but I had offers from everybody,” Adjepong said. “I finally narrowed it down to a top six: Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Michigan, Ohio State, Boston College and Iowa.”

After mulling the decision over with his family and coach, Adjepong made his decision, verbally committing to the Hokies.

“It really came down to the people,” Adjepong said. “The people, the coaches, the players and the incoming class at Virginia Tech were unlike any other school.”

Though there’s little question he has the raw skills to be an impact player at the college level, Adjepong will need to bulk up to have success at the next level — he currently checks in at 6’3, 248 pounds.

“Like anybody coming out of high school, he’ll need to be bigger, faster and stronger,” Molarz said. “I think he’s got a good foothold, but like anybody he’ll have to be little more B.F.S. — bigger, faster, stronger.”

Despite his need to adjust to the speed of college play, Molarz seems confident in Adjepong’s ability to improve overall.

“He’s full-tilt, 100 percent non-stop high motor, high energy,” Molarz said. “He’s a team leader in the weight room and in practice. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet off the field, but just a son of a gun on the field.”

Everyone who’s met Adjepong seems to echo Molarz’s opinion about Adjepong’s personality.

“(He’s) a great kid. I really enjoyed getting to know Jason and his mother,” Wiles said. “His mother, Sandy, is a super lady, she has done a terrific job with Jason.”

“Coaches that came to recruit him were amazed at how many students he was friendly with,” Molarz said. “He’s one of the most respected student-athletes we’ve ever had come through our building. In fact, our principal would come down and tell (the recruiters) ‘I can’t tell you a lick about Jason’s ability, but what I can attest to is that he is one of the greatest kids we’ve had around here.’ ”

Now one of the greatest kids to have ever walked the halls of Carteret High School will make the 500-mile journey to Blacksburg, but home will only be a long-distance phone call away.

Hokie Basketball Feature - 2/15/06

2006-02-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

Since my last post, I am sure you are all aware of how Virginia Tech was able to defeat Clemson in overtime, but then managed to lose Saturday night at Charlottesville to in-state rival Virginia. Unfortunately I did not provide a recap for either, but following the UVa loss, I was able to talk with freshman A.D. Vassallo, and later write this piece, which debuted today in the Collegiate Times.

Freshman swingman rediscovers his stroke
February 15th, 2006
by Andrew Kinney, Staff Writer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Despite the bundle of close conference losses Virginia Tech has been through this year, flashes of promise have been displayed among the Hokies' younger players, giving Tech a glimpse of hope for seasons to come.

Of those promising efforts, the brightest glimmer of hope has been the showcase of talent displayed by freshman prospect A.D.Vassallo.

Vassallo, a 6-foot-6-inch swingman from Puerto Rico, who can play both forward and guard, has lately been an integral part of the Hokies' offense, enjoying several strong performances in Tech's recent games. The freshman's newfound success began with a stellar showing against Wake Forest on Jan. 28.

Filling in for the then-suspended Deron Washington, Vassallo was allowed back into the starting lineup, a place he had been absent from for more than two months. Determined to prove he belonged in the starting five, Vassallo exploded for a career-high 29 points against the Demon Deacons, playing an active role in helping Tech earn its first conference win of the season.

Against the Cavaliers Saturday night on the road, Vassallo proved to be pivotal in helping keep the Hokies afloat, scoring a total of 19 points to go along with his seven assists and five rebounds. On several occasions during the second half, the freshman was able to overcome his youth, erasing any hint of college inexperience by netting several crucial baskets instrumental in keeping the Hokies close. Perhaps one of the most noticeable plays that showed the freshman's rock-solid nerves was when he was able to knock down a clutch three-pointer to put the Hokies up 75-72 with 2:33 left in overtime.

On a grander scale, Vassallo's performance against the Cavaliers was yet another strong showing to add to his recent string of success. After finishing the night with yet another solid performance, virtually everyone around him sat up and took notice.

"A.D. is playing very well -- he's getting good shots off," said Virginia Tech's head coach Seth Greenberg after Saturday's defeat. "He's getting better and is getting more confidence. Defensively, he's helping us rebound the basketball. He was able to get several defensive rebounds today, and I'm impressed with how he's come along."

Since being allowed back into the starting lineup against Wake Forest, Vassallo has started every game, averaging 16 points per game. Of his five starts in that stretch, the freshman has put up 80 points -- the same total he had scored in all 19 of his previous contests combined.

Vassallo claims the difference between his early struggles and his newfound success was due to lingering doubts in his head. Nowadays, the freshman admits to being mentally stronger when taking the court for Tech, and hopes that he can continue to be a prime contributor as the season progresses.

"I have a lot more confidence," said Vassallo, a product of Hargrave Military Academy. "I feel like a new A.D. every game. Every time I step on the court, I step on more confident. I feel a lot better playing with the guys -- I'm getting to know them, getting used to playing with them. It's helping me a lot more every single game. I'm just trying to do something different and help out my teammates. At the end of the day, I just want to win."

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #1 - Kenny Lewis Jr. (Part 2)

2006-02-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

Never too late for Lewis to chase records in Lane
February 10th, 2006
by Michael Walsh, Associate Sports Editor

This is part two of a feature about Kenny Lewis and his transition from minor league baseball to Virginia Tech football. In the second part, the Collegiate Times looks at Kenny's relationship with his family and former Hokie father.

The interview is over, but Kenny Lewis Jr. has a favor to ask.

“Could you make sure that coach Beamer, coach Hite and a friend of my family’s, Ben Davenport, get mentioned in the story?” says Lewis, clad in a sweater and with a stocking cap pulled down tight over his ears. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here, and it’s just a dream come true.”

With that request, the interview concludes, and Lewis Jr. shoots a subtle glance at his wristwatch. 2:05 p.m. — 25 minutes till weightlifting.

“They’ll pitch a fit if I’m late,” says Lewis as he delivers a firm handshake, a nod and disappears down the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame hallway.

It took him three years to get to that hallway, but far be it for him to be late for anything.

"Let’s see you get a record"

Now that Lewis is roaming the halls his father once did during the late 1970s, the question turns to where he will fit in the coming years both on the football field and as a member of the Tech community as a 21-year-old freshman.

“He’s older, and what I really like is that he’s been on his own for a couple of years, he’s mature,” Hite said. “And I don’t think there’s anybody more excited about playing here than he is. I think it’s been a dream of his (for) his whole life.”

With that dream comes the urge to live up to the expectations attached to being the son of a school record-holding running back. Something that “Big Kenny” likes to remind his protege of.

“He always wanted to be a running back,” Lewis Sr. said “He started saying, ‘Dad I’m gonna be better than you,’ and I would say, ‘Man I’ve got some records that are going be hard to break,’ and he said, ‘Dad I’m going shatter those records,’ and I said, ‘we’ll see.’ And I’d love to see him break those records.”

“We always play around,” Lewis Jr. said. “He had a record that Kevin Jones broke and he says ‘Let’s see you get a record that lasts for 15 years’ and we just always play around like that. But regardless, he’s always going to be the best. If I make it to the NFL and play 15 years, he’s still going to be the best.”

Being out of football for three years will have an effect on anyone. The younger Lewis, because of his professional baseball career and the resulting maturity, probably won’t have as many problems adjusting as other potential players. But assistant coach Hite says that in spite of the pluses that being on your own gives, there are fundamental differences between football and baseball that Lewis will have to make up for.

“One drawback (from playing baseball) is that Kenny hasn’t been in the weight room much the last couple of years,” Hite said. “He kind of has to play catch up and work at getting bigger, faster and stronger. No question (he’ll be able to pick up the weight room stuff). He’s mature enough. He’s just a great person, both on and off the field.”

Lewis says that he feels he’s already where he needs to be in the weight room.

“If you go in there and watch us, I feel like I was caught up,” Lewis said. “I’ve always worked out playing baseball, but I was doing football workouts, because that’s all I knew. I would lift a lot on my own — during the season they don’t want you to be too bulky — but on my own I was always in the weight room. I feel like I’m ready.”

As for immediate playing time, Lewis will have to contend with a full backfield to earn a chance to sport his father’s No. 20 in the endzone.

“It’s going to be interesting, you know?” said Tech head coach Frank Beamer in a teleconference. “You know the kid has some speed, you know his dad was a good back here and got a lot of records, and I think he’s going to be a good back. So between him and Elan Lewis and George Bell and Branden Ore I think we’ve got some good tailbacks.”

One person that thinks he can offer something to Tech football on the field right away is Chuck Vipperman — play-by-play man for WBPM in Danville and creator of a website that sports all things George Washington football related.

“It’s all about the speed,” Vipperman said. “In high school, as good a running back as he was, I always thought he was a better kick-returner. And I’ll say this today, I think he can step in tomorrow and do as good a job as anybody Tech has ... He has faced the pressures of a professional athlete and I don’t think that there are many college players that can say that. He’s played with Ken Griffey, Jr. he’s worked with Hall of Famers. He’s certainly not going to be star-struck, having been going to Tech games since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, so to a certain degree he knows what to expect.”

Lewis tolerates the kick-return-specialist talk, but makes no bones about his desire to be a 15-20 touch per game weapon.

“I’ve gotta be a running back,” Lewis said. “I mean I want to return punts and kicks but my main goal is I wanna go in there and play running back. You know like Reggie Bush: wide receiver, running back, return man. That’s what I want to do.”

"Regardless"

Every person you talk to about Lewis, after the normal questions of his athletic ability are through, immediately jumps to talk about him as a person and about his family as a stalwart of strength and support. It is almost as if his athletic prowess, while impressive, rides backseat to his family and the way he conducts himself.

“Just a very close-knit family,” Hite said. “It’s the kind of family you wish everyone could have.”

Religiousness and spirituality are two things that helped keep the family close and have helped the younger Lewis through the tough times and injuries. Just ask Perry Smith, the Cincinnati Reds scout who tried to get in touch with him, occasionally unsuccessfully, during Lewis’ time at G.W.

“There were nights were I would call and couldn’t talk to him because he was in his room doing Bible study,” Smith said. “An hour every night. Regardless.”

“My mom and dad always kept me in church regardless when I was little,” Lewis said. “No little kid wants to sit through church — they wanna fall asleep. But now, I can’t even sleep past when it’s time to go to church.”

It wasn’t just church, according to his high school coach at G.W., Scooter Dunn. Kenny’s parents were always around, knowing where he was and who he was with, making sure that he was headed the right way.

I really value the family and staying together as a family and being there for my kids,” said Lewis Sr., who now serves as the co-principal at his alma mater, G.W. “My passion was to help kids, because a lot of them don’t have a father figure, and I see what happens to them and I certainly didn’t want that for my son. And I made up my mind that I was going to be there for him. My mother died when I was young and my father died when I was in high school and I had those Christian values that kept me on the straight and narrow and I tried to instill those values in Kenny. We really believed in showing (our kids) the right way.”

Kenny also had a way with the other kids forming relationships with those who were around him — especially Dunn’s son Hunter, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

“He’s very close to my son, they’re like brothers,” Dunn said. “Kenny would call him and talk to him and even though he’s non-verbal he knew that Hunter was listening. We’ve got pictures here of Kenny and Hunter in our den and in his room, and they’re just very, very close.”

Lewis echoes that close relationship and his admiration for Hunter.

“If everyone had as much heart at Hunter this would be a scary world,” Lewis said. “He’s always smiling. I don’t know if anyone ever said so much without saying anything. He wrote his own book and stuff like that. No chance I could do that. I mean I’m having trouble in freshman English and he’s writing books in high school.”

After answering the question about Hunter, he checks his watch, trying not to be rude, but apparently anxious to get to the weight room and get started with his second career.

As he takes a left and heads out of sight, you can’t help but wonder where he’s headed. 1,000 yards? That school record? Kick return duty? The NFL?

Wherever it is, it doesn’t matter. He’s right on time.

Hokie Football: 2006 Recruit #1 - Kenny Lewis Jr. (Part 1)

2006-02-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

Lewis trades in spring training for spring practice
by Michael Walsh, Associate Sports Editor
February 9, 2006

After spending three years in the minors, Kenny Lewis Jr. decided to pursue his dream of playing college football. Lewis left behind his chance at playing Major Leage Baseball to suit up in orange and maroon on the football field. This is the first part of a two part series on Kenny Lewis Jr. Check tomorrow's edition of the Collegiate Times for the second part of Michael Walsh's story.

Leaving baseball was easy for Kenny Lewis, Jr.

The heater whirrs in the background as he stands on the concourse of Cassell Coliseum, just outside of the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame hallway. He grins easily and nods to a middle-aged man and woman who pass by.

As he gestures, explaining what he’s done and what drives him, you get the sense that the gestures are coming easier these days, back with the sport that he loves, the school that he grew up admiring.

“He looks dangerous”

Lewis, a Danville native and January Virginia Tech enrollee, looks you square in the eye when he talks about his path to Blacksburg from his beginnings as a track and football star in his freshman and sophomore years at George Washington High School.

Then, in his junior campaign, he approached G.W. head baseball coach Scooter Dunn about taking his speed to the base paths.

“I always ran track, and I wanted to give baseball a shot,” Lewis said. “I played when I was little, but I never really gave it a fair chance.”

“He came up to me and said ‘I’m gonna play baseball for you,’” Dunn remarked. “I said, ‘Kenny, I’ll give you the best shot I’ve got,’ and he just turned it on. It was just remarkable to see someone who hadn’t been at a baseball field since he was a little kid to have so much God-given talent.”

It becomes clear when talking to those who knew Lewis in high school, that there is one play that they point to when describing what watching the speedy outfielder was all about on the field. Chuck Vipperman, G.W. High School play-by-play man for WBPM in Danville — speaks about the sequence of events with a tone of awe usually used to describe a natural disaster.

“(It was) his senior year in the Western Valley District Championship game against Cave Spring. It was the bottom of the seventh inning — they only play seven in high school — Kenny got on first,” recalled Vipperman, pausing for emphasis. “The second guy bunted to the pitcher, and Kenny broke on the pitch. The pitcher picked up the ball and threw to first, the ball got away from the first baseman, maybe 20 feet, and Kenny scored. From first base! In baseball, you see a play developing and you think you have an idea of where the runner ought to be, and I thought he should be halfway between second and third, and he ended up being halfway between third and home.”

“(The first baseman) took his eye off of me for a moment. I guess it was just anticipation,” Lewis said, pulling at his goatee while reminiscing. “You know how you sometimes know what someone’s going to do before they do it? They kind of relaxed, and I took that to my advantage.”

Dunn was coaching third base as Lewis ran his way into the memory of everyone in attendance — and into G.W. High School lore.

“I’ve been coaching high school for 32 years,” Dunn said, struggling to convey the run to someone who wasn’t there. “I have never, ever, ever, seen that and probably never, ever will see that in any level of any sport. That was the scariest run I have ever seen. That place was silent, man, I mean we just won a district championship but the place was stunned. And we had college scouts and coaches up there and nobody said a word. The scouts said they had never seen anything like that before — never. And that’s how dangerous he was, and that’s what coaches would say, ‘When he runs he looks dangerous.’

A Raw Burner

Lewis’ scary-fast nature wasn’t limited to just the baseball field. As a running back for G.W. in 2002, he scored 18 touchdowns — five of those coming on kick returns — and ran for 1,040 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. Kenny’s father, Kenny Lewis Sr., manned the running back position in Blacksburg in the late 1970s, and held the Virginia Tech single-game rushing record with 223 yards against the Virginia Military Institute in 1978 until it was broken in 2003 by Kevin Jones.

So, naturally, his speed, coupled with his family history, led both baseball scouts and football recruiters to visit Danville. Vipperman noticed the football buzz early on in Lewis’ career.

“(Recruiters starting paying attention) very early on, probably when he was a freshman, obviously because of the bloodlines,” Vipperman said. “He dominated on both the seventh and eighth grade teams in middle school and even then had that speed that changed your perception of the game.”

But it wasn’t just big-time college football that had its collective eye on the wheels of the 5-foot-9-inch speedster. Cincinnati Reds scout Perry Smith had Lewis in his crosshairs as well.

“He was a track and football guy and didn’t steadily play baseball,” Smith said. “Therefore he was a little raw — a term we like to use — but we also like to use the word ‘tools,’ and he had tools. Obviously, his best tool was he was a plus-plus runner, what we call a ‘burner.’ He was also very athletic, a very strong kid for his size.”

The Reds weren’t the only team to express interest in Lewis, and Lewis wasn’t the only George Washington player to draw the gaze of scouts and general managers. John Fulton, G.W.’s shortstop and one of Lewis’ best friends, was also held up to the scrutiny of dozens of professional baseball people throughout their senior season — and were both weighing their options. According to Dunn, Fulton helped Lewis with his baseball development and knowledge.

“Kenny also picked up baseball through John Fulton, his best friend on the baseball team through high school,” Dunn said. “John had committed to Virginia Tech also to play baseball the same year. I think they played off of each other — they both got looks (from scouts), they would travel to showcases together, and both of them knew that they would probably get drafted, but they were trying to outdo each other.”

The Cincinnati Reds and Smith were impressed enough with Lewis’ potential on the diamond that the organization spent a fourth-round pick on him, putting Lewis in a position to make a decision that would change the next years of his life.

Bloodlines or Basepaths?

According to Dunn, a turning point in the decision came on a trip back from a road game during Fulton’s and Lewis’ senior years when the three were in the back of the bus, tossing around the topics of baseball and life. To Dunn’s surprise, the conversation turned to being on a baseball card, something that Dunn views as an inherent male desire.

“Every kid, I don’t care if you play baseball, football, basketball, track, soccer — whatever, always wanted to be on a baseball card,” Dunn said, voice nearly prophetic. “And I remember we were talking about that and I think that’s true. And I don’t even care if you played a sport or not. It’s like if you’re a man and you’re born, you wanna be on a baseball card, it’s just one of those things. I know it was when I was a kid and these two guys were talking about it on the bus. And I said, ‘Well, go pro, get drafted, and then you’ll be on a baseball card.’ And I’ll never forget when they both were on the same set of baseball cards, they came to me and said, ‘Coach, look, we finally made it onto a baseball card.’”

It was a set of Upper Deck trading cards to be exact — just ask Lewis.

“Just opening up a pack of Upper Deck trading cards and seeing my card there. That was a dream come true,” Lewis said.

While his son was making his decision, Kenny Lewis Sr., sometimes referred to as “Big Kenny” in Danville, gave his son advice on what he knew about courtesy of his career at Tech and his subsequent stint with the New York Jets. The health problems and injury concerns of big-time football. As his father served as his role model, Lewis listened.

“He talked to me about longevity, you know?” Lewis said. “And told me to just take care of my body. He knew there wasn’t as much wear and tear on the body in baseball as there was in football. But I felt like, ‘If you don’t love it then how are you going to wake up and go do your best at something you love.’”

So when he and teammate Fulton went in the fourth and third rounds, respectively, longevity, at least for Lewis won out over following his father into Hokie backfield.

“They won’t wait for you”

Lewis was assigned by the Reds to their Rookie Class team in Sarasota, Fla., the Gulf Coast League Reds in 2003. And it was there, even though he was still raw in terms of experience, that he began to place himself on the short path to the Major Leagues.

He stole 37 bases in 55 games, leading the league while only being thrown out eight times — a 67 percent success rate.

“Basically I felt like I was playing off of instincts every time,” Lewis said. “I might not get the best jumps, but I was very fast, so I could give and take there a little bit.”

Toward the end of the same 2003 season, Lewis was called up to the Reds’ Double-A team in Chattanooga, Tenn., bypassing Single-A and placing him within shouting distance of Cinergy Field, Cincinnati, and Major League Baseball.

“Kenny was on the fast track, in other words he was going to be here one year and there the next and then the next year he could be on TV,” Dunn said.

But his voice was muffled the next season, as he found himself back with the GCL Reds in Sarasota, and eight games into the schedule he tore his hamstring and missed the entire year.

“That affected me a lot,” Lewis said. “Because new guys come in every year, and they’re not going to wait for me just because I had injuries. Being healthy is the key, man. If you stay healthy, then you’ve got a bright future.”

It was then that Tech and college football started to creep into his mind. Lewis said that he would go home every year, and say he wanted to play football, but his dad would convince him to stick it out one more year. He did stick it out for two more years, playing two games with the GCL Reds, 59 games with the Rookie-Class Billings Mustangs (Montana) and 26 with Single-A Dayton (Ohio). Still, the thought of running out to a capacity crowd at Lane Stadium, donning his father’s No. 20 jersey and playing ACC football steadily grew stronger, first as an itch. Lewis would return home after every season and have a heart-to-heart with his father, Kenny Lewis, Sr.

“We talked after every baseball season and found out where his heart was at, and it was always in football to be honest,” the elder Lewis said.

The Tech itch became a full fledged fever as Lewis watched the Hokies take on North Carolina during the 2005 season.

“I saw (Tech) playing and I was like, man, I’ve gotta go back,” Lewis said with a grin and a gleam in his eye. “And then I came home, and I went to the UNC game they had here, and I was on the field and I thought, I’ve gotta be here.”

Fortunately for Lewis and for Virginia Tech, the coaching staff had left the door open for Lewis should things not work out in the minors.

“He decided out of high school that he wanted to go play baseball, but we always left the door open and told him if things didn’t work out there he could always come back,” said associate head coach and running backs coach Billy Hite. “We got a call from his mom and dad in December saying that Kenny was giving up pro baseball and wanted to come play for us.”

You might think that Lewis would have a tough time leaving the diamond, something that he had given three years of his life to, but you’d be wrong. The fan in Cassell is silent as Lewis folds his arms and looks down at the VT logo on the beige carpet in retrospect.

“Honestly, it wasn’t hard at all,” Lewis said. “I could live with coming to school, playing football and going to the NFL and never playing baseball, but I could never live with playing baseball and never playing football.”

Hokie Football: 2006 Signing Day

2006-02-02T17:38:00.000-05:00

Joe Kendall, another writer for the school paper, The Collegiate Times, put together this wonderful piece that sums up how Virginia Tech fared in this year's Signing Day, which was held yesterday. Amongst those in the signings included Hampton High School standout wide receiver Todd Nolen, who should add another dimension in the passing game. A big chunk of the recruits included four-star defensive linemen, so it looks like the defensive front-four are in good shape for the years to come. That being said though, I don't think that the D-Line was as much of an immediate problem for our lineup that needed to be addressed, as compared to oh, I don't know ... Quarterback?

Hokies welcome 21 to the fold
February 2nd, 2006
by Joe Kendall, Sports Assistant

Signing Day has come and gone, and defensive coordinator Bud Foster ought to be grinning from ear to ear about his future defensive line. The Hokies wrapped up the year-long recruiting process yesterday, picking up 21 commitments from six states including five four-star prospects.

Jason Adjepong, John Graves and Ladi Ojiboye, all rated as four-star prospects by rivals.com, will be strapping up on the Hokies' D-line in coming years. Tech also picked up commitments from Darryl Robertson, the No. 1 defensive tackle in Virginia, and three-star defensive end Mike Gee (ranked four stars by some services), adding depth and skill to what is already a highly-touted front four.

On the other side of the ball, Aaron Brown, a 6-foot-7-inch-290-lb. offensive tackle ranked No. 7 in the nation for his position, signed a letter of intent and has already enrolled for the spring semester.

Wide receiver Todd Nolen will also be making the trip to Blacksburg next year. The four-star standout spent his last year prepping at Fork Union Military Academy after signing with the Hokies a year ago.

However, there were some concerns that Tech missed out on what was a deep talent pool this year in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Many of the top players in-state were drawn away from the Hokies by schools like Penn State and the University of Florida.

"Normally we've been getting a lot of kids out of the state of Virginia," said head coach Frank Beamer in a teleconference yesterday afternoon. "It's just one of those years that quite a few went out of state. It's a disappointment, but I think the other side of it is that we were able to attract a lot of quality players outside of the state of Virginia."

Tech seemed to excel out of state, recruiting with great success in Ohio, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina as well as opening up somewhat of a pipeline in New Jersey, as three residents of the Garden State inked letters of intent (Gee, Adjepong and Zach Luckett).

Tech's recruiting class is currently ranked No. 32 in the country by Rivals -- a ranking that checks in slightly lower than the past few seasons.

Beamer seemed less concerned with the rankings though, noting that the Hokies have always produced results regardless of recruiting rankings.

"I don't read into that too much," Beamer said. "Come back and check with me in two years and lets see where these guys are. Jimmy Williams was ranked 26th (at his position) coming out of high school, he's going to be a first-round draft pick (in April's NFL Draft). Will Montgomery, we thought he was our best offensive lineman, but he was ranked 43rd in the state, you can just go on and on. I'm not concerned, I went back through my notes today and I like this class."

However, Beamer will have to wait until summer practices to see how the newest Hokies fare in maroon and orange.

Hokie Tennis: Virginia Tech 7, James Madison 0

2006-02-02T16:37:00.000-05:00

Men's tennis cruises to two more victories
February 2nd, 2006
by Andrew Kinney, Staff Writer

The Virginia Tech men's tennis team continued its recent success by shutting out both American University and James Madison University by scores of 7-0 Wednesday night.

Top-ranked singles player Arvid Puranen set the flawless standard for head coach Jim Thompson's team, as he was one of several players who came away with numerous match victories. Puranen was able to finish the day with an unblemished 4-0 record in match play and was content with his performance.

"During all of my matches I was extremely focused," Puranen said. "I was attacking the ball hard on every point and was playing aggressively. Overall I think I played well."

Another Hokie that played well for Thompson was freshman David Rosenfeld, a highly-recruited baseliner out of Miami, Fla. Following in the undefeated footsteps of Puranen, the successful freshman was able to accomplish a 3-0 record, which included two lopsided singles victories 6-1, 6-2 and 6-2, 6-0.

"In my first match, I focused on serving better, getting better knee bend, and exploding up into the serve," Rosenfeld said. "I also looked to getting into the court and attacking the guy more. Any short ball that I got, I came into net and attacked his weakest stroke. That wasn't my main priority though as I liked staying back and grinding it out as well. I just really tried to attack and put pressure on the guy."

Of Rosenfeld's three wins, the one that stood out the most at the end of the day was his 9-8 (7-3) victory over JMU at No. 1 doubles. While being partnered with Puranen, the freshman was able to step up late but admitted to struggling early due to his inexperience.

"I was a little nervous out there playing number one doubles," Rosenfeld said. "It sort of flustered me because I hadn't played any doubles at all this season. My head wasn't in it at times, because I had made a few errors and missed a few volleys. Arvid, though, was able to give me some tips and hints, and he really kept me up while I was getting mad at myself. His words were a big help, and it was a relief to get the win afterwards."

Also contributing to Tech's win was the successful play of Alexei Sergeev. Using big first serves and penetrating groundstrokes, the Russian sophomore was able to win all three of his matches, increasing his season-record to a perfect 7-0.

"Overall, I was satisfied with how well I played," Sergeev said. "I particularly liked how well I was serving. My first serves were really good, and my opponent really wasn't able to handle my ground strokes."

Thompson only had good words to say when speaking of his team's performance.

"Our guys played really hard and did well yet again. In singles, we looked strong and I'm looking forward to the weekend," Thompson said. "I have seven or eight really good players that can play in the top six on any given day. Right now I feel comfortable that we can mix them around, and I don't want them to feel like they're slotted into a spot. I think our guys can play anywhere in our lineup. I'm excited about that, for it shows that we have good depth."

With Wednesday's wins, the Hokies improved their season record to 6-0. The team returns back into action Saturday, as it will be hosting Middle Tennessee State at the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center at 4 p.m.

Virginia Tech 63, Georgia Tech 62

2006-02-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- For the first time in a while, things actually went the Hokies' way.

Tied at 62 apiece with only 16 seconds remaining in the game, Georgia Tech guard D'Andre Bell let the clock wind down and took one of his 10 attempted shots that could have easily put the Hokies away. Unfortunately for the freshman, the ball took a Virginia Tech bounce off the rim, erasing all chance of a heroic finish for Bell. Fortunately for Bell's team though, the ball landed right into the hands of Georgia Tech forward Jeremis Smith, who leaped over Hokie forward Deron Washington and tipped in the game-winning basket to put the Yellow Jackets up two with 0.5 seconds left.

Oh wait, nevermind that last part.

Smith's basket was was immediately waved off by the referees, as he was issued an over-the-back foul, much to the delight of everyone every Hokie fan in attendance at Cassell Coliseum.

This monumental, game-changing call for Virginia Tech seemed ironic in a way in that it was made on a night in which the referees had been missing and overlooking numerous calls that would have benefited the Hokies. Yet with having such an important, game-changing result, the call was simple--Smith had gone over the back of Washington, and since the Yellow Jackets were in the double bonus, the sophomore Hokie forward was to shoot two free throws.

Now as I watched this all unfold from down on the court, I honestly wasn't the least bit certain that Washington would even make one free throw, let alone two. For those of you who have been watching Virginia Tech play this year, you all know that they are amongst the worst in the entire universe in terms of free throw shooting. In fact, on the season, Washington has been shooting a dismal 61.5 percent behind from the charity stripe.

So as he, of all people approached the line, I could only squint my eyes in utter nervousness to see if he could erase my doubting thoughts. Fortunately for the Hokies, that he did, as his first free throw bounced twice off the rim and right through the orange halo for the win. After an intentional miss, Georgia Tech grabbed the rebound and threw up a prayer of a shot that wasn't answered, and Virginia Tech had escaped with a one-point win.

When looking back on the night though, Washington was one of many players who stood out for Virginia Tech. In his first game back from suspension, he scored a team-high 21 points, going an impressive 8-11 from the floor. On the defensive side he was a presence as well, grabbing six rebounds to go along with a steal and a block.

Virginia Tech was also able to see beneficial outputs from junior guard Zabian Dowdell, who added 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Forwards A.D.Vassallo and Wynton Witherspoon were also able to contribute, as both saw significant minutes once again and finished with respective totals of 13 and 11 points each.

The only real downside to the win was that Virginia Tech was able to see how much of a downfall it was to not having center Coleman Collins in the lineup. With no 'true' center down low in the post for the Hokies, the team was abused from start to finish by Georgia Tech big men Ra'Sean Dickey and Jeremis Smith. Dickey finished the night after dropping 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting to go along with nine rebounds. Smith was able to boast a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing a game-high 14 boards. In sum, Coleman's inside presence was deeply missed, for his replacements simply weren't getting the job done down low.

After sending Georgia Tech to another loss (9-10, 2-6) on the season, the Hokies improved their record to 12-9 (2-6) on the year and moved up to tie the Yellow Jackets for 10th place in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hokies look to continue their short-lived conference winning streak as they will be returning back into action Saturday when they host Boston College at 7 P.M.

Hokie Tennis: Larsen Bowker Shootout

2006-02-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked the first day I started writing for the student-run school newspaper, the Collegiate Times, and for my first story I was able to cover the varsity men's tennis team. I will more than likely be covering them through the season, so with that being said here is my brief piece on them:

Men's tennis serves up four weekend opponents
January 31st, 2006
by Andrew Kinney, Staff Writer

Playing host this past weekend to the Larsen Bowker Shootout, a two-day event featuring several other universities from along the East Coast, the Virginia Tech men's tennis team started the 2006 season on the right foot as it easily went undefeated in all four of its scheduled matches.

In fact, of the team's victories over Austin Peay, St. Bonaventure University, University of Maryland-Baltimore County and Charlotte, only one match was lost, a feat that impressed head coach Jim Thompson.

"Overall, I think we did very well," Thompson said. "The teams we faced were pretty strong, and I think that helped our inexperience. Obviously we're a young team, as we have a lot of freshmen and sophomores playing, so any added experience helps."

Of the group of younger players that Thompson mentioned, one that particularly stood out over the weekend was Alexei Sergeev. During the tournament, the 5'10" sophomore from Moscow won all four of his matches, including two doubles victories and a singles win while filling-in at the number one spot against Maryland Baltimore-County.

"It was a pretty tough tournament, because we had to play a lot of matches," Sergeev said. "We were just trying to start the season off right by playing a good amount of matches, which really helps our inexperience. I think that as the season goes on though, we will get better, especially because there is so much room to improve."

Another bright spot of the weekend tournament was the play of Arvid Puranen, a 6'1" junior who considers himself, "A good all-around player," and regularly represents the Hokies at the top-ranked singles spot. Currently ranked No. 98 in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Puranen finished the weekend with a 2-1 record, yet was critical of himself in his lone defeat, a close 6-3, 3-6, 6-10 loss to Charlotte player Roy Sichel.

"It was disappointing to lose, but (Sichel) played very well," Puranen said. "Overall this past weekend served as valuable experience to bring with me into the season, and I hope to improve so that we can do well as a team."

The Hokies will look to continue their recent success Wednesday as they play host once again in a double-header against American University and James Madison University at the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center.

Virginia Tech 76, Wake Forest 70

2006-01-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg actually had something to cheer about Saturday afternoon, as his team finally won its first game in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Virginia Tech Hokies, playing with only eight readily-dressed players from their full roster, were actually to able win an ACC matchup on Saturday, as they defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons by a score of 76-70 at Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum.

Leading the way for Virginia Tech was the impressive play of 6'6" swingman A.D. Vassallo, who was able to knock down several crucial buckets for the Hokies in crunch time. Filling in for the suspended sophomore Deron Washington, the freshman small forward out of Puerto Rico finished with a career-high 29 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Junior shooting guard Jamon Gordon was also key in the Hokies' success, as he added 21 points to go along with a season-high total of 14 rebounds.

Trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half, both players were extremely instrumental in a late Hokies' 13-0 run that would set Virginia Tech up to eventually come away with the win.

Other Hokies worth mentioning in the winning effort were junior point guard Zabian Dowdell and sophomore small forward Wynton Witherspoon, who both saw significant minutes and finished with respective totals of 11 and 10 points each.

With the win, Virginia Tech was able to increase their conference record to 1-6, with an overall 11-9 season record. With that being said, the Hokies will return into action Tuesday night as they play host to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-9, 2-5).

Hokie Basketball Recap - Duke 80, Virginia Tech 67

2006-01-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

Point guard Zabian Dowdell (center) had a stellar outing in Virginia Tech's losing effort, leading the Hokies with 21 points on 10-for-18 shooting. (AP Photo)

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- We all remember last month how Duke small forward Sean Dockery miraculously nailed that half-court prayer to top the Hokies by a score of 77-75. Well, no acts of God were necessary Thursday night for Dockery, or any other Duke player for that matter, as the Blue Devils came into Cassell Coliseum and handily won over the Hokies 80-67.

Leading the way for Coach Krzyzewski's team was the effective 1-2 punch of shooting guard J.J. Reddick and center Shelden Williams, who both finished with game-high totals of 24 points. All throughout the night, Williams was a force to be reckoned with on the inside, as he was able to continuously manhandle Virginia Tech center Coleman Collins down low.

Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, when Williams wasn't scoring one of his nine baskets, or grabbing one of his 15 rebounds, Reddick was draining jump shots from along the baseline, or taking Hokie defenders to the basket for easy lay-ups. Defensively, Virginia Tech did an average job in defending J.J., as they really didn't force him to take the toughest of shots. I myself would have been much more satisfied with the defensive job put on Reddick if he had consistently been forced into making those spectacular shots that he is so well known for. That was not the case though, as on several occasion, the nation's deadliest sharpshooter could be seen wide open within the three-point arc, and when he was left uncontested, he easily delivered.

Despite coming down with another ACC loss, several bright spots did exist for Seth Greenberg's squad. The most notable of those was the impressive play of point guard Zabian Dowdell, who finished with a team-high 21 points on a respectable 10-for-18 shooting. Using his size to his advantage, the 6'3 junior out of Florida was consistently able to penetrate the Duke defense and sink the easy jumper, or finish around the rim.

Center Coleman Collins also had a respectable night, earning a double-double after finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. As was mentioned earlier though, Collins had his hands full in guarding Williams, and couldn't stop the big man from dominating throughout the game.

Another standout for the Hokies offensively was sophomore forward Deron Washington, who added 12 points and 7 boards before getting ejected late in the second half. Officials threw out Washington after a flagrant foul, and while on the floor, Washington gave one heck of an 'unintentional' kick to Duke forward Lee Melchionni's face. Afterwards, Washington was reported having apologized to Coach K. and Melchionni, claiming it was an innocent act.

With the loss, the Hokies fall to 10-9 on the year and add yet another ACC loss, dropping their conference record to 0-6. Saturday will hopefully serve as a means of grabbing that first coveted win, as Virginia Tech will travel to Winston-Salem desperate for a victory against the struggling Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Hokie Basketball Recap - Maryland 81, Virginia Tech 72

2006-01-22T05:35:00.000-05:00

Virginia Tech's Wynton Witherspoon (left), or any other Hokie for that matter, had a tough time in stopping Maryland's Nik Caner-Medley (center), who finished with a season-high 23 points. (AP Photo)

Okay, so 17 games into the season and I was yet to write once about Virginia Tech basketball, that was due mainly in part to laziness, not incompetence. So do trust me I actually know a good bit about basketball, or at least I'd like to think that way, so here's a little recap I put together of the Hokies' latest action on the basketball court.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Virginia Tech's ACC woes continued Saturday night, as the Hokies dropped their conference record to a dismal 0-5 by losing to the Maryland Terrapins in front of a capacity crowd of 17,950 at the Comcast Center. Despite leading early, the Hokies folded late, and were outscored 44-34 in the final half to end the game by a losing score of 81-72.

For Virginia Tech, point guard Zabian Dowdell and center Coleman Collins continued to display their success in leading the team offensively, as each scored 21 and 18 points respectively. Unfortunately for the Hokies however, Dowdell shot an unimpressive 8-19 from the floor, including a lackluster 1-for-7 effort from behind the three-point arc. With that being said though, Dowdell wasn't the only Hokie having shooting troubles from three-point range. On the night, the Tech basketball team as a whole managed to only knock down 2 three pointers, of their 13 attempts.

Fortunately, however for Seth Greenberg and company, Maryland's shooting wasn't much better. In breaking down both teams' shooting performances, the Terrapins only held a slim edge in overall field goal shooting percentage (48 as compared to 45) and three point accuracy (3-10 as compared to 2-13). When looking at perhaps the other most important statistic in the game, rebounding, Maryland outdid Virginia Tech yet again, but on a much grander scale. The Terrapins, considered as one of the better rebounding teams in the ACC, really took advantage of the Hokies' lack of size down low, out-boarding them by a considerable margin of 39-27.

Offensively for the Terrapins, Maryland senior forward Nik Caner-Medley was really able to shine, as he put up a smooth 23 points on a 9-for-14 shooting effort to go along with 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and an assist. After having a quiet opening to the game, Caner-Medley's impressive shooting in the second half was the prime difference maker in putting away the Hokies.

When asked about Caner-Medley's performance, Dowdell said, ""He's a very versatile player. He can post you up, he's very strong, and he can shoot the ball. He's very hard to guard."

Coach Greenberg went on to add, "We really had a tough time matching up against him. He played with great intensity and he was tougher than us, especially in the second half."

With the loss, the Hokies fell to 10-8 on the season, and will look to improve upon their record this Thursday in a bitter rematch against the Blue Devils. Foregoing any game-winning, miracle half-court buzzer-beaters, this outing could serve as the Hokies first ACC win.

Hokie Football: Marcus @ Mickey D's

2006-01-21T13:40:00.000-05:00

Found this on Facebook, a good laugh.

Hokie Football: The Marcus ConVick Experience

2006-01-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

Like they say, when it rains, it pours.

Those words can definitely relate to Marcus Vick, who as of late can't seem to stay out of negative limelight. As I'm sure you all are already aware of, the ex-Hokie quarterback was arrested today on firearms charges for allegedly pulling a loaded gun on three teenagers in a McDonald's parking lot in Suffolk, Virginia.

Associated Press reports state that Vick would later go on to "surrender himself at the Suffolk magistrate's office after three warrants were issued for his arrest Sunday."

As far as the consequences that Vick faced, the report went on to mention that, "The 21-year-old Vick was charged with three misdemeanor counts of brandishing a firearm, and was released on $10,000 bond."

With that being said though, here's my favorite part: "If convicted of all three counts, Vick could be sentenced to up to three years in jail and a $7,500 fine, Suffolk police spokeswoman Lt. Debbie George said in a statement."

That could put a little damper on any plans to go pro.

Hokie Football: No More Marcus

2006-01-06T23:45:00.000-05:00

Today Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was officially given the boot, a result of his misbehaving and off-the-field controversies. His "permanent dismissal" has prompted mixed reactions, many of which agree with his consequences as a result of his trouble-making. Here is the official statement on the issue, released earlier today by university president Charles W. Steger:

"Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick has been permanently dismissed from the Hokie football program due to a cumulative effect of legal infractions and unsportsmanlike play.

Virginia Tech had suspended Vick in 2004. The university provided one last opportunity for Vick to become a citizen of the university and readmitted him in January 2005, with the proviso that any future problems would result in automatic dismissal from the team."

VT.edu's write-up also stated:

"Head Football Coach Frank Beamer met with Vick and his mother this afternoon and informed the quarterback and his family of the University's decision. His recent actions are unfortunate and we wish him well in his future endeavors.

Said Coach Frank Beamer, "I'm very disappointed that this didn't have a better ending. We wanted what's best for this football team and Marcus. I certainly wish him the best."

ACC Championsihp Q&A

2005-12-02T03:06:00.000-05:00

Fellow Blogger Matt Hofeld, creator of My Opinion On Sports, recently came up with a great concept this week in questioning several other Blog writers about their respective college teams as they approach bowl week. To take a look at the actual page, take this link, but in the mean time here's our little Q&A.

My Opinion On Sports: What gives you the most confidence about your team going into the championship game?

Turkey Talk: The aspect that gives me the most confidence about this Virginia Tech football team is simply the fact that they are strong in the areas that are accredited to football teams that win -- the running game and defense. Running backs Cedric Humes, Branden Ore, and when healthy Mike Imoh have been fabulous for the program this year, and in doing so they have really taken the pressure of rookie quarterback Marcus Vick. Also adding to relieving the pressure off #5 has been the superb play of the defense, whom we all know is excellent year-in and year-out. Bud Foster has really done a marvelous job with this defensive unit and it's good to know that going into every game that you have quite arguably the best defense in the nation. If both of these aspects of Beamer's squad start clicking during this weekend's match up, I have no doubt that the Hokies will come out on top.

MOOS: What concerns you the most about your team?

TT: The thing that concerns me most would undoubtedly be the passing game. VT's receivers have had good games here and there, but as we all saw in the Miami game, they were unable to create anything offensively against the nation's best defense in a situation where the stakes were high. With receiver Eddie Royal battling injury from week to week and Jeff King receiving much more attention in coverage, Virginia Tech now goes into some games without a legit receiving threat, making them one dimensional. If Virginia Tech were to recruit a big time receiver (aka Calvin Johnson, Mike Haas), that would really open things up for Marcus Vick and the entire offense, and the Hokies would most likely be 10-0 right now.

MOOS: If you could take any player from the other team who would it be and why?

TT: See end of #2.

MYOS: Who is a player on your team that gets over-looked?

TT: I would have to say the person who is most overlooked on the roster would be our fullback, #37 Jessie Allen. The senior out of Massachusetts has been a solid helper in the running game, with a majority of his blocks prompting tailbacks like Humes, Ore, and Imoh to break free for those crucial runs. It's not a far statement by any stretch of the imagination to say Allen has been pivotal in helping Virginia Tech in averaging an ACC-leading 225 rushing yards per game. Along having good blocking ability, #37 can come out of the backfield for the occasional catch, and overall is just a workhorse when it comes to strength training as well. All in all a humble guy that doesn't look for any credit, and is overlooked in my opinion.

MOOS: Why is your team going to win the conference championship?

TT: Virginia Tech is going to win the ACC Championship because of the two aspects of their team which I stated in the beginning. Virginia Tech's running game and defense is highly superior not only in production but yardage as well, and will come out on top over Florida State tomorrow night.

Though I was wrong in my prediction of VT beating Miami (chuckle), Ifeel the utmost confidence in the Hokies being crowned Conference Champion Saturday after the full 60 minutes. Expect Beamer and company to run the ball down FSU's throat, along with mixing in a few play actions and roll outs for #5. The combination of Humes/Ore should prove to be successful for the Hokies, and when it's all said and done I think that tandem will prove to be too much for Bobby Bowden and his Florida boys.

My prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Florida State 10. Go Hokies.

Hokie Honors

2005-12-02T02:36:00.000-05:00

With the regular season having come to a conclusion, several awards were given this week honoring the best players in college football. On Tuesday, the All-ACC team was announced, with five Hokies being named. Earning the distinct honor were Hokie players Marcus Vick, Jason Murphy, William Montgomery, Darryl Tapp, and Jimmy Williams. With that being said, here's a look at the ACC's First Team.

All ACC First Team

Offense	Defense
QB - Marcus Vick, VIRGINIA TECH	DL - Mathias Kiwanuka, B. College
RB - Chris Barclay, Wake Forest	DL - Darryl Tapp, VIRGINIA TECH
RB - Tyrone Moss, Miami	DL - Mario Williams, N.C. State
WR - Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech	DL - Manny Lawson, N.C. State
WR - Chansi Stcukey, Clemson	LB - D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
TE - Vernon Davis, Maryland	LB - Stephen Tulloch, N.C. State
OT - Eric Winston, Miami	LB - Kai Parham, Virginia
OG - Jason Murphy, VIRGINIA TECH	DB - Jimmy Williams, VIRGINIA TECH
C - Will Montgomery, VIRGINIA TECH	DB - Kelly Jennings, Miami
OG - Kyle Ralph, North Carolina	DB - Tye Hill, Clemson
OT - D'Brickshaw Ferguson, Virginia	DB - John Talley, Duke
Special Teams
P - Ryan Placemaker, Wake Forest	K - Connor Hughes, Virginia
KR/PR - Devis Hester, Miami

Virginia Tech - North Carolina Info

2005-11-26T10:50:00.000-05:00

North Carolina Tarheels (5-5 Overall, 4-3 Conference)
@ #5 Virginia Tech Hokies (9-1 Overall, 6-1 Conference)

Time: Saturday, November 26 @ 7:45 PM
Venue: Blacksburg, VA (Lane Stadium)
Series: VT leads 13-9-6
Last Meeting: Nov. 6, 2004 - W, 27-24
Television Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: 100.7 FM and 980 AM

2005 Completed Games

Virginia Tech (9-1)	North Carolina (5-3)
Sun, Sep 4 at North Carolina State W; 20-16	Sat, Sep 3 Bye
Sat, Sep 10 at Duke W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 10 at (17) Georgia Tech L; 27-21
Sat, Sep 17 Ohio W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 17 Wisconsin L; 14-5
Sat, Sep 24 (15) Georgia Tech W; 51-7	Sat, Sep 24 at N.C. State W; 31-24
Sat, Oct 1 at (20) West Virginia W; 34-17	Sat, Oct 1 Utah W; 31-17
Sat, Oct 8 Marshall W; 41-14	Sat, Oct 8 at (23) Louisville L; 69-14
Thu, Oct 20 at Maryland W; 28-9	Sat, Oct 15 Bye
Thu, Oct 27 (13) Boston College W; 30-10	Sat, Oct 22 (23) Virginia W; 7-5
Thu, Nov 3 (5) Miami L; 7-27	Sat, October 29 at (6) Miami L: 34-16
Sat, Nov 12 Bye	Sat, Nov 12 Maryland L; 33-30
Sat, Nov 19 Virginia W; 52-14	Sat, Nov 19 Duke W; 24-21

Picture Perfect

2005-11-21T08:02:00.000-05:00

5 Questions with UVA blogger Ian Cohen

2005-11-18T17:19:00.000-05:00

With the VT/UVA clash approaching tomorrow, pro-Cavalier blog Sexy Results author Ian Cohen and I decided to run through a few exchanges in words in looking at the highly anticipated game. Here are his words, and you can check out mine here.

TT: Virginia has been one extremely unpredictable team this year, showing glimpses of greatness in their win over then 4th ranked Florida State, and then flashes of mediocrity in their 5-7 loss to the unranked Tarheels. Of the the two totally different Virginia teams that showed up in these two games, explain which of these two Cavalier squads that showed up to play is an accurate representation of how good UVA really is.

SR: As time goes on, I think the UNC loss is mostly a result of poor playcalling and Hagans being unquestionably injured after the FSU game. If he was anything over 50%, that game is ours. By the same token, he was about 150% during the FSU game, so that was also kind of a fluke. I think the Georgia Tech game showed us the UVA team that will most likely show up on Saturday. Lundy and Snelling finally seem like they're at full strength, our defense is getting healthier, and most importantly, it's a home game. That being said, VT is far better than GT, a fact which they proved to the tune of 44 points.

TT: With Virginia Tech coming out on top last year in Blacksburg to win the always highly anticipated Battle of the Commonwealth, as a UVA fan, how much did that bother you? Is the avengeful mindset the same for all Cavalier fans around the nation, especially on campus? In what way(s) would you like to see the Cavaliers take advantage of and hopefully beat the Hokies?

SR: The easiest way for us to take advantage of VT's weakness would be let you guys rot in the Big East, but obviously, we were more class than that. To be quite honest, losing to Tech doesn't bother us as much as you think it would. Considering
VT's "all your eggs in one basket" approach to its athletic program, which has produced a grand total of zero NCAA championships, we figure that it's supposed to be that way. Any win we get is sweet, but there's absolutely no UVA student that would agree to fundamentally altering our school or lowering our standards to win more games against Tech.

TT: In your opinion, who is the better quarterback? Marcus or Marcques? How so?

SR: Depends what you mean by "better." Marcus is obviously more of a raw talent as a QB, but don't forget that Marques has spent time as a kick returner and a WR (he had a pretty good day against D'Angelo Hall in 2003). I imagine that Marques will end up in the NFL as a Randle-El type. I would argue that Marques has been more valuable to his team this year. With the way Tech's defense has been playing, Marcus just needs to not fuck up completely in order to win games. Witness the Miami game; VT's defense did the best they could, but when your QB turns the ball over six times, that's not gonna cut it. While Marcus is a dangerous weapon, I don't think VT's record would've been all that different if Bryan Randall was still back there. VT's wins have been by such great margins that you can't pinpoint a single game that Marcus won himself. As for Marques, UVA's probably 4-5 if anyone else is at QB, since he won the FSU and Syracuse games almost by himself. Thus, I'd say that Marques is more valuable to his team.

TT: Like you mentioned, Virginia Tech won't be having Mike Imoh to carry the ball come gametime on Saturday. With that being said, who do you feel will have the more effective running game? UVA with Lundy and Johnson, or VT with Humes and Ore?

SR: I can't say whether Michael Johnson is back at 100%, but the combo you need to look out for is Lundy and Snelling. VT has too much speed on the sides for UVA to get fancy with their running attack, and Snelling is a bulldozer who has been getting a lot of looks at tailback recently. VT is a team that scores quickly and gets a ton of three-and-outs, so UVA's going to try to slow things down. So don't expect a lot of sweeps that could get us in 2nd and 14 situations.

UVA had modest success running against VT last year in spite of the fact that our playcalling begged them to put at least nine in the box. While VT's secondary is typically outstanding, Groh has far more confidence in Hagans' passing, so unlike in last year's game where we attempted 14 passes, there will be more commitment to keeping VT honest.

With all that in mind, VT's ground game will win the day until further notice. UVA's done a good job of shutting down some of the better RB's they've faced (Rhodes, Daniels), but this is the same team that got gashed by BC and Maryland. Though our stats against FSU, UNC and GT give me confidence that those days are behind us, we're still not at VT's level in terms of defense.

TT: Lastly, give an overall prediction on Saturday's matchup, and I'm dying to know, what do YOU guys REALLY think about VT?

SR: See my most recent post for predictions. I'm hoping against hope here, seeing as how the last time someone named Vick manned the controls, it wasn't even close. In fact, I'm guessing there's a better chance that VT wins by 30 than there is of them winning by 3.

As for what we think about Tech, I'd say it's a cocktail composed of equal parts indifference and pity. Indifference because nearly everyone at UVA had the chance to get accepted to and attend Tech or anywhere else in Virginia, and chose not to. Pity because other people didn't have that option, and spend their first year trying to get their grades up instead of partying so we'll accept their transfer applications.

Just about every other school in Virginia, save for W&L, likes to bash UVA kids for being "pretentious" and "snobs." In other words, we get called out for thinking we're better than everyone else. Well, if you went to the school in Virginia with the most stringent admissions requirements, best overall athletic program, most beautiful campus and coeds, most successful and famous alumni, the most storied social scene, was founded by Thomas Jefferson, and all that happened to be in what was voted the #1 city to live in America, you'd think you were the shit too.

Student Ticket Issue

2005-11-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

While going to class today, I was able to read a bit of the Collegiate Times, the student-run newspaper for the Virginia Tech campus. In doing so I found this article by staff writer Nick Vranas or T-Bone as he likes to call himself, complaining about the student ticket lottery, primarily for season basketball tickets. He urges the university to implement a point system rewarding all those who go in attendance, similar to what UNC Chapel HIll does with their ticket program. Here is a brief part of the piece:

"It sounds weird that a season ticket group should have the band in front of them, but that's where my friends and I have season tickets at, Row Z, "Zab's Favs, 'Fo Sho'." My group is 15 seniors who have been to just about every game in four years, starting with the 79-77 loss to Wofford College in 2002 -- disgusting to say the least. We camped out for seats freshman and sophomore year and had season tickets in the inaugural year of the system, getting them in the third row but have nothing to show for our loyalty and dedication.

This past weekend, I was looking down at my third row seats from last year and there were students clad in black and pink and red sitting during the final minutes of the Bowling Green game. The row in front of that was empty. I almost threw up, and not just from the swallowing blood from my high altitude nosebleed, but when I saw kids who I know are sophomores and freshmen sitting in those prime seats."

On that note, my season tickets came in the mail the other day, and I got Row D, the fourth row from the floor. Chyea.

The Enemy Speaks

2005-11-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

Read Virginia Cavalier head coach Al Groh's transcript from his press conference yesterday. He addresses several aspects of the game, including the Hokies defense, their success, and quarterback Marcus Vick, among other topics.

Virginia Tech - Virginia Info

2005-11-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

In light of the incredibly dissapointing loss to Miami combined with ridiculous amounts of school work here at Virginia Tech, I haven't been writing lately, but that should change, especially as with the Battle of the Commonwealth game approaching this Saturday.

#7 Virginia Tech Hokies (8-1 Overall, 5-1 Conference)
@ Virginia Cavaliers (6-3 Overall, 3-3 Conference)

Time: Saturday, November 19 @ 12:00 PM
Venue: Charlottesville, VA (Scott Stadium)
Series: VT leads 44-37-5
Last Meeting: Nov. 27, 2004 - W, 24-10
Television Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: 100.7 FM and 980 AM

2005 Completed Games

Virginia Tech (8-1)	Virginia (6-3)
Sun, Sep 4 at North Carolina State W; 20-16	Sat, Sep 3 Western Michigan W; 31-19
Sat, Sep 10 at Duke W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 10 Bye
Sat, Sep 17 Ohio W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 17 at Syracuse W; 27-24
Sat, Sep 24 (15) Georgia Tech W; 51-7	Sat, Sep 24 Duke W; 38-7
Sat, Oct 1 at (20) West Virginia W; 34-17	Sat, Oct 1 at Maryland L; 33-45
Sat, Oct 8 Marshall W; 41-14	Sat, Oct 8 at (18) Boston College L; 17-28
Thu, Oct 20 at Maryland W; 28-9	Sat, Oct 15 (4) Florida State W; 26-21
Thu, Oct 27 (13) Boston College W; 30-10	Sat, Oct 22 at North Carolina L; 5-7
Thu, Nov 3 (5) Miami L; 7-27	Sat, Nov 5 Temple W; 51-3
Sat, Nov 12 Bye	Sat, Nov 12 (24) Georgia Tech W; 27-17

Virginia Starters

Offense	Defense
QB - #18 Marques Hagans (5-10, 207, Sr.)	RE - #96 Brennan Schmidt (6-3, 269, Sr.)
RB - #33 Wali Lundy (6-1, 212, Sr.)	RT - #98 Kwakou Robinson (6-4, 327, Sr.)
FB - #38 Jason Snelling (6-1, 228, Jr.)	LE - #91 Chris Long (6-4, 265, So.)
SE - #83 Ottowa Anderson (6-0, 186, Sr.)	OLB - #57 Jermaine Dias (6-3, 223, So.)
TE - #86 Tom Santi (6-5, 225, So.)	ILB - #51 Chris Sintim (6-3, 223, So.)
LT - #66 D. Ferguson (6-5, 265, Sr.)	ILB - #44 Kai Parham (6-3, 238, Jr.)
LG - #71 Brandon Albert (6-7, 310, Fr.)	OLB - #34 Ahmad Brooks (6-4, 249, Jr.)
C - #62 Brian Barthelmes (6-7, 286, Sr.)	CB - #3 Marcus Hamilton (6-0, 187, Jr.)
RG - #78 Marshal Ausberry (6-6, 318, So.)	FS - #30 Nate Lyles (6-0, 195, So.)
RT - #69 Brad Butler (6-8, 274, Sr.)	ROV - #23 Tony Franklin (5-11, 186, Jr.)
FL - #82 Deyon Williams (6-3, 185, Jr.)	CB - #39 Chris Gorham (6-0, 175, So.)
Special Teams
P - #9 Chris Gould (6-1, 190, So.)	K - #6 Connor Hughes (6-0, 178, Sr.)
KR - #2 Michael Johnson (5-10, 190, Jr.)	PR - #2 Michael Johnson (5-10, 190, Jr.)

Turkey Talk BlogPoll Week 11

2005-11-10T00:07:00.000-05:00

1 USC
2 Texas
3 Alabama
4 Miami
5 Virginia Tech
6 Penn State
7 Louisiana State
8 Georgia
9 Ohio State
10 Notre Dame
11 Oregon
12 West Virginia
13 Florida
14 Texas Tech
15 UCLA
16 Wisconsin
17 Florida State
18 TCU
19 Auburn
20 Colorado
21 Fresno State
22 Georgia Tech
23 Michigan
24 Louisville
25 Minnesota

'Nuff Said.

2005-11-08T04:52:00.000-05:00

A quick take by ESPN on Saturday night's VT-MIA game.

Virginia Tech Hokies 7, Miami Hurricanes 27

It was over when...
The Hurricanes quieted rowdy Lane Stadium and jumped out to a 10-0 first-half lead.

Gameball goes to...
Miami's defense. The 'Canes held the Hokies to 13 first downs and shut down Marcus Vick.

Stat of the game...
8-22, 2: Miami held Vick to only 8 completions and had two interceptions.

*Not to mention FOUR fumbles.

Virginia Tech - Miami Recap

2005-11-07T18:17:00.000-05:00

Saturday night marked quite possibly the biggest choke of the year in college football as the Hokies were simply embarrassed on the national scene by a better Miami squad. With practically all of Blacksburg, as well as America watching the clash of the two ACC titans, the Hurricanes came into Lane Stadium and basically dominated the Hokies from start to finish.

Coming into this game I honestly had no worries as a Hokie fan, for I thought Virginia Tech had passed their 'true' test with flying colors in beating Boston College the week before. After a 30-10 drubbing of the 13th ranked team in the nation, I deemed in my mind Virginia Tech incapable of losing at home. Period.

Little did I know that come kickoff time in Blacksburg Saturday night, when faced with the opportunity of maintaining their ACC dominance as well as their perfect record, that Marcus Vick and the Virginia Tech Hokies would pull a bunny-out-of-the-hat routine, and disappear.

No wait a minute, I take that back. Saying that the Hokies disappeared would be wrong, for in order to disappear, you have to actually show up first. Coach Beamer and his entire roster were never there in the first place, and the lack of Virginia Tech players actually wanting to make a play was evident.

From the onset, Miami's athletic players were just too much, and they owned the Hokies all game. Though the Hurricanes didn't rack up a great deal of points (10) during the first half, you could see in Miami's overall demeanor during each and every play that it was going to be a long, long night for Virginia Tech.

Despite the early Miami lead though, I honestly thought that the Hokies would have no trouble making a comeback, especially after Miami's starting quarterback and running back in Kyle Wright and Tyrone Moss respectively, were injured. Unfortunately, just like my overall prediction of who would win, I was horribly wrong, as backup running back Charlie Jones came into the game and ran all over the Hokie defense. With Jones filling in for Moss, the Miami running game didn't skip a beat. Against Virginia Tech, ranked second in the nation in overall defense, Jones racked up 97 yards on 24 carries, in addition to scoring his first touchdown of the year midway through the 2nd quarter.

Simply put, this win has not only the football team in pain, but the entire campus hurting as well. Being a Hokie student, I can deeply reiterate the depressing effect that Saturday night's loss has put on all of the student body here in Blacksburg. As one motto goes, "Blacksburg is a drinking town with a football problem," and unfortunately for the students here, we now have to deal with the problem of seeing our football team's chances at a potential national title, let alone an ACC championship, slip painfully away.

What makes Saturday night's loss even worse as a Hokie fan to bear is that VT had accomplished all they were supposed to in getting to Saturday's matchup. Going into the game as one of only 5 remaining teams in the nation with a perfect record, the Hokies left as one of the many with that one tainted loss. After seeing the Hokies win in their games so convincingly this year, especially at home, the sight of Virginia Tech getting shut down at Lane Stadium was extremely shocking. This will be by far one of the hardest losses that Hokie fans will have to deal with. On that note, one can only hope for the best in the team's remaining two games as they will travel in week 12 to face an always-dangerous Cavalier squad, followed by hosting the North Carolina Tarheels to end the the Hokies' regular season.

Week 11 Rankings: The Fall of the Hokies

2005-11-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

After losing to Miami Saturday night, the Hokies dropped to 8th in the AP, yet remainined 6th in the BCS. With that being said, here is a look at the top ten teams in each of the polls.

National Rankings - Teams 1-10

Rank	AP	USA Today	Harris	BCS
1	USC (57)	USC (56)	USC (97)	USC
2	Texas (8)	Texas (6)	Texas (16)	Texas
3	Miami	Alabama	Miami	Alabama
4	Alabama	Miami	Alabama	Miami
5	LSU	LSU	LSU	Penn. State
6	Penn. State	Penn. State	Penn. State	Virginia Tech
7	Notre Dame	Notre Dame	Notre Dame	LSU
8	Virginia Tech	Virginia Tech	Virginia Tech	Ohio State
9	Georgia	Georgia	Georgia	Georgia
10	Ohio State	Ohio State	Ohio State	Oregon

Hurricanes 27, Hokies 7

2005-11-06T00:13:00.000-05:00

Six turnovers for VT, all by Marcus Vick.

Need I say more?

Miami: Bad Blood Remains

2005-11-05T19:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a part of a Sports.Yahoo.com piece by AP writer Hank Kurz Jr.

Miami hasn't forgotten what happened the last time it played Virginia Tech.

"That's definitely something that's in the back of our minds,' quarterback Kyle Wright said.

Virginia Tech won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship a year ago, clinching the title with a regular season-ending 16-10 victory at Miami. It was perhaps the biggest victory in Hokies football history. Now, the fifth-ranked Hurricanes will try to spoil things for Virginia Tech on Saturday night at Lane Stadium.

"This year's a new year, and we want to go celebrate on their field,'' Wright said.

Well Kyle, don't get ya hopes up too high now.

Virginia Tech - Miami Preview

2005-11-05T05:34:00.000-05:00

The game we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. As a Hokie fan, this great day could not have come any sooner...

Tonight's heavily-hyped up matchup features America's top two defenses facing off against each other, and it has all the making of another Hokie triumph. Along with having a flawless 8-0 record and better showings against teams that the Hurricanes have stumbled with, Miami will have to deal with quite possibly the loudest and craziest Virginia Tech fanbase they have encountered in years.

With so much at stake for the Hokies, this game has been the talk of the entire campus for practically all season. Virginia Tech fans and Blacksburg residents alike attending the game will be amped up more than ever in attempts of cheering on the Hokies to their 17th consectuive regular season win. When it's all said and done, come 7:45 Saturday night, over 65,000 strong will be as rowdy as ever -- jumping, yelling, and screaming the Hokies for victory.

Though everyone has deemed Miami being Virginia Tech's toughest opponent on the season, I honestly don't think they stand a chance. Virginia Tech has been focused on this match for the entire year, and will be coming out of the gates firing. Virginia Tech's home-field advantage combined with their superior players and coaching will be too much of a factor for a weaker, inexperienced Miami squad. When it's all said and done, the Hokies will come out on top, and in doing so, will take care of the spread as well.

In looking at the Miami offense, their passing game is led by sophomore quarterback Kyle Wright, who is yet to have an impressive showing against a legitimate opponent. His six wins have come against Clemson, Colorado, South Florida, Duke, Temple, and North Carolina, all of whom combined have a dismal record of 18-30 on the year. This year Wright has thrown for 10 touchdowns (7 of which were at Duke and Temple) to go along with 8 interceptions. He comes in to Blacksburg having just thrown 3 interceptions and no scores last week in Miami's 34-16 win over the Tarheels. With this being Wright's first ever trip to Blacksburg, he will struggle under center in the hostile environment. His inexperience will truly show, so look for him to make costly mistakes and commit turnovers. Virginia Tech will feast off the young quarterback's every miscue as he makes his Lane Stadium debut.

Miami's running game is by far their best means of moving the football, as running back Tyrone Moss has been phenomenal for the Hurricanes on the ground. With almost 700 yards to his resume this season, Moss has found the endzone 12 times on the year, good enough for first in the ACC. Making this all possible for Moss has been the success of their huge, experience offensive line. The line averages at 6'5, 303 in size, and four of the five starting linemen are seniors, with the only exception being red-shirted junior center Anthony Wollschiager. With such a talented line and backfield, stopping Miami's strong ground attack will be Virginia Tech's toughest challenge all night.

With all this talk of Miami's offensive game, let's not forget about what has really been holding Miami down this year -- their defensive unit. As the top ranked defense in the entire nation, the Hurricanes have shut down opposing offenses, primarily in the passing game. In last week's victory at Chapel Hill last week, Miami limited UNC to just 86 yards through the air. Led by a strong secondary and defensive line, the Hurricanes have been able to maintain a solid pass rush in addition to their strong coverage. Hokie quarterback Marcus Vick will have to be as focused as ever in addressing such a talented defensive core in order to find success. Look for the Hokies to pound the ball on the ground however, as they will establish the ground attack with running backs Cedric Humes and Mike Imoh.

Final prediction: Hokies 31, Hurricanes 13

Virginia Tech - Miami Info

2005-11-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

#5 Miami Hurricanes (6-1 Overall, 3-1 Conference)
@ #3 Virginia Tech Hokies (8-0 Overall, 5-0 Conference)

Time: Saturday, November 5 @ 7:45 PM
Venue: Blacksburg, VA (Lane Stadium)
Series: Miami leads 15-7
Last Meeting: Virginia Tech 16, Miami 10 (12/04/04)
Television Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: 100.7 FM and 980 AM

2005 Completed Games

Virginia Tech	Miami
Sun, Sep 4 at North Carolina State W; 20-16	Mon, Sep 5 at (14) Florida State L; 7-10
Sat, Sep 10 at Duke W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 10 Bye
Sat, Sep 17 Ohio W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 17 at (20) Clemson W; 36-30
Sat, Sep 24 (15) Georgia Tech W; 51-7	Sat, Sep 24 Colorado W; 23-3
Sat, Oct 1 at (20) West Virginia W; 34-17	Sat, Oct 1 South Florida W; 27-7
Sat, Oct 8 Marshall W; 41-14	Sat, Oct 8 Duke W; 52-7
Thu, Oct 20 at Maryland W; 28-9	Sat, Oct 15 at Temple W; 34-3
Thu, Oct 27 (13) Boston College W; 30-10	Sat, Oct 29 North Carolina W; 34-16

Miami Starting Lineups

Offense	Defense
QB - #3 Kyle Wright (6-4, 220, r-So.)	RE - #95 Bryan Pata (6-4, 272, Jr.)
RB - #30 Tyrone Moss (5-9, 220, Jr.)	RT - #98 Baraka Atkins (6-4, 264, Jr.)
FB - #23 Quadtrine Hill (6-2, 228, Sr.)	LT - #92 Orien Harris (6-4, 302, Sr.)
SE - #85 Ryan Moore (6-3, 215, Jr.)	LE - #90 Thomas Carroll (6-4, 237, Sr.)
TE - #82 Greg Olsen (6-5, 252, r-So.)	ROLB - #50 Roger McIntosh (6-2, 231, Sr.)
LT - #74 Eric Winston (6-7, 312, Sr.)	MLB - #2 Jon Beason (6-0, 225, So.)
LG - #68 Tyler McMeans (6-4, 329, Sr.)	LOLB - #44 Leon Williams (6-3, 238, Sr.)
C - #78 A. Wollschiager (6-4, 281, r-Jr.)	CB - #22 Kelly Jennings (5-11, 178, Sr.)
RG - #61 Tony Tella (6-4, 308, r-Sr.)	FS - #1 Kenny Phillips (6-2, 200, Fr.)
RT - #64 Rashad Butler (6-5, 287, Sr.)	ROV - #19 B. Meriweather (6-0, 188, Jr.)
FL - #83 Sinorice Moss (5-8, 185, Sr.)	CB - #24 Marcus Maxey (6-2, 195, Sr.)
Special Teams
P/K - #39 Brian Monroe (6-1, 208, Jr.)	FG/XP K - #13 Jon Peattie (6-2, 206, Jr.)
KR - #4 Devin Hester (5-11, 186, Jr.)	PR - #4 Devin Hester (5-11, 186, Jr.)

They're Back...

2005-11-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

For the second time in the 2005-2006 season, ESPN and their Gameday crew are coming to Blacksburg, this time to hype up the very anticipated Virginia Tech - Miami matchup. After walking around Alumni Hall today by Squires, stage setup has already begun and pre-game coverage is set to start Friday night.

During the hours on Saturday before kickoff, the Gameday show consisting of host Chris Fowler and analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso will begin as usual at 10.30 A.M. Expect the drill field as well as Main Street to be extremely congested.

Vote Vick

2005-11-02T05:49:00.000-05:00

Official online voting for the 2005 Heisman Trophy is now underway (actually it has been underway for a few days, I'm just behind) at voteforheisman.com.

The top three vote getters will receive the equivalent of one first, second or third place vote in the official balloting.

Though I want Vick to win, I honestly believe USC's Reggie Bush is most deserving of the distinguished annual award.

With that being said though, to vote for #5, go to http://www.voteforheisman.com

On the year, Vick has led the Hokies to an 8-0 start and a No. 3 ranking in both national polls. He has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,534 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 319 net yards and three scores.

Catch Vick in action as Tech hosts No. 6 Miami this Saturday in a 7:45 game that will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Lane Stadium Acknowledged in New Book

2005-11-02T05:45:00.000-05:00

HokieSports.com

Lane Stadium Recognized Among College Football's Most Hallowed Shrines
Hokies' home field featured in new book

What makes a College Football stadium come alive? Sporting News Books answers that question with their most recent release, SATURDAY SHRINES: College Football's Most Hallowed Grounds, which explores the very core of all that is the "religion" of college football, The Stadium. Each stadium is defined by the magic moments that give it its own unique, unforgettable personality.

For SATURDAY SHRINES, Sporting News, the most respected sports-information source for the past 119 years, asked their football experts to select the 40 best stadiums in which to experience college football. SATURDAY SHRINES brings the best college football stadiums in the country to life by detailing the setting, the structure, the fans, the mascots, the magnitude of the games played, the marching bands, the traditions - everything that makes watching a college football game a spine tingling experience. By the way, making the selections wasn't easy. That's why there are 15 other stadiums - plus six that are gone but won't be forgotten - added onto the tour.

The following schools are featured: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Army, Auburn, Brigham Young, California, Clemson, Colorado, Cotton Bowl, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Harvard, Illinois, Iowa, Legion Field, Louisiana State, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Pennsylvania, Purdue, Rose Bowl, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Yale.

Turkey Talk BlogPoll Week 10

2005-11-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

School is kickin' my tail this week, so not a whole lot of time to write. Here are my top 25 though:

1. USC
2. Texas
3. Virginia Tech
4. Alabama
5. UCLA
6. Miami
7. LSU
8. Notre Dame
9. Florida State
10. Georgia
11. Penn State
12. Ohio State
13. Oregon
14. Wisconsin
15. Florida
16. Boston College
17. West Virginia
18. Auburn
19. Texas Tech
20. TCU
21. Fresno State
22. California
23. Michigan
24. Louisville
25. Georgia Tech

Happy Halloween

2005-10-31T16:42:00.000-05:00

Schmitt Nominated as Semi-finalist for Top Punter Award

2005-10-31T16:16:00.000-05:00

HokieSports.com

Schmitt Named Ray Guy Semifinalist

Augusta, Ga. - The Greater Augusta Sports Council announced today the top 10 semifinalists for the 2005 Ray Guy Award, which identifies the nation's top collegiate punter. A record 58 punters were nominated for the honor. Each of the punters on the list was evaluated on his overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis was placed on the following categories: net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line, average return yardage, and percentage not returned.

Virginia Tech's Nic Scmitt was one of the 10 who made the cut. Schmitt, in his first year as Tech's punter, is averaging 42.6 yards per punt with 10 downed inside the 20 and a long of 65 yards.

...A national voting body of Division 1-A coaches and sports information directors, national media, and former punters will decide the three award finalists, and ultimately the winner of this year's award. The winner will be announced live on ESPN during the Home Depot College Football Awards show, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005. The winner will again be honored at the Greater Augusta Sports Award Gala in early 2006.

Among the list of punters making the cut:

Player	School	Class
Danny Baugher	Arizona	Senior
Dave Brytus	Purdue	Sophomore
Gordon Ely-Kelso	Georgia	Junior
Chris Hall	Florida State	Senior
Sam Koch	Nebraska	Senior
Ryan Plackemeir	Wake Forest	Senior
Nic Schmitt	Virginia Tech	Junior
John Torp	Colorado	Senior
Kyle Tucker	Kansas	Sophomore
Eric Wilbur	Florida	Junior

Hokies - Eagles Game Pics

2005-10-28T12:57:00.000-04:00

A few pictures from the game, courtesy of the Associated Press.

Vick, in one of his best passing nights ever, gave the Eagles trouble with his throws all night.

Senior Mike Imoh led the Hokie's ground attack, rushing 16 times for a team-high 60 yards.

Yet another non-offensive score for the Hokies, turning to be Vince Hall's second for the season.

Mrs. Humes: "Look at my L'il Ced, all done grown up now -- stiff armin' people with broken arms and all. Go on now, Ced! THAT'S MY BAYBEH!"

Fullback Jon Kinzer, high-flyin' in a move that would've made actor Woody Harrelson proud.

Hokes 30, Eagles 10

2005-10-27T23:34:00.000-04:00

For those who watched the game, you'll probably agree when I say that the score in its own right was misleading, as Virginia Tech basically dominated the Eagles from start to finish. Playing at home where the Hokies are almost unbeatable, Virginia Tech simply overhwhelmed BC on both sides of the ball, causing it to be quite a onesided match.

In looking at such a huge game for both teams, the stat line speaks wonders -- take a look:

Statistic	Virginia Tech	Boston College
Score	30	10
Total Yards	502	208
Passing Yards	280	156
Rushing Yards	222	52
First Downs	26	10
Total Plays	82	54
Avg. Gain Per Play	6.1	3.9
Avg. Gain Per Rush	4.2	2.5
Avg. Gain Per Pass	9.7	4.7
Turnovers	1	2

Could'nt Have Said It Better Myself

2005-10-27T18:14:00.000-04:00

Had to post this valid argument by Brian, one reader who posted this follow-up comment in my article about who deserves to be the number one team in the nation, "What Does It Take To Be..."

"First, lets compare the Big 12 to the ACC. Currently, there are three members of the Big 12 that are in the top 25 of the BCS standings. They are Texas (rated #1), Texas Tech (#16), and Colorado (#24).

Now lets see how many members of the ACC are in the top 25 of the BCS. There is Virginia Tech (#3), Miami (#7), Florida State (#10), an Boston College (#14). Of the ACC teams in the top 25 of the BCS, ALL are in the top 15, and 3 of the 4 are in the top ten.

Out of the three Big 12 teams in the top 25 of the BCS, only one is in the top 15, that being Texas.

Compartively speaking, the top of the ACC is much better then the top of the Big 12 this year.

Now, presuming both Virginia Tech and Texas go undefeated the rest of the way, Virginia Tech will have defeated 4 teams in the top 20 of the BCS standings (Miami, Florida State, Boston College, and West Virginia) while Texas would have only defeated 2 (Ohio State, and Texas Tech).

If this happens, and that is a big if, then there is no doubt that Virginia Tech's strength of schedule will have been much stronger then Texas'.

The question, if both Tech and Texas go undefeated, seems to be which team will have accumulated more 'style' points. Or, how badly can they beat their opponents. Given the record of Texas' remaining opponents, odds are that Texas will accumulate more of these 'style' points, because Texas teams like to run up the score.

If that's the case, Va Tech will most likely be on the outside looking in (though I certainly hope they aren't)."

Under Construction

2005-10-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

Being a Macinstosh user, little did I know that the entire layout and color scheme of my blog would look different on desktop PCs.

That is, until I viewed my site for the first time in Windows from a PC on campus.

Definitely did not resemble the attractive layout I had set up (left).

So, time to fix a few things up.

Hokes to wear new jerseys in Boston College game

2005-10-26T16:47:00.000-04:00

While heading to campus today, I picked up a copy of the school paper, the Collegiate Times, and while browsing through it found the article "Boston College game notes: Nike unveils new jersey for Hokies." Here is part of the piece, as written by Sports Editor Adam Abramson:

"Virginia Tech is one of four schools to wear a new jersey design by Nike. Tech's new threads include an orange left shoulder to go along with the sleeves many Hokies have been wearing. When asked about Virginia Tech's new jerseys the team will be sporting Thursday night, senior cornerback Jimmy Williams smiled.

When the Hokies walk into Lane Stadium to face Boston College, fans will notice that the left shoulder of the "modified" home jerseys is now orange. Nike has remodeled Tech's uniform along with the jerseys of University of Southern California, the University of Miami and the University of Oregon to complement college football's newest fashion statement set by the likes of Williams, Marcus Vick, Roland Minor and many other Hokie players.

This season, the majority of Tech's players have been wearing one long orange sleeve on the left arm and a long maroon sleeve on the right. Thursday, this look will be enhanced by the new jersey, something that excites Williams.

"I feel like I look good out there, I look pretty out there. I can only feel good and play good if I look pretty out there," Williams said. "We deserve these new jerseys, it puts us up there with the elite teams."

What Does It Take To Be...

2005-10-26T05:08:00.000-04:00

The greatest. The best. The undisputed champion.

We all have our own separate, special terms for those we recognize to be first. These are just a common few used to describe those who dominate the competition and stand tall at the pinnacle of their respective fields, whatever it may be.

With college football however, the universal term we have all come to use to describe what we consider to be the best has evolved to be quite plain and simple. There's no need for extra adjectives or meaningless synonyms to help describe whom or what we refer to as the best. When it all boils down, when we want to know who is the sitting pretty atop the rankings, we refer to see who is Number One. When we know that, everything else falls into place, and we come to satisfy ourselves with placing all those behind in the appropriate order.

Unfortunately for us though, order has been the last thing established this season in determining who is number one in college football. As to add to the controversy of it all, formerly second-ranked Texas was able to leapfrog USC this week to take the top spot in the BCS ranking, all the while remaining #2 in a number of other polls, including the AP.

With that being said, the question that has come to rise amongst all the BCS drama, amongst all the predictions, schedule strengths, theories and expert opinions is -- who has honestly earned the right to be number one?

Unlike professional leagues, of whom we are all aware define their top ranked teams based primarily on record alone, college football unfortunately has to deal with the controversial issue of how to rank teams with identical records.

As of week 8, six different teams (USC, Texas, Virginia Tech, Alabama, Georgia, and UCLA) have yet to lose, remaining unbeaten at 7-0. Strangely though, aside from the BCS rankings, no other poll even has the half dozen teams grouped together as the top six in the nation. As a result, many have been prompted to consider the controversial question of how can a team with a loss be ranked ahead of an undefeated team?

As we all already know, that's where strength of schedule comes into play. Of the six teams with unscathed records, only half seem fitting for Rose Bowl contention, let alone the number-one ranking. Based on that concept alone, I force myself to scratch Alabama, Georgia, and UCLA out of the mix, due to the fact that they just don't have strong enough schedules to make up for the obvious dropoff in talent following Virginia Tech.

The remaining undefeateds, or the Big Three as I have come to call them, have been playing in a league of their own this season, and foregoing only a few instances, have handily crushed their opposition. Compromised of obvious frontrunners USC, Texas, and Virginia Tech, the Big Three are the only obvious and realistic contenders for the number one spot in the nation, as well as the only realistic contenders to visit Pasadena.

Unfortunately, with the trio of teams having similar records and talent, the ability to name an obvious clear-cut pick as the number one team is practically impossible. So here's where one looks at the teams' schedules:

Virginia Tech Hokies	Texas Longhorns	USC Trojans
@ N.C. State W; 20-16	Louisiana Lafayette W; 60-3	@ Hawaii W; 63-17
@ Duke W; 45-0	@ (4) Ohio State W; 25-22	Arkansas W; 70-17
Ohio W; 45-0	Rice W; 51-10	@ (24) Oregon W; 45-13
(15) Georgia Tech W; 51-7	@ Missouri W; 51-20	@ (14) Arizona State W; 38-28
@ West Virginia W; 34-17	Oklahoma W; 45-12	Arizona W; 42-21
Marshall W; 41-14	(24) Colorado W; 42-17	@ (9) Notre Dame W; 34-31
@ Maryland W; 28-9	(10) Texas Tech W; 52-17	@ Washington W; 51-42
Boston College	@ Oklahoma State	Washington State
(6) Miami	Baylor	Stanford
@ Virginia	@ Kansas	@ (21) California
North Carolina	@ Texas A&M	(24) Fresno State
N/A	N/A	(8) UCLA

Of the three, I would have to pick the Longhorns schedule as the weakest. The Big XII is simply horrible this year, serving as one of the worst conferences in all of college football. No team, not even Oklahoma has anything to offer, as for the first time in years, the Red River Shootout was a joke. Gameday didn't even go to Dallas to preview the action, picking the PSU/OSU game instead. Simply put, Texas has been killing everyone in the Big XII, coming out with heavily lopsided wins in such a weak conference. Of Texas' seven wins, only two stick out in my mind -- the impressive 52-17 blowout over Texas Tech last weekend, as well what I consider the Longhorns' only big win this season -- their 25-22 win on the road against the Buckeyes.

USC's schedule on the other hand is a bit more respectable, as their 2005 trip to perfection has been marked by a few speed bumps against some tough PAC 10 opponents. With that being said however, the Trojans have already won the hardest part of their schedule, with those games consisting of close road games in Oregon, Arizona State, and Notre Dame. Against the Ducks, the Trojans were simply proven that they were human, and actually capable of losing. Against the Sun Devils, the Trojans were actually exposed, and if not for a few plays here or there, quite easily could have lost. Against the Fighting Irish, things got so bad for the Trojans that they actually had to cheat to win. All in all, the only real remaining threat (if you even honestly even call it that) to USC's flawless record is a December 3rd encounter with fellow undefeated Cali team UCLA.

Moving on to the last of the big three, Virginia Tech's schedule stands out to me as the toughest. As bias as it sounds, I don't see the other top two teams' schedule as being more difficult, especially if you throw in the inevitable ACC Championship game for Tech with Florida State. Going into the bowl season, if the Big Three remain undefeated, the BCS could be dramatic more than ever, as the Hokies would have accumulated tough road wins against underrated teams in N.C. State, West Virginia and UVA, as well as big home wins against Miami and Boston College.

With the Rose Bowl more than two months away, in my mind I consider it far too early to be predicting who's already in and who's out with so much football left to play. As the season winds down, teams are now starting to feel the pressure of maintaining their records as they truly realize how much is at stake each and every Saturday. Also with being undefeated, the three teams will be allowed less room for error, as opponents will be especially gunning to be the first to take them down. Given that combination of factors, I wouldn't be surprised to see an unexpected upset pop up soon. These upcoming weeks will really serve as a gut check for the trio of teams and come bowl season, hopefully any and all ranking controversy will be out of sight, and we will actually be able to see who really is number one.

Virginia Tech - Boston College Info

2005-10-25T18:53:00.000-04:00

#13 Boston College Eagles (6-1 Overall, 3-1 Conference)
@ #3 Virginia Tech Hokies (7-0 Overall, 4-0 Conference)

Time: Thursday, October 27th @ 7:30 PM
Venue: Blacksburg, VA (Lane Stadium)
Series: Virginia Tech leads 8-3
Last Meeting: Virginia Tech 27, Boston College 34 (11/22/03)
Television Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: 100.7 FM and 980 AM

2005 Completed Games

Virginia Tech Hokies	Boston College Eagles
Sun, Sep 4 at N.C. State W; 20-16	Sat, Sep 3 at Brigham Young W; 20-3
Sat, Sep 10 at Duke W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 10 Army W; 44-7
Sat, Sep 17 Ohio W; 45-0	Sat, Sep 17 (9) Florida State L; 17-28
Sat, Sep 24 Georgia Tech W; 51-7	Sat, Sep 24 at Clemson W; 16-13
Sat, Oct 1 at (20) West Virginia W; 34-17	Sat, Oct 1 Ball State W; 38-0
Sat, Oct 8 Marshall W; 41-14	Sat, Oct 8 Virginia W; 28-17
Thu, Oct 20 at Maryland W; 28-9	Sat, Oct 15 Wake Forest W; 35-30

Boston College Starters

Offense	Defense
QB - #15 Quinton Porter (6-5, 233, Sr.)	RE - #93 Keith Willis (6-1, 266, Fr.)
RB - #30 L.V. Whitworth (6-1, 222, So.)	RT - #56 Al Washington (6-1, 280, Sr.)
FB - #49 Mark Palmer (6-3, 245, Jr.)	LT - #90 B.J. Raji (6-1, 322, So.)
SE - #1 Will Blackmon (6-1, 200, Sr.)	LE - #57 Nick Larkin (6-4, 252, So.)
TE - #88 Chris Miller (6-5, 269, Sr.)	ROLB - #55 Ricky Brown (6-2, 235, Sr.)
LT - #72 Jeremy Trueblood (6-9, 330, Sr.)	MLB - #3 Ray Henderson (6-3, 245, Sr.)
LG - #70 James Marten (6-8, 315, Jr.)	LOLB - #Brian Toal (6-1, 223, So.)
C - #66 Pat Ross (6-4, 295, Sr.)	CB - #4 Jazzmen Williams (5-8, 181, Sr.)
RG - #75 Josh Beekman (6-2, 325, Jr.)	FS - #24 Ryan Glasper (6-0, 207, Jr.)
RT - #77 Gosder Cherilus (6-7, 320, So.)	ROV - #44 Jamie Silva (5-11, 208, So.)
FL - #6 Larry Lester (5-8, 180, Sr.)	CB - #27 DeJuan Tribble (5-9, 187, So.)
Special Teams
P - #46 Johnny Ayers (6-0, 186, So.)	K - #20 Ryan Ohliger (5-9, 197, So.)
KR - #1 Will Blackmon (6-1, 200, Sr.)	PR - #1 Will Blackmon (6-1, 200, Sr.)

Vick Checkup #7

2005-10-25T00:31:00.000-04:00

Playing on Monday Night for the second time this season, the Atlanta Falcons were able to beat the New York Jets 27-14, shining in the national spotlight once again. The last time Atlanta was on MNF, they beat the Philadelphia Eagles 14-10 to open the season.

Adding another win to his resume this season, quarterback Michael Vick got the job done, despite making several mistakes. Even though Vick accounted for 2 of Atlanta's 3 touchdowns, let's just say that he's had better days.

Just like his brother in the Maryland game last week, Michael failed to throw a TD, and instead tossed up three interceptions in the process. Fortunately he was able to make up for his dissapointing passing performance with his ability to score on the run. Rushing on the night for 18 yards on 9 carries, Vick found the endzone twice. In the end his contributions wound up being enough for the Falcons to come out on top yet again.

Another one of Virginia Tech's more recognizable almuni, cornerback DeAngelo Hall reperesented the Hokies well, accounting for 4 tackles and another interception, boosting his total on the season to 3.

With the win, Atlanta moved to 5-2 on the season, good enough for 2nd place in the NFC South, trailing 1st place Tampa Bay by only half a game.