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MEET THE COACHES THE MEET

Virginia Tech alumnus has enjoyed great success in leading the Hokies to the upper level of , earning national coach of the year honors along the way

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC Virginia StabilityTech’s =All-Americans Success Infi nity-T BI white stroke, fi ll 60 percent, no caps

The 2004 Football Staff: (front, l to r) coach Kevin Rogers, graduate assistant J.C. Price, defensive backs coach Lorenzo Ward, and offensive line coach Bryan Stinespring, associate and running backs coach Billy Hite, head coach Frank Beamer, defensive coordinator and inside coach , recruiting coordinator and strong safety & outside linebackers coach Jim Cavanaugh, assistant athletics director for athletic performance Mike Gentry, wide receivers coach Tony Ball, director of athletic training Mike Goforth; (second row, l to r) equipment manager Lester Karlin, administrative assistant Bruce Garnes, associate director of athletics for football operations John Ballein, graduate assistant Steve DeMasi, defensive line coach Charley Wiles, tight ends & offensive tackles coach Danny Pearman, video coordinator Kevin Hicks, assistant director of strength & conditioning Jay Johnson and assistant video coordinator Tom Booth.

One of the keys to the continuing success of Virginia Tech football has been the stability of the program. That stability begins at the top with head coach Frank Beamer, whose 17 years at the Hokie helm have helped the program develop a sense of stability and consistency currently enjoyed by just a handful of other Division I-A schools. Only three of the 117 Division I-A head football coaches have been at their current school longer than Beamer. The Hokies’ head man and his current staff have a combined total of 106 years of full-time coaching experience at Virginia Tech ALONE.

"Stability means con sis ten cy and More Than Just a Coach when you can be con sis tent in how you Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer was honored by The National Conference perform on Saturday, that's what gives of Community and Justice in recognition of his you a chance to win. I feel that doesn't contribution to fostering justice, equity and community in the Roanoke Valley. Beamer was one happen unless you keep basically the of four recipients of the 2004 NCCJ-Roanoke Region same coaching staff in tact. I really feel Humanitarian Award. good about our coaching staff. I feel A Decade of Excellence good about their knowledge and I feel When BIG EAST Conference football celebrated its great about the way they treat the fi rst 10 years of existence in 2000, Frank Beamer was voted the Coach of the Decade by the league’s media. players. I think Virginia Tech is really fortunate to have what I think is the The Highest Compliment A Bloomberg News survey of Division I-A football top staff in the country." coaches in 2000 named Frank Beamer as the best MEET THE COACHES — Coach Frank Beamer coach a school could hire to run its football program.

32 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Coach Frank Beamer Virginia Tech has the right man at the helm as it heads into the ACC Virginia Tech couldn’t ask for poll over the anyone better than Frank Beamer past fi ve seasons. During one to guide its football program into stretch that ended last season, the Atlantic Coast Conference. Tech was ranked in 84 consecutive When Beamer accepted the AP polls. head football coaching job at Winning has been just part his alma mater in 1987, his goal of Frank Beamer’s success story. was for the Virginia Tech football He and his staff have earned a program to reach a consistent reputation for getting the most level of excellence. The Hokies out of their players. have come a long way since that In 2000, Beamer and his staff day, and along the way, Beamer directed Tech to an 11-1 record has become one of the most after opening the season with respected and successful coaches eight new starters on defense on the college football scene. and an all new lineup in the Beamer begins preparation for kicking game. During the 2001 his 18th season at Virginia Tech season, the Hokies posted an 8-4 and his 24th year as a collegiate record and appeared in the Top head coach ranked fourth among 20 every week despite having active Division I-A coaches in to fi ll four offensive line spots, victories with 167. His Tech teams the job vacated by have posted a 101-34 record over sensational underclassman Michael the past 11 seasons and appeared Vick and the tailback spot left in bowl games each year during open when All-America running that span, a feat equaled by back Lee Suggs was lost for the just six other schools. He guided season with an injury. In 2002, the Hokies to three BIG EAST the Hokies were 10-4 despite Conference championships and attacking one of their toughest in 1999 helped direct Tech to schedules ever with a young team the national championship game. that featured all-new starters Beamer’s Hokies have earned at the defensive tackle, inside the highest national rankings in and rover positions, the program’s history, spending as well as major questions at 57 weeks in the Top 10 of the quarterback and . MEET THE COACHES THE MEET “Coach Beamer was really the only coach who was going to give me a shot at the college level, so everything that’s happened to me, I have to give credit to him. I wasn’t very big or highly recruited, but he saw something in me, so I owe him a lot. He’s a coach who demands a lot, but also gives a lot and takes care of his players. If you need something or have a problem, he’s going to do whatever he can to help you out, and as a player, you respect that.”

— Jake Grove, Oakland Raiders

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 33 A spot in the Nokia Sugar Bowl seasons in 1995 and 1996, best as a motivator, the best as a times during that span. Street & to play No. 1 Florida State for the Beamer was voted BIG EAST teacher, the best in big games and Smith’s College Football 2002 rated national championship focused Conference Coach of the Year by the best overall. Beamer as the top recruiter in the widespread attention on Virginia the league coaches. He was one In 1999, The Sporting News BIG EAST. Tech and its football program of fi ve fi nalists in the voting ranked the nation’s top coaches The rise of the Tech football following the 1999 season. And for the 1995 National Coach of in terms of their ability to get the program has made Beamer a man although the Hokies fell short in the Year. In 1996, The Sporting most out of their players. Beamer in demand. It has opened doors to their bid for the national title, News queried writers from around was picked No. 9 in Division I-A. places he may never have dreamed they proved that they belong the country and asked them Four of the last six years TSN has of as a youngster growing up in among the top teams in the to rate the coaches in various rated the Tech coach tops among Southwest Virginia. college ranks. conferences. In the BIG EAST, BIG EAST head coaches. The In September 2000, Beamer For his part in the Hokies’ those writers rated Frank Beamer publication has also ranked the was invited to the White House magical 1999 season, Beamer the best coach on game day, the Hokies’ football coaching staff as where he joined a select group earned eight national coach of best in game preparation, the the best in the conference four that stood in the Rose Garden the year awards. He was named the Coach of the Year, the GTE Coach of the Year, the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year, The Associated Press Coach of the Year, the Walter Camp Football Foundation/ Street & Smith’s Coach of the Year, the Maxwell Football Club Coach of the Year and the Coach of the Year. He also was named the BIG EAST Conference Coach of the Year for the third time. There have been plenty of other accolades for the Hokies’ coach. In a survey of Division I-A football coaches conducted by Bloomberg News in the fall of 2000, Beamer was named the best coach a school could hire to run its football program. When BIG EAST Conference football celebrated its fi rst 10 years of existence in 2000, Beamer was voted the Coach of the Decade by the league’s media. In January 2001, the Tech coach was honored as the NCAA Coach of the Year by The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. In May of that year, an on-line newspaper named him the best coach currently in the college football ranks because of his ability to National Coach of the Year Coach Frank Beamer was tabbed the consensus national football place Tech among the coach of the year for 1999 after leading the Hokies to an 11-0 nation’s elite year in and regular season and a berth in the national championship game. year out. MEET THE COACHES Following consecutive 10-2

34 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL behind then-President Bill Clinton as he made remarks on the BEAMER ONE OF THE TOP FIVE WINNINGEST COACHES Conservation and Reinvestment I-A active football coaches by victories; ties computed as half won, half lost Act. Beamer was one of the keynote speakers at the Coaches Association Convention in Coach School Years Won Lost Tied Pct. Florida State 38 342 99 4 .773 2000, and in April, 2001, he joined Penn State 38 339 109 3 .755 former Prime Minister of Great 32 243 127 7 .654 Britain, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Frank Beamer Virginia Tech 23 167 97 4 .631 as one of the featured speakers at Ken Hatfi eld Rice 25 164 122 4 .572 SUCCESS 2001, one of the nation’s most popular business seminars. Last April, he was presented pay raise. He refused the raise, reins from Bill Dooley in January the regular season and lost to a Humanitarian Award by the however, until such time that all 1987. He began work a few days powerful Nebraska, 41-21, in National Conference for Community classifi ed and faculty employees of after the Hokies had beaten North the Orange Bowl after giving the and Justice for his contributions the university could have the same Carolina State in the Peach Bowl. Cornhuskers a fi erce battle for to fostering justice, equity and opportunity for pay raises. Most It took a while for him to get three quarters. community in the Roanoke Valley. state salaries had been frozen at the Hokies moving in the right The Hokies fell to 7-5 in 1997 Beamer’s success has also made the time. direction because the football and were beaten badly by North him a much sought-after coach. In Another indication of Beamer’s program was hit with NCAA Carolina in the , 42-3. recent years, he has been pursued love for the university came on sanctions at the time. But they came right back with a by numerous other schools and has the night he was inducted into The But everything came together 9-3 mark in 1998 that included drawn interest from professional Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in the 1990s. The Techmen an impressive 38-7 victory over football teams. But in the end, in 1997. He called it the biggest fi nished 9-3 in 1993 after Alabama in the inaugural Music his loyalty has remained with the honor of his entire career. With beating Indiana, 45-20, in a wild City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn. Hokies. the induction, he became the fi rst Independence . Tech The two winningest seasons Beamer has always put Virginia active coach at the university to be followed up with an 8-4 season in in school history followed in 1999 Tech fi rst — ever since he starred honored in that fashion. 1994, losing to Tennessee, 45-23, and 2000 with the Hokies posting as a defensive back for the Hokies Beamer’s overall record at in the Gator Bowl. back-to-back 11-1 records. Tech in his undergraduate days in the Tech now stands at 125-74-2. He The Tech teams in 1995 and registered its fi rst-ever 11-0 late 1960s, and surely throughout became Tech’s winningest football 1996 were among the best in regular-season record in ’99 before his 17 years as head coach of coach during the 1997 campaign. school history. The 1995 team losing its national championship the Hokies. He has given the Counting six years as head coach swept the BIG EAST Conference battle with FSU. Tech program a sense of stability at Murray State prior to joining the championship outright and the In 2000, the Hokies’ only enjoyed by just a handful of other Hokies, Beamer’s overall 23-year 1996 club tied for the title with blemish was a loss at Miami in the Division I-A schools. Only three record is 167-97-4. That record Syracuse and Miami. ninth game of the season. Both other active Division I-A head places him fourth among active The 1995 team was 9-2 during seasons, Tech climbed as high as coaches have been at their current Division I-A coaches in wins. the regular season and then came No. 2 in The Associated Press poll, school as long as Beamer. The 57-year-old Beamer, the up with a stirring 28-10 victory fi nishing No. 2 in ’99 and No. 6 In 1990, Beamer received a fi rst alumnus to guide the Hokies over Texas in the Sugar Bowl. in 2000. The Hokies climbed as new contract and a substantial since the 1940s, took over the Tech The 1996 team went 10-1 during high as No. 5 in the 2001 AP poll and fi nished 18th. In 2002, Tech was ranked as high as No. 3 in the AP poll after posting consecutive wins over nationally ranked LSU (14th), Marshall (16th) and Texas A&M (19th). The Hokies’ youthful team fi nished the season 18th.

Last season, the Hokies ended COACHES THE MEET No. 2 Miami’s 39-game regular- season winning streak with a 31-7 victory. The Canes were the highest-ranked opponent Tech had ever beaten on the gridiron. The Hokies climbed as high as No. 3 in the polls before falling victim to inconsistent play during the fi nal month of the season. Still, Tech earned eight wins for the 10th time in the past 11 seasons. Beamer’s early Tech teams also registered many exciting victories. One of the most impressive came in 1990 when the Hokies capped the year with a 38-13 victory over arch-rival Virginia before a crowd of 54,157, which at the time was the largest ever to see Coach Frank Beamer at a press conference prior to the 1995 Sugar Bowl in which the Hokies beat Texas, 28-10. a college football game in the

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 35 BEAMER’S PROFILE PERSONAL: Born: 10/18/46, Mt. Airy, N.C. Hometown: Hillsville, Va. Wife: former Cheryl Oakley Children: Shane, Casey

EDUCATION: High School: Hillsville (1965) College: Virginia Tech (1969) Postgraduate: Radford University (1972)

PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Virginia Tech (1966-68)

COACHING EXPERIENCE: 1972 Graduate Assistant, Maryland 1973-76 Assistant Coach, The Citadel 1977-78 Defensive Coordinator, The Citadel 1979-80 Defensive Coordinator, Murray State

1981-86 Head Coach, Murray State 1981 (8-3) 1982 (4-7) 1983 (7-4) 1984 (9-2) 1985 (7-3-1) 1986 (7-4-1) Ohio Valley co-champion Record at Murray State: 42-23-2 (six years)

1987- Head Coach, Virginia Tech 1987 (2-9) 1988 (3-8) 1989 (6-4-1) 1990 (6-5) 1991 (5-6) 1992 (2-8-1) 1993 (9-3) champion 1994 (8-4) Gator Bowl 1995 (10-2) BIG EAST, Sugar Bowl champion 1996 (10-2) BIG EAST co-champion, Orange Bowl Coach Frank Beamer and his wife, Cheryl, with Shane and Casey 1997 (7-5) Gator Bowl on the back patio of their Blacksburg home. 1998 (9-3) Music City Bowl champion 1999 (11-1) BIG EAST champion, Sugar Bowl Commonwealth of Virginia. During Citadel, Beamer was the defensive 2000 (11-1) Gator Bowl champion the 1989 season, Tech knocked coordinator. 2001 (8-4) Gator Bowl off ninth-ranked West Virginia and In 1979, Beamer went to 2002 (10-4) San Francisco Bowl champion star quarterback Major Harris, 12- Murray State as the defensive 2003 (8-6) Insight Bowl 10, in Morgantown. coordinator under Mike Gottfried. Record at Virginia Tech: 125-74-2 (17 years) During his undergraduate days He was named head coach at Overall head coaching record: 167-97-4 (23 years) at Tech, Beamer started three Murray State in 1981 and went on

years as a cornerback and played to compile a six-year record of 42 BOWL EXPERIENCE: on the Hokies’ 1966 and 1968 wins, 23 losses and two ties. Player Liberty Bowl teams. He received The Tech coach was born in 1966 Liberty (Virginia Tech vs. Miami) a B.S. in distributive education Mt. Airy, N.C., and grew up in 1968 Liberty (Virginia Tech vs. Mississippi) from Tech in 1969 and a master’s Hillsville, Va. At Hillsville High, Coach in guidance from Radford in 1972. he earned 11 varsity letters as a 1993 Independence (Virginia Tech vs. Indiana) Then came the start of the Beamer three-sport athlete in football, 1994 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee) coaching career. and baseball. 1995 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Texas) He began as an assistant at Beamer is married to 1996 Orange (Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska) Radford High School from 1969 the former Cheryl Oakley of 1997 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina) through 1971. Then, after one Richmond, Va. They have two 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) season as a graduate assistant children, Shane, a former member 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) at the University of Maryland, of his dad’s football team at 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) he went to The Citadel where he Tech and now an assistant at 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) worked fi ve seasons under Bobby Mississippi State; and daughter MEET THE COACHES 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) Ross and one year under Art Casey, a 2003 graduate of Virginia 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Baker. His last two years at The Tech.

36 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Under the direction of Frank Beamer and his staff, the Hokies have …

• earned a chance to play for the national championship for the fi rst time in school football history.

• become one of only seven Division I schools to go to bowl games each of the last 11 seasons.

• compiled a school-record streak in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll at 84 consecutive weeks.

• posted 11 wins in a season for the fi rst time.

• registered the program’s fi rst back-to-back 11-win seasons.

• produced the school’s fi rst 11-0 regular-season record in football.

• averaged nine wins a season over the last 11 seasons.

• become the fi rst team in BIG EAST history to win all the league’s major awards in the same season.

• won three BIG EAST Championships and earned three invitations to the in the past nine seasons.

• earned the highest national rankings in school football history, including three Top 10 fi nishes and back-to-back Top 6 fi nishes.

• fi nished in a fi nal Top 25 poll nine times in the last 11 seasons.

• won more games (125) than under any other coaching staff.

• been to three times as many bowl games (11) than under any other coaching staff.

• won more bowl games (5) than under any other coaching staff.

• posted 11 straight seasons of seven or more wins for the fi rst time in school history. MEET THE COACHES THE MEET • had 80 of their last 99 games televised (81%).

• compiled a 64-23 record in televised games since the start of the 1995 season.

• blocked more kicks in the 1990s than any other Division I-A team.

• become one of only eight Division I-A schools ever to lead the nation in both scoring offense and defense in the same season.

• had at least one player from every defensive position score a .

• produced a No. 1 pick in the draft.

• had over 100 players sign with NFL teams.

• had two players who entered the program as walk-ons drafted in the top four rounds of the NFL draft.

• produced nine Associated Press All-Americans over the last fi ve seasons.

• had players win eight major BIG EAST individual awards in the last six years.

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 37 A Talk With Coach Frank Beamer What was the most important guy who makes great decisions. He thing that was accomplished is going to be tough to beat out. during spring practice? The wide receiver position was I think there were two things. a point of emphasis during the I thought we had good chemistry spring. How does that position during the spring. We worked well shape up now? as a football team. What’s best for the team is that everybody is This might be the most working full speed … everyone talented group of receivers we’ve gets better that way. And then, had. There are some kids there who I think the second was that can really play. What they do from we got our young players some spring practice to fall practice is experience. Seeing those young critical. I go back and think about guys get in there and get some Ernest Wilford and how much reps was important. improvement he made over the summer. If we have the same kind of individuals here now, we have During the spring, you moved a chance for that position to be Jimmy Williams to cornerback and very good. Vincent Fuller to free safety. How did that move work out? Who will replace tailback Kevin Jones and fullback Doug Easlick? I think it was a good switch. Vinnie is more comfortable and I’d say that’s a question mark just looks better at free safety. right now. Fullback-wise, John That position fi ts him better. Kinzer needs to become a more Jimmy Williams being isolated out consistent player. He’s a talented With senior playmaker Jim — during spring practice. Now, we there at corner certainly puts him guy who has the capabilities, now Davis healthy, how do you rate the have to take that to the fi eld in in a position where he can use his he has to perform at a high level. defensive ends? the fall. athletic ability. I believe he likes The injury to freshman Carlton the challenge of being out there Weatherford was a tough injury. I think our end position is What do you see as this team’s one-on-one. It will be interesting We were really looking forward the best it has been in a while. strong point? to see how he handles that. I to seeing him in spring practice. Jim Davis is a big-time player really think the move is going to That may be one of those positions with a lot of ability. At this very moment, I would work out well for both players and where we are just too young right was very good during the spring, say our chemistry. And I don’t our football team, too. now. It may cause us (formation- as was Noland Burchette. We saw take that lightly, because I do wise) to get into more one-back Chris Ellis get better. He has some think we work hard and we work How do you evaluate the sets than we have been in good talent. And then, we moved well with each other. We’re trying quarterback position? recently. At tailback, I think Cedric Jordan Trott over from linebacker, to get better as a football team, Humes is a key guy if he can come which, along with Bob Ruff, helps and if that continues, I think we We are much better now than back and pick up where he left off. stabilize the position. are talented enough that we will we were a year ago. We have a He is a big, strong runner who has be a good football team. Now couple of young guys in Cory Holt good speed. I think Mike Imoh is Last season, the defense closed exactly when, I’m not sure. and who are both a player. George Bell and Justin on a disappointing note. Will this talented players. And of course, Hamilton each give us something year’s defense be improved? What concerns you the most we have Bryan Randall and Marcus different. A freshman could fi gure heading into preseason practice? Vick who are two very capable in both places. I do think this … I hope so. Depth-wise, I feel quarterbacks. Bryan didn’t have there is some good talent at both like we should be better along The thing I probably worry quite the spring we thought he positions. The question now is who the front line, playing a lot of about the most is youth, would have, but he is a mature will step up? people and playing a lot of good and youth usually leads to people. There is some good talent inconsistency. When you are at linebacker and I am hopeful playing good teams early, Head coach Frank Beamer has led the Hokies to 11 straight we will be solid on the perimeter. inconsistency is not what you bowl games. The 11 bowl appearances mark the fourth-highest by We are a fast defense and we really want. But, you know, there any active coach. Penn State’s Joe Paterno leads the way with 31, are doing some things with our is no way around it other than followed by Florida State’s Bobby Bowden with 25. With 12 bowl defense right now that help us to get out there and practice,

MEET THE COACHES games, Tennessee’s is just ahead of Beamer and personnel-wise. I felt we were get experience and keep getting State’s , who both have 11. very good — for the most part better. And that will be our goal.

38 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL What does joining the and help them develop into Atlantic Coast Conference mean Frank Beamer, the fi rst Tech alumnus to guide the Hokies’ football NFL players, too. I think for Virginia Tech football? program since the 1940s, has won more games at Tech than any it makes a good statement other football coach. Prior to Beamer, no other grid coach in Virginia either way. As much excitement and Tech history had served more than 10 seasons as head coach. Only as many accomplishments as three of the 117 Division I-A head coaches have been at their current After a disappointing we have had in the last few school longer than Beamer’s 17 years. Those coaches are Joe Paterno fi nish last season, do you years, I truly believe our most (38 yrs., Penn State); Bobby Bowden (28 yrs., Florida State); and feel this year’s team has a exciting days are ahead of Fisher DeBerry (20 yrs., Air Force). sense of purpose? us … because of who we are getting ready to play and the What are your thoughts on Three Virginia Tech players I think if you are league we are getting ready to the continued expansion of Lane were among the fi rst 45 players competitive and have pride play in. For us, it is a perfect Stadium? selected in the 2004 NFL Draft. and you don’t achieve at conference, especially from a What does that say about the Tech the level you should, there geographic standpoint. Virginia I really like our stadium now, program? is something about you Tech fans will see more of but I think when the expansion that turns up the intensity our games than ever before. is complete we will have the best I think there are two stories a little bit. I think it They will come here and sell playing facility in the country. When there. Number one, it makes the shows in how we worked our place out, and they will you look at it, every seat is a good statement that we are able to this spring and how these go where we’re going and sell seat. The seats kind of go straight recruit high-level guys like Kevin players worked in the those stadiums out. With the up and that keeps all the excitement Jones and DeAngelo Hall, and weight room during the off- addition of Miami, Virginia and enthusiasm — all the noise help them achieve their goals. season. So far, everything Tech, and eventually Boston — right there in the stadium. It will Then, it makes the statement has been very positive College, I think the ACC will be a great home fi eld advantage with that we can take players like Jake that we need to make sure become the best football that stadium fi lled with our fans Grove, who aren’t highly recruited everything is right about conference in the country. screaming for the Hokies. but are willing to put in the work, this football team. MEET THE COACHES THE MEET

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 39 During the Frank Beamer era Altogether, the Hokies’ defense at Virginia Tech, putting points on and special teams have combined the scoreboard has always been a to contribute 88 since BEAMERBALL team effort — the offensive team, Beamer arrived in 1987, including the defensive team and the special 71 in Tech’s last 125 games. Under teams. It’s called BeamerBall, and it Beamer, Tech’s defense has scored has helped propel the Hokies to new 54 TDs, with 32 coming on pass heights. , 20 on returns Nine of the top 10 highest and two on fumble recoveries. The scoring grid squads in school history special teams have added 34 TDs, have come during the Beamer era. including 15 on blocked punts, 12 What sets BeamerBall apart are the on punt returns, four on kickoff contributions made by the defense returns, two on blocked fi eld goals and special teams. Since the start of and one on a fumble recovery. the 1993 season, a player at every Fittingly, the trend started in position on the defensive unit has Beamer’s fi rst game as Tech’s head produced at least one touchdown. coach when true freshman Jon And 24 different players have scored Jeffries returned a kickoff 92 yards touchdowns while playing on Tech’s for a touchdown against Clemson. special teams. It was the Hokies’ fi rst touchdown TOUCHDOWNS BY DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS UNDER BEAMER

1987: Jon Jeffries, 92-yd. kickoff return vs. Newsome (ilb), 71-yd. in ter cep tion return vs. 2001: Channing Reed (dt), 8-yd. fumble Clemson; Don Stokes, recov ered blocked punt in Rutgers; Larry Green (cb), 37-yd. inter cep tion return vs. Rutgers; Kevin McCadam (rov), 69-yd. end zone vs. Syracuse; Randy Cockrell (ilb), 90- re turn vs. West Virginia; Jim Bar on (dt), 46-yd. in ter cep tion return vs. UCF; André Davis, 55-yd. yd. in ter cep tion return vs. Navy. fum ble return vs. Tem ple; J.C. Price (dt), 19-yd. punt return vs. UCF; Jim Davis (de), 27 yd. in ter cep tion return vs. Tem ple; An to nio Banks return vs. WVU; Kevin McCadam 1988: Don Stokes, re cov ered blocked punt (cb), 65-yd. in ter cep tion return vs. Virgin ia; (rov), 9-yd. fumble return vs. BC; Ronyell in end zone vs. Southern Miss; Jock Jones, Bryan Still, 60-yd. punt return vs. Texas; Jim Whitaker, 71-yd. blocked fi eld goal return vs. re cov ered blocked punt in end zone vs. West Baron (dt), 20-yd. fumble return vs. Texas. Pittsburgh; Brandon Manning, 22-yd. blocked Vir gin ia; Roger Brown (cb), 55-yd. in ter cep tion punt return vs. Miami. return vs. South Caro li na; Leslie Bailey (ilb), 19- 1996: Cornelius White, 60-yd. blocked punt yd. in ter cep tion return vs. South Caroli na. re turn vs. Syracuse; Keion Car pen ter (fs), 100- 2002: DeAngelo Hall, 69-yd. punt return yd. in ter cep tion return vs. Miami. vs. Arkansas State; DeAngelo Hall (cb), 49-yd. 1989: Marcus Mickel, 90-yd. kickoff in ter cep tion return vs. Arkansas State; Jason re turn vs. Clemson; Jock Jones (olb), 55-yd. 1997: Carl Bradley (dt), re cov ered fum ble Lallis (dt), 59-yd. fumble return vs. Arkansas in ter cep tion re turn vs. Tulane; Rog er Brown (cb), in end zone vs. Rutgers; (rov), State; Alex Markogiannakis (lb), 25-yd. fumble 55-yd. in ter cep tion return vs. North Caro li na 43-yd. fumble return vs. Rutgers; Lorenzo return vs. Western Michigan; DeAngelo Hall, 51- State. Ferguson (fs), 84-yd. interception return vs. yd. punt return vs. Rutgers; Darryl Tapp, 11-yd. Ar kan sas St.; Anthony Midget (cb), 22-yd. blocked punt return vs. Virginia; Willie Pile (fs), 1990: The ’90 season marked the fi rst and fumble return vs. Pitts burgh. 96-yd. interception return vs. Miami. only sea son to date during Beamer’s tenure that Tech failed to score at least one TD on either 1998: Keion Carpenter (fs), 16-yd. 2003: Jason Lallis (dt), 45-yd. in ter cep tion defense or special teams. in ter cep tion return vs. Pittsburgh; Pierson return vs. UCF; Eric Green (cb), 84-yd. Prioleau (rov), 85-yd. interception return vs. interception return vs. UConn; Mike Imoh, 91-yd. 1991: P.J. Preston (olb), recovered fum ble Boston College; Marcus Gildersleeve, recovered kickoff return vs. UConn; Chris Clifton, 16-yd. in end zone vs. Okla ho ma; Ken Landrum, 18-yd. blocked punt in end zone vs. UAB; Ricky Hall, blocked punt return vs. UConn; Jimmy Williams blocked punt return vs. Cin cinnati; Kirk Alexander 17-yd. blocked punt return vs. West Virginia; (fs), 55-yd. interception return vs. Rutgers; (fs), 95-yd. in ter cep tion return vs. Cincin nati. Ricky Hall, recovered blocked punt in end zone DeAngelo Hall, 58-yd. punt return vs. Syr a cuse; vs. Syracuse; Loren Johnson (cb), 78-yd. fumble DeAngelo Hall, 60-yd. punt return vs. Syracuse; 1992: Tyronne Drakeford (cb), 40-yd. return vs. Syracuse; Ike Charlton (cb), 26-yd. Vincent Fuller (cb), 50-yd. fumble return vs. in ter cep tion return vs. East Caro li na; Tony in ter cep tion return vs. Rutgers; Jamel Smith WVU; DeAngelo Hall (cb), 28-yd. fumble return Kennedy, 91-yd. kickoff re turn vs. Lou is ville; (lb), 98-yd. interception return vs. Rutgers; vs. Miami; Eric Green (cb), 51-yd. interception Ken Brown (olb), 18-yd. in tercep tion re turn vs. Anthony Midget (cb), 27-yd. in ter cep tion return return vs. Miami; DeAngelo Hall, 52-yd. punt Rutgers. vs. Alabama. return vs. California.

1993: William Ferrell, 7-yd. blocked punt 1999: Ike Charlton (cb), 34-yd. return vs. Rutgers; DeWayne Knight (olb), 23-yd. in ter cep tion return vs. Clemson; fum ble return vs. Syracuse; Jeff Hol land (dt), (de), 32-yard fumble return vs. Clemson; Cory 8-yd. fumble return vs. Virginia; Lawrence Lewis Bird (rov), 26-yd. fumble return vs. Syracuse; (de), 20-yd. fumble return vs. In di ana; An to nio Phillip Summers (rov), 43-yd. interception Banks, 80-yd. blocked fi eld goal re turn vs. return vs. Syracuse; Tee Butler, recovered fumble In di ana. by punter in end zone vs. Syracuse; Ricky Hall, Eric Green’sGreen’s 64-yd. punt return vs. Miami; Ike Charlton (cb), 1994: Torrian Gray (rov), 66-yd. in tercep tion 51-yd. fumble return vs. Miami; Larry Austin 51-y51-yardard return vs. Boston College; Stacy Henley, 25-yd. (cb), 31-yd. interception return vs. Temple. interinterceptionception blocked punt re turn vs. Tem ple; Lawrence Lewis rreturneturn forfor a (de), 60-yd. fumble re turn vs. East Carolina; 2000: Willie Pile (fs), 11-yd. in ter cep tion ttouchdownouchdown Antonio Freeman, 80-yd. punt re turn vs. return vs. Akron; Cory Bird, 9-yd. blocked punt helped the Pitts burgh. return vs. East Carolina; André Davis, 87-yd. Hokies beat punt return vs. East Carolina; André Davis, 71- No. 2 Miami 1995: Jermaine Holmes, re cov ered blocked yd. punt return vs. Boston College; André Davis, 31-7 last punt in end zone vs. Akron; Hank Coleman 76-yd. punt return vs. WVU; Nathaniel Adibi MEET THE COACHES season. (de), 51-yd. fum ble return vs. Rutgers; Myron (de), 36-yd. fumble return vs. UCF.

40 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL under Beamer, and it was scored on touchdowns. During the 1990s, produced 101 blocks in his 201 In the Beamer era, Tech has special teams. Tech blocked more kicks than games as the head coach. The blocked two kicks in a game 17 Since the start of the ‘87 any other Division I-A team. In Hokies have blocked 52 punts (15 times, including two during its season, a total of 61 different 1998, the Hokies ranked eighth for TDs), 28 fi eld goals and 21 2002 game with No. 14 LSU. The players on Tech’s defense and nationally in punting and in 1999, extra points. most prolifi c kick blockers under special teams units have scored they were ninth nationally in In 1998, the Hokies set a Beamer have been defensive touchdowns. Fourteen of those kickoff returns. During the 2000 school record when they blocked lineman Bernard Basham and players — Don Stokes, Jock season, Tech led the nation in 10 kicks during the regular season safety Keion Carpenter who each Jones, Roger Brown, Lawrence punt returns. In 2001 and 2002, and two more in their Music City posted six blocks during their Lewis, Antonio Banks, Jim Baron, the Hokies fi nished tied for 10th Bowl game against Alabama. Tech careers. Basham blocked Keion Carpenter, Pierson Prioleau, and 16th, respectively, in punt While in the BIG EAST Conference, three fi eld goals and three PATs, Anthony Midget, Cory Bird, Kevin returns. During the 2003 season, the Hokies posted at least three while Carpenter blocked six punts. McCadam Willie Pile, Jason Lallis Tech ranked fi fth in punt returns blocked kicks against every team BeamerBall has been a major and Eric Green — scored twice. as a team, while DeAngelo Hall in the league. During that span, factor in Tech’s 101-34 record Ike Charlton and Ricky Hall, scored fi nished fi fth among individuals Tech blocked 10 kicks against over the past 11 seasons. During three times each, while André in punt returns and Mike Imoh Pittsburgh, nine versus Miami, that span, the Hokies are 45-8 in Davis posted four touchdowns and fi nished third nationally in kickoff seven against West Virginia, games when they score at least DeAngelo Hall seven. returns. six versus Rutgers, four against one defensive or special teams BeamerBall’s emphasis on Tech’s tradition for blocking Boston College and Syracuse and touchdown and 44-13 when they special teams produces more than kicks during the Beamer era has three versus Temple. block at least one kick. VIRGINIA TECH’S BLOCKED KICKS UNDER BEAMER 101 total in 201 games (52 punts, 28 FGs, 21 PATs) 1987 (1 punt, 1 PAT, 1 FG) 1994 (2 punts, 2 FGs) 2000 (4 punts, 2 FGs, 2 PATs) Syracuse – punt* (Jimmy Whitten) hL Arkansas St. – FG (Cornell Brown) hW Akron – FG+ (Cory Bird) hW East Carolina – PAT (na) hL Temple – punt* (William Ferrell) hW East Carolina – punt* (Wayne Ward); Cincinnati – FG (Roger Brown) hW Miami – punt# (Michael Williams) aL FG (Larry Austin) aW Rutgers – FG (Michael Williams) hW Rutgers – punt+ (Eric Green) hW 1988 (4 punts, 3 FGs) Temple – punt+ (Wayne Ward) hW Clemson – punt (Jock Jones) aL 1995 (4 punts, 3 PATs, 1 FG) West Virginia – punt (Lee Suggs) Southern Miss – punt* (Archie Hopkins) aL BC – PAT (Waverly Jackson) hL PAT (Lamar Cobb) hW West Virginia – punt* (Archie Hopkins) hL Cincinnati – FG (Jim Baron); Pittsburgh – PAT (David Pugh) hW Cincinnati – punt+ (Jock Jones) aW PAT (Lawrence Lewis) hL Louisville – FG (Jimmy Whitten) aL Miami – punt# (Angelo Harrison) hW 2001 (5 punts, 2 FG) Florida State – FG (Roger Brown); Pittsburgh – punt+ (Angelo Harrison); W. Michigan – punt+ (Wayne Ward) hW FG+ (Roger Brown) aL punt# (Angelo Harrison) aW Rutgers – punt@ (Eric Green) aW Akron – punt* (Okesa Smith); UCF – punt@ (Brandon Manning) hW PAT (Lawrence Lewis) hW 1989 (1 punt, 1 FG) Pittsburgh – FG* (Lamar Cobb) aL Virginia – punt (Wayne Ward) aW Tulane – punt+ (Archie Hopkins) hW 1996 (5 punts, 1 PAT) Miami – FG# (David Pugh) N.C. State – FG (Jock Jones) aW Akron – PAT (John Engelberger) aW punt* (Eric Green) hL BC – punt+ (Keion Car pen ter) aW 1990 (2 punts, 3 PATs, 1 FG) Syracuse – punt* (Cornelius White) aL 2002 (5 punts, 2 FG) East Carolina – PAT (John Rivers) aW Temple – punt (Keion Carpenter) hW LSU – punt+ (Justin Hamilton) South Carolina – PAT (John Rivers) hL SW Louisiana – punt (Michael Stuewe); punt@ (Jason Lallis) hW Florida State – punt+ (Scott Jones) aL punt+ (Keion Carpenter) hW Marshall – FG+ (Team) hW West Virginia – FG+ (Bernard Basham) hW Western Michigan – FG (Jeff King) aW Temple – punt (Archie Hopkins) aL 1997 (2 punts, 3 PATs, 2 FGs) Pittsburgh – punt+ (Nathaniel Adibi) hL N.C. State – PAT (Bernard Basham) hW Arkansas St. – FG+ (Carl Bradley) hW West Virginia – punt# (Ernest Wilford) hL WVU – punt# (Phillip Sum mers) aL Virginia – punt* (Justin Hamilton) hW 1991 (3 punts, 3 FGs) Miami – PAT (Carl Bradley) hW James Madison – FG (Bernard Basham) hW Pittsburgh – PAT (Corey Moore); 2003 (1 punt, 3 FG) COACHES THE MEET Oklahoma – FG (Bernard Basham) aL PAT (John Engelberger) aL UConn – punt* (Nathaniel Adibi) hW Cincinnati – punt+ (P.J. Preston); Virginia – punt (Keion Carpenter); Rutgers – FG (Jeff King) aW punt* (Kirk Alexander) hW FG (John Engelberger) aL Syracuse – FG (Vincent Fuller) hW Louisville – FG (John Rivers) hW Miami – FG (Eric Green) hW East Carolina – punt (Marcus McClung) hL 1998 (8 punts, 2 PATs, 2 FGs) East Carolina – FG+ (Corey Moore) hW *recovered or returned for touchdown 1992 (5 PATs, 1 FGs) Miami – PAT (John Engelberger) aW +led to TD; @led to safety; #led to FG James Madison – PAT (John Rivers); Pittsburgh – FG (Corey Moore); ^led to a two-point defensive extra point FG+ (Kirk Alexander) hW punt# (Larry Austin) hW East Carolina – PAT (Bernard Basham) aL Boston College – punt (Keion Car pen ter); West Virginia – PAT (David Wimmer) hL punt+ (André Davis) aW Miami – PAT (Bernard Basham) hL UAB – punt* (Larry Austin) aW Vincent Fuller’s Virginia – PAT (David Wimmer) hL WVU – punt* (Marcus Gildersleeve); PAT (John Engelberger) hW block of a 1993 (4 punts, 2 FGs) Syracuse – punt* (Anthony Midget) aL Syracuse fi eld Miami – punt@ (Willie Wilkins) aL Alabama – punt (Keion Car pen ter); goal attempt Maryland – FG (George DelRicco) hW punt+ (Corey Moore) nW last season was Rutgers – punt* (Marcus McClung) hW Music City Bowl the 100th block Syracuse – punt+ (William Ferrell) hW by the Hokies Virginia – punt# (Brandon Semones) aW 1999 (1 punt, 1 PAT) under Coach Indiana – FG* (Jeff Holland) nW Rutgers – PAT^ (Carl Bradley) aW Frank Beamer. Independence Bowl Pittsburgh – punt+ (André Davis) aW

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 41 Billy Hite Associate Head Coach and Running Backs Coach

top 10 career rushing leaders. He of assistant head coach by season also saw senior Jarrett has been on the sidelines for more Beamer the following year. He was Ferguson establish new season Virginia Tech football games than promoted to the new position of marks for receiving by a fullback. any other coach. associate head coach in December In 2002, Suggs and Jones Hite came to Blacksburg as a 2000. combined to become the most member of Bill Dooley’s football In 1989, Hite fi lled in as the productive Tech twosome ever in staff in 1978. He served as a acting head coach when Beamer terms of single-season rushing Billy Hite, who has helped recruiter and head jayvee coach was sidelined following coronary yardage, combining for over 2,000 develop 22 running backs who his fi rst two years, then took over angioplasty surgery and had to yards. Last season, Jones broke have gone on to sign with NFL as the offensive backfi eld coach in miss a home game versus Tulane. Lawrence’s single-season rushing teams, is entering his 27th season charge of tailbacks and fullbacks Hite didn’t let the Tech faithful mark and set new Tech records for on the Tech coaching staff and in 1980. He has been coaching down as he led the Hokies to an rushing in a game and 100-yard his fourth year as the Hokies’ Tech’s running backs ever since. emotional 30-13 victory. games in a season. He earned associate head coach. Hite remained at Tech when Hite’s fi rst tailback in 1980, consensus All-America honors While at Tech, Hite has helped Frank Beamer took over in 1987 Cyrus Lawrence, went on to before opting to leave early for produce eight of Virginia Tech’s and was elevated to the position establish Tech season and career the NFL Draft, in which he became marks for rushing yards. During a fi rst-round pick of the Detroit the mid-1980s, Hite was credited Lions. HITE’S PROFILE with the development of Tech’s A native of Hyattsville, Md., famed “Stallions” backfi eld that Hite was a former star tailback at PERSONAL: featured Maurice Williams and the University of North Carolina. Born: 4/28/51, Washington, D.C. Eddie Hunter. He received a bachelor’s degree in Hometown: Hyattsville, Md. In 2000, tailback Lee Suggs education in 1974. Wife: former Anne Heen shattered school and BIG EAST Hite began his coaching Children: Kirsten Marie, Bryn Elizabeth Louise, Conference scoring records on career as a graduate assistant at Griffi n William the way to leading the nation in UNC in ‘74. He was a part-time EDUCATION: touchdowns and scoring. Suggs, assistant for the Tar Heels from High School: DeMatha High School (1969) who also led the conference in 1975-77. College: University of North Carolina (1974) rushing, was selected the Co-BIG Hite received one of his EAST Offensive Player of the Year. highest honors when he was PLAYING EXPERIENCE: During the 2001 season, with inducted into the DeMatha High North Carolina (1970-73) Suggs sidelined by an injury, School Hall of Fame in 1992. COACHING EXPERIENCE: true freshman tailback Kevin Hite is married to the former 1974-77 North Carolina (running backs) Jones came on to lead the team Anne Heen of Memphis, Tenn. 1978-87 Virginia Tech (running backs) in rushing and set a Tech record They have two daughters, Kirsten 1988-00 Virginia Tech (assistant head coach for rushing yards by a freshman. Marie, 19, and Bryn Elizabeth and running backs) Jones was named the BIG EAST Louise, 15, and a son, Griffi n 2001- Virginia Tech (associate head coach Rookie of the Year. The 2001 William, 11. and running backs) BOWL EXPERIENCE: Player 1971 Sun (North Carolina vs. Texas Tech) 1972 Gator (North Carolina vs. Georgia) Coach 1974 Sun (North Carolina vs. Mississippi State) 1976 Peach (North Carolina vs. Kentucky) 1977 Liberty (North Carolina vs. Nebraska) 1980 Peach (Virginia Tech vs. Miami) 1984 Independence (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 1986 New Peach (Virginia Tech vs. N.C. State) 1993 Independence (Virginia Tech vs. Indiana) 1994 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee) 1995 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Texas) 1996 Orange (Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska) 1997 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina) 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State)

MEET THE COACHES 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Coach Billy Hite and his wife, Anne, with Bryn, Kristen and Griffi n.

42 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL VIRGINIA TECH’S RUNNING GAME

Under the direction of Coach Billy Hite, in 2003 ...

• tailback Kevin Jones earned consensus All-America honors and became Tech’s fi rst fi nalist for the Doak Walker Award.

• the Hokies ranked No. 17 nationally as a team in rushing offense, while Kevin Jones ranked eighth individually in rushing and sixth in scoring.

• Kevin Jones set school single-season records for rushing yards and 100-yard games and broke a 25-year old record for rushing yards in a game.

During Billy Hite’s tenure at Virginia Tech ...

• the Hokies have rushed for over “I tell all my players to be the best back on the fi eld — to be 59,000 yards - an average complete football play ers. I want them to take the atti tude of more than 200 yards per game (202.9) over a 291-game that one man cannot bring them down. I want them to be period. physical and nasty when blocking; to run good pass routes and catch the football; and to be good actors and carry out their • he has had a back rush for 100 yards or more in a game fakes. Once a back touches the ball, they make the decision 135 times. where to run. I will never second guess a with • the Hokies have had an the ball in his arms. If each back protects the football, average of 145 yards rushing makes the big play and plays with intensity, we will win.” per game from the tailback position. — Billy Hite

• he has coached eight of Virginia Season Tech’s top 10 career rushing leaders. Rushing Lead ers Player Yards Kevin Jones 1,647 • he has worked with seven of the Cyrus Lawrence 1,403 nine Tech players who have Lee Suggs 1,255 turned in 1,000-yard rushing Cyrus Lawrence 1,221 seasons. Lee Suggs 1,207 Dwayne Thomas 1,130 • he has coached six different Shyrone Stith 1,119 running backs who rushed Roscoe Coles 1,119 COACHES THE MEET for over 100 yards in a bowl Roscoe Coles 1,045 game. Phil Rogers 1,036 • a total of 22 running backs have gone on to sign with NFL Career teams. Rushing Lead ers Player Yards • the Hokies have been ranked Cyrus Lawrence 3,767 among the top 20 rushing Kevin Jones 3,475 teams in Division I-A seven of Roscoe Coles 3,459 the past 11 seasons. Maurice Williams 2,981 Lee Suggs 2,697 Dwayne Thomas 2,696 Ken Oxendine 2,645 Eddie Hunter 2,523 Kevin Jones set the Phil Rogers 2,461 Tech single-season Vaughn Hebron 2,327 rushing record last year with 1,647 yards. (Bold signifi es player coached by Hite)

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 43 Bud Foster Defensive Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach

success made him a fi nalist for and turned it into a unit that led for the next fi ve seasons. He the coveted in the BIG EAST in rushing defense, assumed responsibility for both both 1999 and 2001. The award is placed 16th nationally against the sets of linebackers prior to the presented annually to the nation’s run and tied for third nationally in 1993 season and also took over top assistant football coach. interceptions. special-teams coaching that year. Tech’s young 2002 defense After helping Tech to the The following year, he coached was ranked among the national national championship game in the inside linebackers and Bud Foster has gained a well- leaders in scoring defense, 1999, Foster was recognized as special teams. Foster assumed deserved reputation as one of the interceptions and turnovers the 2000 Division I-A Defensive the position of co-defensive nation’s most respected young gained. Under Foster’s guidance, Coordinator of the Year by coordinator in 1995 and took over defensive coaches while serving Tech’s 2001 defense proved to American Football Coach magazine. as the sole defensive coordinator on Frank Beamer’s football staff at be one of the nation’s best, Tech’s 1999 defensive unit led in ‘96. The inside linebackers Virginia Tech. ranking among the top eight Division I-A in scoring defense continue to be his primary Foster, who is entering his teams in Division I-A in six and ranked third in both total and responsibility. 18th season at Tech, has helped different categories and leading rushing defense. During his tenure at Tech, mold nationally ranked defenses the way in shutouts with four. Following the 1998 season, Foster has coached All-Americans on a yearly basis during his In 2000, Foster took a defense Foster was pursued by the Ben Taylor and Jamel Smith and nine years as a coordinator. His that returned just three starters University of Florida for its six other linebackers who have defensive coordinator position, earned All-BIG EAST Conference but he opted to continue his honors. FOSTER’S PROFILE long-standing football association A 1981 graduate of Murray with Beamer. That association State, Foster was an outstanding PERSONAL: Born: 7/28/59, Somerset, Ky. dates back to 1979 when Foster strong safety and outside Hometown: Nokomis, Ill. was a strong safety and defensive linebacker from 1977 to 1980. Wife: former Jacqueline Travis end at Murray State and Beamer After two years as a graduate Children: Ammie, Grant, Hillary was the defensive coordinator. assistant at his alma mater, Foster Foster began his coaching career was elevated to a full-time staff EDUCATION: as a graduate assistant at MSU in position. The Nokomis, Ill., native, High School: Nokomis (Ill.) High School (1977) 1981, Beamer’s fi rst season as the coached outside linebackers for College: (1981) head coach. three seasons before taking over PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Since coming to Tech in the inside and outside linebackers Murray State (1977-80) 1987, Foster has helped build the in 1986. He also served as the Hokies into one of the hardest- Racers’ recruiting coordinator and COACHING EXPERIENCE: hitting defensive units in college worked with special teams. 1981-82 Murray State (graduate assistant) football. During that time, he has Foster and his wife Jacqueline 1983-85 Murray State (outside linebackers) worn several coaching hats. Foster have three children: Ammie, 25; 1986 Murray State (linebackers/special teams) coached the inside linebackers Grant, 18; and Hillary, 16. In his 1987 Virginia Tech (inside linebackers) for one year in 1987, then spare time, Foster enjoys spending 1988-92 Virginia Tech (outside linebackers) tutored the outside linebackers time with his family. 1993 Virginia Tech (linebackers/special teams) 1994 Virginia Tech (inside backers/special teams) 1995- VirginiaVirginia TechTech (defensive(defensive coordinator/coordinator/ inside linebackers/special teams) BOWL EXPERIENCE: Player 1979 Division I-AA Playoff semifi nals (Murray State vs. Lehigh) Coach 1986 Division I-AA Playoff quarterfi nals (Murray State vs. Eastern Illinois) 1993 Independence (Virginia Tech vs. Indiana) 1994 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee) 1995 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Texas) 1996 Orange (Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska) 1997 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina) 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State)

MEET THE COACHES 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Coach Bud FosterFoster and his wife,wife, Jacquie,Jacquie, with Hillary and Grant.Grant.

44 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL VIRGINIA TECH’S DEFENSE

Under the direction of Bud Foster in 2003, Tech’s National the Hokies’ defense ... Defensive Rankings Under Coach Bud Foster • ranked second in the BIG EAST in 1995* quarterback sacks. 1st Rushing Defense (77.36 ypg) 5th Scoring Defense (14.09 ppg) • produced a semifi nalist for 10th Total Defense (285.9 ypg) the Thorpe Award. 23rd Pass Effi ciency Defense (104.25 rating)

• tied a school season record 1996 for interception returns for Tied-9th Scoring Defense (15.27 ppg) touchdowns with four. 16th Pass Effi ciency Defense (99.37 rating) 19th Rushing Defense (112.0 ypg) • had 11 different players 24th Total Defense (316.09 ypg) record interceptions. 1997 • scored six touchdowns. 13th Scoring Defense (16.82 ppg)

1998 During Bud Foster’s one year as co-defensive coordinator 2nd Interceptions (23) 4th Scoring Defense (12.9 ppg) and eight seasons as defensive coordinator, Tech has ... 7th Total Defense (284.9 ypg) 11th Rushing Defense (102.2 ypg) • produced two BIG EAST defensive players of the year — Corey Moore, 11th Pass Effi ciency Defense (103.4 rating) who earned the honor in both 1998 and 1999, and Cornell Brown, who won it in 1995. 1999 1st Scoring Defense (10.5 ppg) • had at least one defensive player earn All-America honors every year. 3rd Total Defense (247.3 ypg) Four players gained A-A recognition in 1999 and three in 2001. 3rd Rushing Defense (75.9 ypg) 7th Pass Effi ciency Defense (98.1 rating) • had 32 different defensive players score touchdowns. 2000 • produced its fi rst winner and its fi rst Nagurski Trophy winner Tied-3rd Interceptions (23) in Corey Moore. 16th Rushing Defense (99.3 ypg)

• held opponents to an average of 102.8 yards rushing and 16.8 points per game 2001 over a 103-game span. 2nd Total Defense (237.81 ypg) 2nd Rushing Defense (71.6 ypg) 2nd Scoring Defense (13.4 ppg) 3rd Pass Effi ciency Defense (85.62 rating) Tied-7th Interceptions (19) 8th Pass Defense (166.27 ypg)

2002 COACHES THE MEET 1st Interceptions (24) 5th Turnovers Gained (37) 21st Scoring Defense (18.79 ppg)

*co-coordinator in 1995

“I believe in an attacking, aggressive style of defense. We want to put speed and athleticism on the fi eld and use that to attack and pressure opposing offenses.” — Bud Foster Jason Lallis returns a UCF interception for one of the six TDs the Tech defense scored last season.

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 45 Bryan Stinespring Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach

fi rst-team All-BIG EAST honors and led a line that paved the way for STINESPRING’S PROFILE Jones to establish three new school PERSONAL: rushing marks. Born: 10/12/63, Clifton Forge, Va. Prior to taking over his current Hometown: Clifton Forge, Va. duties, Stinespring coached Tech’s Wife: former Shelley Franklin tight ends and assisted with the Children: Daniel Franklin, Caroline Frances, Olivia Jane, Ella Grace Bryan Stinespring, an offensive line for fi ve seasons. integral member of the Virginia He was the Hokies’ recruiting EDUCATION: Tech staff as both a coach coordinator for eight years High School: Clifton Forge (Va.) High School (1982) and recruiter, is beginning his (1994-2001) and continues to be College: James Madison University (1986) third season overseeing the instrumental in helping attract top Postgraduate: Virginia Tech (1992) Hokies’ offense. Stinespring high school talent to campus. In COACHING EXPERIENCE: was promoted to offensive 2001, he served as Tech’s assistant 1986-88 Lexington (Va.) High School coordinator in December 2001 head coach along with his other 1989 Patrick Henry (Va.) High School and began those duties during duties. 1990-91 Virginia Tech (graduate assistant) the Hokies’ Gator Bowl game Stinespring initially joined the 1992 Virginia Tech (director of sports programs) against Florida State on New Tech staff in 1990 as a graduate 1993 Virginia Tech (tight ends/assistant offensive line) Year’s Day. assistant coach and spent two 1994-97 Virginia Tech (TEs/assistant offensive line/ The 2004 season will seasons in that capacity helping recruiting coordinator) mark Stinespring’s 12th year with the offensive line. After 1998-00 Virginia Tech (offensive line/recruiting coordinator) as a full-time coach on Frank serving as the director of sports 2001 Virginia Tech (assistant head coach/OL/recruiting) Beamer’s staff at Tech and his programs in 1992, he was elevated 2002- Virginia Tech (offensive coordinator/offensive line) seventh season as the offensive to a full-time coaching position BOWL EXPERIENCE: line coach. Last season, one prior to the 1993 season. Coach of Stinespring’s star pupils, During his tenure as tight ends 1993 Independence (Virginia Tech vs. Indiana) center Jake Grove, won the coach, two of his players earned 1994 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee) Rimington Trophy and became all-conference honors. John Burke 1995 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Texas) the university’s third unanimous was a second-team pick in 1993, 1996 Orange (Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska) All-American. He was the fi rst while Bryan Jennings earned fi rst- 1997 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina) center taken in the 2004 NFL team honors in 1996. 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) Draft. A native of Clifton Forge, Va., 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) Stinespring took over the Stinespring was a walk-on player 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) offensive line duties in the for James Madison University in 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) spring of 1998 and helped mold the early 1980s. He served as a 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) Tech’s young line into a unit teacher and coach at Lexington 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) that showed steady improvement High School and during the ‘98 season. Two helped the football members of that line — tackle squad win its lone Derek Smith and guard Dwight state championship Vick — went on to sign with NFL in 1988. He also teams. helped coach the In 1999 and 2000, the Patrick Henry High offensive line helped clear the School football team way as the Hokies set new BIG before joining the EAST rushing marks in back- Tech program in to-back seasons. Center Keith 1990. Short, guard Matt Lehr and Stinespring tackle Dave Kadela all earned is married to the second-team All-BIG EAST former Shelley honors in ‘99. Lehr repeated as Franklin of a second-team pick in 2000, Richmond, Va. Bryan while Kadela moved to fi rst and Shelley have team. In 2002, tackle Anthony a son, Daniel, 10; Davis earned second-team twin daughters, all conference honors as the Caroline and Olivia, offensive front cleared the way who are 6 years for record-setting tailbacks old, and another Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones, daughter, Ella Grace MEET THE COACHESwho combined for over 2,100 who will be 1 year yards. Last season, Grove earned old in August 2004. Coach BryanBryan Stinespring and his wife,wife, Shelley,Shelley, with Ella Grace,Grace, Olivia, CarolineCaroline and Daniel.

46 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL VIRGINIA TECH’S OFFENSE During Bryan Stinespring’s second season as offensive coordinator, the Virginia Tech offense ...

• produced two fi rst-team All-Americans in center Jake Grove and tailback Kevin Jones.

• produced the program’s fi rst Rimington Trophy winner in Jake Grove.

• set Tech all-time season records for points and total offense.

• posted a school single-game record for fi rst downs with 36 against UCF.

• led the BIG EAST in scoring and tied for 12th nationally.

• established the highest rushing average per play for a Tech team at 5.28 yards.

During Bryan Stinespring’s 11 full-time seasons at Tech, the Hokies’ offensive line ...

• produced 17 different players (including three tight ends) who earned All-BIG EAST honors, including four repeat performers.

• cleared the way for an average of 201.3 yards rushing per game over a 135-game span.

• helped the team set new BIG EAST season rushing marks back-to-back years in 1999 and 2000.

• had 17 players sign with NFL teams.

"We want, and expect, to

at tack both the defense COACHES THE MEET and the fi eld of play in a concerted, ag gres sive approach. We want to be able to use schemes and for ma tions that utilize our talents while placing pressure on the op po nent to adjust and defend. Our goal is to set the tempo of the game and dic tate the style of play that is in dic a tive of Vir gin ia Tech football." — Bryan Stinespring Coach Stinespring’s offense put up a school season-record 5,223 total yards in 2003.

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 47 Jim Cavanaugh Strong Safety and Outside Linebackers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator

coaching staff in 1996. Cavanaugh than Cavanaugh. Over the past Falcons. Crawford set a position is beginning his ninth season six years, his recruiting skills record for tackles with 131 last as the Hokies’ strong safety and have helped the Hokies attract, season and was a second-team outside linebackers coach and among others, prep All-Americans All-BIG EAST selection. his third year as Tech’s recruiting , Nathaniel Adibi, Tech’s appearance in the 2003 coordinator. Bryan Randall, Jonathan Lewis, Insight Bowl marked Cavanaugh’s Jim Cavanaugh has played a No one has been more , and 20th postseason game as a coach. major role in Virginia Tech’s success instrumental in bringing top- Chris Ellis. A former star receiver at William since joining Frank Beamer’s notch talent to the Tech program Along with his success in & Mary, he is a veteran of 34 attracting talent, Cavanaugh has years coaching, including 30 as a also been instrumental in helping full-time coach on the collegiate CAVANAUGH’S PROFILE players develop their talent once level. He has worked at two other they join the Tech program. Virginia schools — VMI and the PERSONAL: Born: 8/4/48, Queens, N.Y. During his fi rst season on the — during Hometown: Queens, N.Y. job in 1996, outside linebacker his career and has been on the Wife: former Marsha Carnell Brandon Semones led the team in staff of four other ACC schools Children: Ryan, Lauren tackles and earned second-team — North Carolina State, Virginia, All-BIG EAST honors. Maryland and North Carolina. EDUCATION: Cavanaugh has since helped Cavanaugh coached at the High School: Chaminade High School (1966) in the development of highly University of North Carolina College: The College of William & Mary (1970) successful safeties Pierson for eight years and from 1982 Postgraduate: North Carolina State University (1974) Prioleau, Cory Bird, Kevin through 1987, he worked under PLAYING EXPERIENCE: McCadam and Michael Crawford. and Joe Krivak at William & Mary (1967-69) Prioleau was a fi rst-team All-BIG Maryland. He served two years at COACHING EXPERIENCE: EAST pick in 1997 and 1998 and North Carolina State, three years 1970 Newport News (Va.) High School earned third-team All-America under coach Bob Thalman at VMI, 1971 Denbigh (Va.) High School recognition from The Sporting one year at Virginia and two years 1972-73 North Carolina State (grad u ate assistant) News in ‘97. He was a fourth- at Marshall. Cavanaugh began 1974-75 VMI (receivers) round draft pick of the San his collegiate coaching career 1976 VMI (running backs) Francisco 49ers in 1999. Bird was as a graduate assistant at North 1977-78 North Carolina State (re ceivers) tabbed a second-team All-BIG Carolina State in 1972. 1979-80 Marshall (off. coordinator/quarterbacks) EAST pick following the 2000 During his years as a receiver 1981 Virginia (receivers) season and was selected in the at William & Mary, Cavanaugh 1982-86 Maryland (running backs) third-round of the NFL draft by surpassed the Tribe career record 1987 Maryland (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks) the . McCadam in receiving with 117 catches and 1988-95 North Carolina (receivers) was one of the keys to Tech’s over 1,600 yards. He also earned 1996-01 Virginia Tech (strong safety, outside linebackers) success in 2001 and was a fi fth- honorable-mention All-America 2002- Virginia Tech (recruiting coordinator/strong safety, outside linebackers) round NFL selection by the Atlanta honors in 1967 and was co- captain of his team BOWL EXPERIENCE: in 1969. Cavanaugh Coach was inducted into 1972 Peach (N.C. State vs. West Virginia) the William & Mary 1973 Liberty (N.C. State vs. Kansas) Sports Hall of Fame 1977 Peach (N.C. State vs. Iowa State) in April 2001. 1978 Tangerine (N.C. State vs. Pittsburgh) 1982 Aloha (Maryland vs. Washington) Married to the 1983 Citrus (Maryland vs. Tennessee) former Marsha 1984 Sun (Maryland vs. Tennessee) Carnell, he has two 1985 Cherry (Maryland vs. Syracuse) children — Ryan, 1992 Peach (North Carolina vs. Mississippi State) an Appalachian 1993 Gator (North Carolina vs. Alabama) State graduate 1994 Sun (North Carolina vs. Texas) who works for the 1995 Carquest (North Carolina vs. Arkansas) Indianapolis Colts 1996 Orange (Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska) and is married to 1997 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina) the former Melissa 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) Searls, and Lauren 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) Reddick, who 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) graduated from 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) Virginia Tech in MEET THE COACHES 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Coach Jim Cavanaugh and his wife, Marsha, with Ryan 2002 and is married and his wife, Melissa, and Lauren and her husband, Rob. to Rob Reddick.

48 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL VIRGINIA TECH RECRUITING

“The state of Virginia is, and always will be, the

primary focus of our recruiting. In recent years, Michael a number of outstanding players from outside Vick the state have also expressed great interest in Virginia Tech. If you get the best players from the state of Virginia and put them together with some talented players from out-of-state, you’ve got a really good combination.” — Coach Frank Beamer

Covering the State John Engelberger – Northern Virginia Todd & T.J. Washington – Eastern Shore Jim Davis – Fork Union Bryan Still – Richmond Michael & Marcus Vick – Peninsula DeAngelo Hall, Shyrone Stith – Tidewater Michael Hawkes – Southside Cornell Brown, Jake Grove – Lynchburg Waverly Jackson – Southside Lee Suggs – Roanoke Maurice DeShazo – Martinsville area Chad Beasley, – Southwest Virginia Jake Houseright

Ben “Having coached in Taylor Newport News and having spent most of my professional recruiting life in the state of Virginia, I am fully aware of the outstanding

quality of the players and coaches within our COACHES THE MEET M

state. Our objective is to recruit as many of the E great players in the state as possible with the E goal of winning the national championship.” T

— Coach Jim Cavanaugh T H

Across the Country E Coaches’ In-State Recruiting Areas Cory Bird, Billy Conaty – New Jersey Keion Carpenter, Antonio Freeman – Maryland Tony Ball ...... Shenandoah Valley C Ike Charlton, Torrian Gray – Florida Jim Cavanaugh ...... Richmond/Peninsula O

André Davis – New York Bud Foster ...... Northern Virginia A Kevin Jones, – Pennsylvania Billy Hite ...... New River Valley C Kevin McCadam – California Danny Pearman ...... Central Virginia/Fredericksburg Corey Moore – Tennessee Kevin Rogers ...... Roanoke/Lynchburg/Danville/Martinsville H

Pierson Prioleau, Tyronne Drakeford – South Carolina Bryan Stinespring ...... Tidewater E

Jim Pyne – Massachusetts Lorenzo Ward ...... Northern Virginia S Derek Smith – West Virginia Charley Wiles ...... Southwest Virginia Ben Taylor, Dave Kadela – Ohio

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 49 Tony Ball Wide Receivers Coach

In between, Ball coached the running backs at East Tennessee BALL’S PROFILE State in 1989. During the summers of 1996 PERSONAL: Born: 7/28/59, Chattanooga, Tenn. and 1997, Ball participated in Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn. the National Football League’s Wife: former Maria Slayden Minority Internship Program with Children: Anthony and Keshea Tony Ball, who has 17 years the . of experience as a full-time Ball began his coaching career EDUCATION: collegiate coach, is beginning his as a graduate assistant at Austin High School: Brainerd High School (1977) seventh season as Virginia Tech’s Peay in 1985 and 1986. While at College: UT-Chattanooga (1983) receivers coach. Ball’s attention Austin Peay, he earned a master’s Postgraduate: Austin Peay (1987) to detail and enthusiastic in health and nutrition. He served PLAYING EXPERIENCE: approach to the game of football as restricted earnings coach at UT Chattanooga (1977-80) have helped Tech to a 57-18 the University of South Carolina record, three bowl championships in 1987, working with the running COACHING EXPERIENCE: and an appearance in the national backs and helping the Gamecocks 1985-86 Austin Peay (graduate assistant) championship game over the past to the Gator Bowl. His fi rst full- 1987 South Carolina (volunteer running backs coach) seven seasons. time coaching position came at 1988 UT-Chattanooga (receivers) Ball has shown an ability UTC the following year. 1989 ETSU (running backs) to motivate and prepare young Ball played football for 1990-91 UT-Chattanooga (receivers) players and was instrumental in the late at UT- 1992-94 College of Holy Cross (running backs) the development and success Chattanooga. He was a standout 1995-97 Louisville (receivers) of split end Ernest Wilford who running back who set numerous 1998- Virginia Tech (receivers) has etched his name in the Tech school kickoff return records BOWL EXPERIENCE: record books. Wilford became the and was recently named to the Coach Hokes’ all-time receptions leader school’s All-Century Football 1987 Gator (South Carolina vs. LSU) and was the fi rst Tech player ever Team. He fi nished with a degree 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) to post two 50-catch seasons. in criminal justice. 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) The was picked in the fourth Ball is married to the former 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) round of the 2004 NFL Draft by Maria Ann Slayden. They have 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) Jacksonville. two children: Anthony, 13, and 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) Under Ball’s watchful eye, Keshea, 12. 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) André Davis became one of the nation’s top big- play threats. Davis closed out his Tech career in 2001 ranked among the Hokies’ top three in career catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He was selected in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the . Ball came to Tech in 1998 after serving three seasons as an assistant at the University of Louisville, where he coached the receivers. Prior to his stint with the Cardinals, Ball worked with the running backs at Holy Cross for three seasons. He coached the receivers at his alma mater, UT-Chattanooga, on two different occasions MEET THE COACHES- once in 1988 and for two seasons in 1990-91. Coach Tony Ball and his wife, Maria, with Anthony and Keshea.

50 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Danny Pearman Tight Ends and Offensive Tackles Coach

just in time to help the Hokies to in 1999. The Tech offense led Western Division championships a surprising 8-3 regular season the nation in scoring that year the next four years. record and a 38-7 victory over and ranked eighth nationally in Pearman was a graduate Alabama in the Music City Bowl. rushing. assistant at Alabama for two Pearman helped bring along an Pearman’s experience and years, then served as coach inexperienced group of tight ends hard work have continued to of the offensive tackles from and also aided in the development pay dividends in recent seasons. 1991 to 1996. He coached the Danny Pearman, who has of All-BIG EAST tackle Derek In 2000, former walk-on defensive tackles and special coached in Division I-A national Smith, who was drafted by the Browning Wynn earned second- teams in 1997. championship games at two Washington Redskins following team All-BIG EAST honors at A native of Charlotte, N.C., different schools, is beginning the season. He has since worked tight end, while teammate Pearman won three letters as a his 13th season as a full-time with two other all-conference Bob Slowikowski caught a key tight end at Clemson from 1983 collegiate assistant, tackles — Dave Kadela and 72-yard touchdown pass against through 1987. In his playing Pearman, who is opening his Anthony Davis. West Virginia. Following the days, he was named a strength seventh season as the Hokies’ Under Pearman’s tutelage, 2001 season, both players and conditioning All-American. tight ends and offensive tackles Tech’s tight ends caught 17 signed with NFL teams after He helped the Tigers win two coach, brought experience and passes, 16 of which went for fi rst contributing valuable senior ACC championships. a sound football background to downs, during Tech’s march to leadership to a rebuilding Following graduation, the Tech staff in 1998. He arrived the national championship game offensive unit. In 2002, Keith Pearman began his coaching Willis caught an 87-yard pass career as a graduate assistant PEARMAN’S PROFILE against Syracuse — the longest with the Tigers in 1988 and reception ever by a Tech tight 1989. The Tigers won the ACC PERSONAL: end. Last season, Willis became championship again in ‘88 and Born: 2/17/65, Charlotte, N.C. the fi rst Tech player ever to went to bowl games both of Hometown: Charlotte, N.C. catch two touchdown passes in Pearman’s seasons as a grad Wife: former Kristy Sewell a bowl game. Sixty-one of the assistant. Children: Taylor Brooke, Tanner Ryan, Trent Joseph tight ends’ last 70 receptions Pearman has a bachelor’s have resulted in fi rst downs. degree in fi nance and EDUCATION: Prior to coming to a master’s in business High School: Independence H.S. (1983) Blacksburg, Pearman helped administration, both from College: (1987) coach the Clemson. He is married to Postgraduate: Clemson University (1989) to six bowls and a national the former Kristy Sewell of PLAYING EXPERIENCE: championship between 1990 Birmingham, Ala., and they Clemson (1983-87) and 1997. After helping guide have a daughter, Taylor Brooke, the Crimson Tide to the national 7, and a son Tanner Ryan, 4, COACHING EXPERIENCE: championship in 1992, he and a new arrival this year with 1988-89 Clemson (graduate assistant) contributed to the Tide winning Trent Joseph, who was born in 1990-91 Alabama (graduate assistant) Southeastern Conference February. 1991-96 AlabamaAlabama (offensive(offensive tackles/offensivetackles/offensive specialspecial teams)teams) 1997 Alabama (defensive tackles/special teams) 1998- Virginia Tech (tight ends and off. tackles) MEET THE COACHES THE MEET M BOWL EXPERIENCE: Player E 1985 Independence (Clemson vs. Minnesota) E

1986 Gator (Clemson vs. Stanford) T

1987 Citrus (Clemson vs. Penn State)

Coach T

1988 Citrus (Clemson vs. Oklahoma) H 1989 Gator (Clemson vs. West Virginia) E 1990 Fiesta (Alabama vs. Louisville)

1991 Blockbuster (Alabama vs. Colorado) C 1992 Sugar (Alabama vs. Miami) 1993 Gator (Alabama vs. North Carolina) O

1994 Citrus (Alabama vs. Ohio State) A 1996 Outback (Alabama vs. Michigan) C 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) H

2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) E

2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) S 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Coach Danny Pearman and his wife, Kristy, with Tanner, Trent and Taylor.

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 51 Kevin Rogers Quarterbacks Coach

served as an offensive coordinator compiled the most total offense Before his tenure at Syracuse, and quarterbacks coach at both by a Tech player since 1972. He Rogers spent eight seasons on the Syracuse and Notre Dame before continued to progress in 2003 Navy staff coaching a variety of joining the Tech staff in January when he was one of only two BIG positions. Rogers’ other college 2001. EAST quarterbacks to earn league coaching credits include running Under Rogers’ watchful eye, offensive player of the week backs coach at William & Mary Tech quarterback Bryan Randall honors twice. from 1980-82 and defensive line Kevin Rogers, who played a has matured into an outstanding Prior to a three-year stint at coach at Ohio State in 1977-78 major role in the development signal-caller who is on the verge Notre Dame (1999-01), Rogers under Woody Hayes. of quarterback Donovan McNabb of becoming the Hokies’ all- served as the quarterbacks coach In 1999, Rogers coached a at Syracuse, is entering his third time leader in passing yards and for eight seasons at Syracuse Notre Dame offense that broke the season as the quarterbacks coach total offense. In 2002, Randall under head coach Paul Pasqualoni. school single-season record for at Virginia Tech. set a school season record for His fi nal two years at SU, Rogers total passing yards, completions The 2004 season marks completion percentage (63.7) and was the offensive coordinator, as and attempts. Rogers helped Rogers’ 26th year as a full-time ranked 10th nationally in passing well as the quarterbacks coach. quarterback Jarious Jackson set coach on the collegiate level. He effi ciency (143.09). He also Rogers’ star pupil at Syracuse school single-season records for was McNabb, the BIG EAST passing attempts, completions ROGERS’ PROFILE Offensive Player of the Year three and passing yardage. straight seasons (he shared the Rogers has been involved in PERSONAL: award in ‘96). McNabb broke 11 postseason bowl games as an Born: 9/7/51, Brooklyn, N.Y. most of Syracuse’s passing assistant coach and has coached Hometown: Sparta, N.J. records which had been held a number of All-Americans and Wife: former Betty Sheridan by another of Rogers’ proteges, National Football League players Children: Kevin Sean Rogers, Jr., Megan Elizabeth, , who ranked second in his career, including McNabb, Ryan Patrick nationally in passing in 1992. Qadry Ismail, Aaron Brown and EDUCATION: McNabb was the second overall Napolean McCallum. High School: Sparta (N.J.) High School (1969) pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Rogers is no stranger to College: College of William & Mary (1974) . the Commonwealth of Virginia. Postgraduate: Ohio State (1978) Rogers fi rst joined the The Brooklyn, N.Y., native is a PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Syracuse staff in 1991 as 1974 graduate of the College of Massanutten (Va.) Academy (1969-70) quarterbacks coach, was named William & Mary and began his William & Mary (1971-73) assistant head coach in 1995, coaching career as an assistant served as recruiting coordinator coach at Bayside High School in COACHING EXPERIENCE: from 1995-97 and was named Virginia Beach from 1974-76. At 1974-76 Bayside (Va.) High (assistant coach) offensive coordinator in ‘97. William & Mary, he was a three- 1977-78 Ohio State (defensive line) G.A. While at Syracuse, Rogers saw year as a linebacker 1979 Mainland (Fla.) High (head coach) the Orange fi nish in the fi nal and earned a degree in physical 1980-82 William & Mary (running backs) Associated Press Top 25 on six education. He earned a master’s 1983 Navy (tight ends/offensive tackles) 1984-85 Navy (tight ends/wide receivers) occasions. in physical education from Ohio 1986 Navy (defensive backs) State in 1978. 1987-88 Navy (running backs) Rogers and 1989-90 Navy (quarterbacks) his wife Betty are 1991-94 Syracuse (quarterbacks) parents of three 1995-96 Syracuse (asst. head coach/quarterbacks/ children — Kevin, a recruiting coordinator) former quarterback 1997-98 Syracuse (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks) at Villanova and now 1999-01 Notre Dame (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks) a scouting assistant 2002- Virginia Tech (quarterbacks) for the Indianapolis Colts; Megan, a BOWL EXPERIENCE: Coach Notre Dame graduate 1977 Sugar (Ohio State vs. Alabama) who is currently an 1978 Gator (Ohio State vs. Clemson) intern with the New 1991 Hall of Fame (Syracuse vs. Ohio State) York Jets; and Ryan, 1992 Fiesta (Syracuse vs. Colorado) a senior at Notre 1995 Gator (Syracuse vs. Clemson) Dame. 1996 Liberty (Syracuse vs. Houston) 1997 Fiesta (Syracuse vs. Kansas State) 1998 Orange (Syracuse vs. Florida) Coach KevinKevin Rogers 2000 Fiesta (Notre Dame vs. Oregon State) and his wife,wife, Betty,Betty, with Megan, RyanRyan (l) MEET THE COACHES 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) and Kevin.Kevin.

52 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Lorenzo Ward Defensive Backfi eld Coach

and No. 7 in pass effi ciency Four of Ward’s cornerbacks An Alabama native, Ward defense. In 2000, Tech tied for at Tech — Anthony Midget, Ike starred for the Crimson Tide third nationally in interceptions Charlton, Ronyell Whitaker and from 1986-90. He helped lead and during the 2001 season, the DeAngelo Hall — have earned Alabama to a 33-15 record and Hokies ranked second in total BIG EAST honors, along with free a Southeastern Conference defense, third in pass effi ciency safety Willie Pile. Midget was a Championship during his career. defense, eighth in pass defense and fi rst-team pick and Charlton a He was also tabbed Special Teams Lorenzo Ward’s reputation tied for seventh in interceptions. second-team selection in 1999, Player of the Year by The Sporting as an outstanding coach and In 2002, Tech led the Division I-A while Whitaker was second team News in 1990 as the Tide’s unit recruiter continues to grow as he ranks in interceptions with 24. in 2000 and fi rst team in 2001. ranked No. 1 in the nation. begins his sixth season on Frank Ward was instrumental in Hall and Pile were second-team Ward played on four bowl teams, Beamer’s football staff at Virginia Tech’s signing of Pennsylvania picks in 2002. Hall became a fi rst- helping lead ‘Bama to two Sun Tech. Ward oversees Tech’s running back Kevin Jones in team All-BIG EAST selection and Bowl wins. cornerbacks and free safeties. February 2000. Jones, the most a second-team All-America pick in Ward served two seasons as In his previous fi ve seasons highly touted player ever to sign 2003 and was the eighth overall a graduate assistant at Alabama with the Hokies, Ward coached with the Hokies, was rated the player taken in the NFL Draft. Hall before spending one season as an fi ve all-BIG EAST players, top high school football player in and Pile were semi-fi nalists for assistant coach at Newnan High produced a secondary that helped the country. Following the 2001 the in 2002 and in Newnan, Ga. While a graduate Tech fi nish among the national season, Jones was named the BIG 2003, respectively. assistant, Ward helped coach defensive leaders four of the last EAST Conference Rookie of the Prior to joining the Tech the Tide to victories in the 1991 fi ve seasons and spearheaded the Year after leading Tech in rushing. coaching staff, Ward was a coach Blockbuster Bowl and the 1993 recruiting of the nation’s top high Last season, he broke three Tech at UT-Chattanooga and Alabama. Gator Bowl. He joined the UTC school football player. rushing records on the way to He was named the defensive staff as the secondary coach in His work with the secondary become a consensus All-American coordinator at UT-Chattanooga in 1994. in 1999 contributed to the Hokies and a fi rst-round pick in the NFL 1998 after serving as the Mocs’ Nicknamed “Whammy” fi nishing No. 3 in total defense Draft. running backs coach in 1997. because of his fi erce tackles, Prior to working with the running Ward graduated from Alabama in WARD’S PROFILE backs, Ward was the defensive 1990 with a bachelor’s in physical backs coach. He coached strong education. He is married to the PERSONAL: safety Ron Faugue, who earned former Tara Tubbs. The couple has Born: 4/26/67, Greensboro, Ala. both second- and third-team one son, Lorenzo Donovan Ward, Hometown: Greensboro, Ala. All-America honors in 1996. Jr., who is 8. Wife: former Tara Tubbs Child: Lorenzo Donovan Ward, Jr. EDUCATION: High School: Greensboro Public School — West Campus (1986) College: University of Alabama (1990) PLAYING EXPERIENCE:

Alabama (1986-90) COACHES THE MEET M

COACHING EXPERIENCE: E

1991-93 Alabama (graduate assistant) E 1993 Newnan High (assistant coach) T 1994-98 UT-Chattanooga (secondary/running backs)

1999- Virginia Tech (defensive backfi eld) T

BOWL EXPERIENCE: H

Player E 1986 Sun (Alabama vs. Washington)

1988 Hall of Fame (Alabama vs. Michigan) C 1988 Sun (Alabama vs. Army) 1990 Sugar (Alabama vs. Miami) O

Coach A

1991 Blockbuster (Alabama vs. Colorado) C 1993 Gator (Alabama vs. North Carolina) 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) H

2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) E

2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) S 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Coach LorLorenzoenzo WardWard and his wife,wife, Tara,Tara, with Lorenzo,Lorenzo, Jr.Jr.

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 53 Charley Wiles Defensive Line Coach

Award as the best lineman. respectively, in both 2000 and Beamer was the head man at He also became Tech’s second 2001. Pugh was also a third-team Murray State. Wiles was a Kodak unanimous All-American and was All-America pick by The Sporting Division I-AA All-American as an chosen the BIG EAST Defensive News and both players were offensive lineman in 1986. Player of the Year two consecutive selected in the NFL Draft. When he left Tech after the years. Brown was a two-time All- In all, nine of Wiles’ players 1988 season, Wiles spent a year America pick, taking consensus have won All-BIG EAST honors. on the staff at East Tennessee Charley Wiles, a former All- honors as a junior in 1995 when The others were tackle Kerwin State. He then returned to Murray America player for Frank Beamer he was also named the National Hairston in 1997, tackle Nathaniel State for a six-year coaching at Murray State, has produced four Defensive Player of the Year by Williams in 1999, end Nathaniel tenure, winding up as the Racers’ All-Americans of his own since Football News and the BIG EAST Adibi in 2002 and 2003, and end co-defensive coordinator. In joining Beamer’s Virginia Tech Defensive Player of the Year. Cols Colas last season. 1995, he helped coach the Racers staff as defensive line coach in Wiles also coached John During the 1999 season, to an 11-0 regular-season mark 1996. Engelberger, who was named Wiles coached a veteran line that and a berth in the NCAA Division Among the top players Wiles second-team on The Associated he helped mold into what The I-AA playoffs. Wiles also served has helped develop during his Press All-America team and was Sporting News rated as the best as Murray State’s recruiting nine seasons directing the Tech selected fi rst-team All-BIG EAST Division I-A defensive line in the coordinator, helping land many of line are ends Corey Moore and in 1999 after earning second- college ranks prior to the season. the Racers’ top players. Cornell Brown. In 1999, Moore team honors in 1998 and 1997. That line helped the Hokies fi nish When Wiles rejoined Beamer won the Mike Fox/Bronko Nagurski Standouts David Pugh and fi rst in the nation in scoring at Tech in 1996, he fulfi lled a goal Award as the nation’s best Chad Beasley earned fi rst- and defense and third in rushing he had set during his fi rst stint defensive player and the Lombardi second-team All-BIG EAST honors, defense and total defense. Tech’s in Blacksburg. The Hokies have 2001 defensive line was rated as competed in bowl games during WILES’ PROFILE the fourth-best in the Division I-A each season since he rejoined the ranks by The Sporting News. staff. PERSONAL: Wiles is on his second tour of A native of De Land, Fla., Born: 5/4/64, Nashville, Tenn. duty at Tech. He originally joined and a three-sport star at De Hometown: De Land, Fla. Beamer’s Tech staff as a graduate Land High School, he is married Wife: former Andrea Wilder assistant in 1987 and worked to the former Andrea Wilder of Children: Kendell, Eric in that capacity for two years. Booneville, Ind. They have a Wiles fi rst had a player-coach daughter, Kendell, 8, and a son EDUCATION: relationship with Beamer, when Eric, 5. High School: De Land High School College: Murray State University (1987) Postgraduate: Virginia Tech (1989) PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Murray State (1983-86) COACHING EXPERIENCE: 1987-88 Virginia Tech (graduate assistant) 1989 East Tennessee State (offensive line) 1990-91 Murray State (defensive ends) 1992 Murray State (running backs) 1993-95 Murray State (linebackers) 1995 Murray State (co-def. coordinator) 1996- Virginia Tech (defensive line) BOWL EXPERIENCE: Player 1986 Division I-AA Playoff Quarterfi nals (Murray State vs. Eastern Illinois) Coach 1995 Division I-AA Playoff Quarterfi nals (Murray State vs. Northern Iowa) 1996 Orange (Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska) 1997 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina) 1998 Music City (Virginia Tech vs. Alabama) 1999 Sugar (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State) 2000 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Clemson) 2001 Gator (Virginia Tech vs. Florida State)

MEET THE COACHES 2002 San Francisco (Virginia Tech vs. Air Force) 2003 Insight (Virginia Tech vs. California) Coach CharleyCharley Wiles and his wife,wife, Andrea,Andrea, with KendellKendell and Eric.Eric.

54 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL John Ballein Associate Director of Athletics for Football Operations

Va., and at Western Branch High players. His offi ce is a preferred “I don’t think [Coach] in Chesapeake, Va., in 1985-86. hangout of Tech players, and he Beamer could operate Ballein served on Beamer’s is one of the most beloved and without Ballein,” said former fi rst Virginia Tech staff in 1987 respected members of the staff. Tech standout Corey Moore. as a graduate assistant coach. In “Ballein’s a guy on the ball. 1988, he accepted a position as Plus, he’s kind of a favorite running backs coach at Western among the players, too.” John Ballein holds one of Kentucky University. He returned Ballein is married the most important positions to Tech a year later as recruiting to the former Stephanie in Virginia Tech athletics as coordinator. Green, who was a basketball associate athletics director With his offi ce adjacent to player at Tech in for football operations. He Coach Beamer’s, he is often her undergraduate was promoted to the position considered Beamer’s right-hand days. They have two during the summer of 2000 in man. He deals mostly daughters, Jordan recognition of his excellent work with the administrative Gray, 8, and Jalyn for Coach Frank Beamer and his side of the football Ann, 6. program. program, but is one of Called “the No. 1 the favorites among administrative assistant in the country” by former Tech AD Dave Braine, Ballein is responsible for all operations dealing with the football program. He continues to serve as assistant to head coach Frank Beamer and as departmental recruiting coordinator, jobs he performed prior to his promotion. “You name it and John Ballein does it,” Beamer said in a Dec. 18, 1999 article on Ballein in The Roanoke Times. “Just everything that goes on around here — our travel, our recruiting, our camps, our clinics. He is absolutely the best.” A native of

Bentleyville, COACHES THE MEET Pa., Ballein was a linebacker at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated from there with a degree in health and physical education in 1983. He later earned a master’s in education from Old Dominion University in 1987. He has nearly completed his Ed.D in health promotions from Virginia Tech. Ballein was a teacher and football coach in 1983-84 at John Ballein and his wife, Woodrow Wilson High Stephanie, with Jordan and Jalyn. School in Portsmouth,

INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE ACC 55 Football Support Staff Bruce Garnes GRADUATE ASSISTANTS Administrative Assistant

Bruce Garnes, a 1994 graduate of Virginia Tech, is in his sixth year as an administrative assistant in the Hokies’ football offi ce. For fi ve years, he has served as the liaison between the academic community and football and has helped the J.C. Price SteveSteve DeMasi Hokies with their recruiting efforts. Garnes also assists John Ballein, the associate athletic director for football operations, with Tech’s football camps and coaching clinics. A native of Martinsville, Va., Garnes graduated from Tech with a bachelor’s in sport management. He received a master’s at Tech in counseling education in 1996. In 1998 and 1999, Garnes interned with the in the equipment room. A 1989 graduate of Magna Vista High School in Ridgeway, Va., Garnes, 33, is single and enjoys jogging, spending time with his mother and co-workers and Diana Clark Lisa Marie Kristie VVernielerniel watching all Virginia Tech athletic teams compete. Secretary to Football Program Football Program Coach Beamer Support Technician Support Technician Lester Karlin Equipment Manager

Lester Karlin, a veteran of 26 years as the Hokies’ equipment manager, is one of the most popular people on the Virginia Tech athletic staff. Karlin is a certifi ed equipment manager and a member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association. In addition to ordering equipment for the football team, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the equipment room. A native of Norfolk, Va., Karlin graduated from Tech in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in health and Lester Karlin and his wife, Suzie, with daughters Sarah and Rachel and their dog, Maggie. physical education. From 1971 to 1973, he served as the student assistant in the football equipment room. Karlin, his wife, Suzie, and their daughters Sarah and Rachel live in Karlin worked for two years in the World Football League, serving as Blacksburg. Karlin is a life member of the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue the equipment manager for teams in Houston, Texas, and Shreveport, Squad and currently serves as a lieutenant. He spends his spare time La. He returned to Blacksburg and his alma mater in 1978. either working in his yard or at the rescue squad.

MEET THE COACHES TommyTommy Rapier Cody Cole TravisTravis Benn Eric Carr Cliff FeiringFeiring AdamAdam Linkous Chris SheltonShelton Jon TTatumatum Graduate Assistant Head Student Manager Student Manager Student Manager Student Manager Student Manager Student Manager Manager Student Manager

56 2004 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL