Returning starters Nathaniel Adibi (83), Ronyell Whitaker (2) and Willie Pile (35) will be key figures as Tech’s fast, young defensive unit tries to uphold the Hokies’ reputation for defensive excellence. HERE’S WHAT A FEW PUBLICATIONS THINK OF THE HOKIES Athlon Magazine No. 18 nationally Virginia Tech No. 2 in the BIG EAST Ronyell Whitaker — First-Team Preseason All-America ; preseason All-BIG EAST Lee Suggs — preseason All-BIG EAST Jake Grove — preseason All-BIG EAST Willie Pile — preseason All-BIG EAST Virginia Tech — best group in the conference Virginia Tech — best defensive backfield in the conference The Sporting News Virginia Tech No. 21 nationally Virginia Tech— No. 10 defensive backfield in the country Anthony Davis — preseason All-BIG EAST first team; No. 21 offensive in the nation Lee Suggs — preseason All-BIG EAST first team; No. 5 running back in the nation Ronyell Whitaker — preseason All-BIG EAST first team; No. 8 in the nation Willie Pile — preseason All-BIG EAST first team; No. 10 free safety in the nation Ernest Wilford — preseason All-BIG EAST second team Luke Owens — preseason All-BIG EAST second team; No. 23 offensive guard in the nation Kevin Jones — preseason All-BIG EAST second team; No. 18 running back in the nation Kevin Lewis — preseason All-BIG EAST second team; No. 22 in the nation DeAngelo Hall — preseason All-BIG EAST second team Jake Grove — No. 6 center in the nation Jimmy Williams — BIG EAST Defensive Newcomer of the Year Lindy’s Virginia Tech No. 14 nationally Virginia Tech — No. 10 defensive backfield in the nation Kevin Jones — No. 12 running back in the nation Ronyell Whitaker — No. 10 cornerback in the nation Willie Pile — No. 13 safety in the nation Playboy Magazine Collegefootballnews.com Lee Suggs — Preseason All-America running back Kevin Jones — Third-Team Preseason All-America running back; preseason All-BIG EAST; No. 7 overall player Street & Smith’s in the conference Virginia Tech ranked no. 21 nationally Ronyell Whitaker — preseason All-BIG EAST; Kevin Jones — most elusive running back in the conference No. 14 overall player in the conference Lee Suggs — running back with best instincts in the Willie Pile — preseason All-BIG EAST; conference; preseason All-BIG EAST No. 12 overall player in the conference DeAngelo Hall — best athlete in the conference; Lee Suggs — No. 10 overall player in the conference preseason All-BIG EAST Nathaniel Adibi — No. 24 overall player in the conference Cols Colas — preseason All-BIG EAST Jim Davis — No. 26 overall player in the conference Willie Pile — preseason All-BIG EAST HOKIES HOPE TO BE UP TO THE TEST IN CRITICAL YEAR

Riding the wave of nine made to a new offensive consecutive bowl games and a coordinator and a new BIG EAST Conference-leading coach. 83 wins over the last nine With perhaps the toughest seasons, the Virginia Tech football schedule in school football team is entering what history ahead of them, it all head coach Frank Beamer adds up to a challenging calls a critical year for the season for the coaching staff program. and the team. The Hokies will open 2002 “Overall, I think this is a preseason practice with critical year for the program,” Safety Willie Pile will lead a strong Virginia Tech secondary. several issues that still need Beamer says. “Not only do we attention. There are questions have to replace 11 players who opted to forego surgery and “That’s where you would like to surrounding the Hokies’ are now in NFL camps, we are has spent the past few be a strong, veteran team and position, the also getting ready to play months strengthening his it’s just the opposite. We have middle of the Tech defense probably the toughest knee and leg in preparation plenty of talented guys, but and the schedule we’ve ever played for the season. Noel was most of them are inexperienced positions. There are also here. When you put those two inconsistent at times during and there is no way around it. continuing adjustments being things together, this will be a the 2001 season but showed How quickly are they going to critical year for us to leadership and toughness on play well is the issue.” see if we are a the way to picking up The final solution to the consistent football valuable experience for his tackle situation will not come team … to see if we senior year. until August. “We feel some of can just replace guys If Noel is unable to play, the people we have recruited fit and keep on moving.” sophomore into this situation, too,” the Tech Beamer has a list has worked hard to be ready. coach admits. of priorities and the Randall had an outstanding Several incoming recruits first thing on that list spring, showing improved could also figure into the is getting a handle on technique and poise. The equation at the wide receiver the quarterback Hokies will also take a look at spots where Tech lost big-play position. The Hokies’ freshman when man André Davis and tall, returning starter Grant practice opens. Vick, whose athletic Emmett Johnson. Noel had a solid hold older brother, Michael, was a “We have some good on the quarterback Tech All-American and the receivers in the program,” duties when he first player picked in the 2001 Beamer points out, “but right suffered a torn ACL in NFL Draft, will be given the now, I think we need some his left knee just days opportunity to show what he people to step up and be before Tech’s 2002 can do during the preseason. productive.” spring game. Noel, Overall, the Hokies must Among Tech’s strengths will who closed out his replace 11 starters, including be a deep, talented group of first season as a six on defense. The losses on defensive ends, an starter by passing for the defensive side, however, experienced, athletic group of 269 yards against go deeper than just the and free safeties Florida State in the starters. The team’s top five and a stable of tailbacks that 2002 Gator Bowl, defensive tackles were all ranks among the best in the seniors, as were the top three nation. Grant Noel started inside . The return of senior tailback all 12 games at “Right up the middle of Lee Suggs, who suffered a quarterback for our defense is where all the season-ending knee injury Tech last season. new guys are,” Beamer says. Continued … VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 17 Outlook continued … The Hokies will “It helps a lot having three also have new starters back, but we still have during the Hokies’ 2001 quarterbacks coach a very young group,” opener against UConn, drew Kevin Rogers on Stinespring says. “I really like plenty of attention during the hand for the first this group. It has a nice spring. Suggs won All-America season. After mixture of experience and honors in 2000 when he spending time with young talent. We had some rushed for 1,207 yards and led the quarterbacks guys step up and secure the nation in scoring (28 TDs). currently in the starting spots and now we Suggs will join last year’s system last spring, have to work on becoming a freshman sensation, Kevin Rogers now has a cohesive unit. The depth was Jones, at the position. Jones better grasp of what the biggest concern heading was named the BIG EAST he has to work with. into spring and I think we Rookie of the Year and a While the spring helped ourself, but we still freshman All-America in 2001, session was a big have some questions that after leading Tech with a one, Stinespring need to be answered.” freshman-record 957 yards feels the fall Junior Jake Grove will rushing. The Hokies’ depth at preseason camp make the move from guard to the position has allowed the will be just as center this year. He started 10 coaches to temporarily move a important. A games at right guard last pair of impressive freshman Anthony couple of season, as well as serving as tailbacks – Cedric Humes and Davis items the top backup to Steve Justin Hamilton – to other remain DeMasi at center. Last season positions where they have a areas of was the first Grove played chance to contribute concern, such as through without his nagging immediately. the health of Noel, back injury flaring up to the “There is no question that finalizing the depth chart at each point where he had to miss we have some great running position and determining which playing time. He played 565 backs in our program,” incoming freshmen can be ready offensive plays a year ago, Beamer says. “I thought Lee for the opening game against grading out at 84.9 percent on did well during the spring. He Arkansas State. the year with a team-high 48 really wanted to get in there “I thought our offense knockdown blocks. and get some scrimmage competed well in the spring,” “I think center is Jake’s work, and we gave him just a The loss of five starters Stinespring says. “We wanted to best position,” Stinespring very little so he could take a from last year’s offense hasn’t implement a more attacking style says. “Last year, we went with couple of shots and get it out detracted from the excitement of offense and I think we our best five linemen on the of his mind. I think he feels like heading into the 2002 season. accomplished that goal. We field, so we put Jake out there his knee is very strong, and With a new offensive moved some guys around and I at guard. But I think he likes from everything I’ve seen, it coordinator, new quarterbacks think that’s going to make a this position better and has a looks that way to me, too.” coach and a solid corps of better offense in general. better feel of playing it.” During the spring, new returning players, the Tech “I think those moves have Robert Ramsey, who saw offensive coordinator Bryan offense will look to put up big given us a chance to be a good limited action last year, along Stinespring and quarterbacks numbers in the 2002 season. offense. I think we helped with Danny McGrath, who coach Kevin Rogers Among the returning ourselves talent-wise and we’re entered school in January, are experimented with some starters are steady going to have to use the fall to try the other candidates for the formations and schemes to quarterback Grant Noel, to get these guys ready.” back-up spot at center. take full advantage of Suggs speedy Kevin Jones at With the loss of 11 players to At guard, Stinespring has and Jones and the rest of their tailback and the sure-handed the NFL — five from the offense the luxury of working with two personnel. Shawn Witten at receiver. — there will be a lot of new faces returning players. Luke “When you consider we Jake Grove, Anthony on offense this year. Some will be Owens and James Miller are made changes at offensive Davis and Luke Owens will seeing their first collegiate both healthy and will enter the coordinator and quarterbacks lead an experienced line, one playing time and some will make fall as the No. 1s at the guard coach, and that we wanted to that returns six players who their first starts. spots. look into a couple of different saw significant action in 2001. “These young players have to Owens came in to start the ways of doing things … this The fall also means the step up and fill some voids, West Virginia game last was probably the most return of record-setting especially at the receiver spot,” season and never important spring practice for tailback Lee Suggs, who tore Stinespring says. “We want to get relinquished the spot. The 6-3, an offense that we’ve had in a his ACL in the 2001 opener the best 11 athletes on the field, 312-pounder played in all 11 long time,” Beamer says. against Connecticut. He is and that meant moving some games, averaging 46.5 snaps “We want to get our best back to 100 percent and is guys around. Now we have to get per game. He graded out at people on the field during the ready to go this season. them ready to play.” 81 percent for the year with course of a game, whether it’s New coordinator Bryan 37 knockdowns. He had off- on offense, defense or special Stinespring used the spring Offensive Line season surgery on his elbow teams,” he adds. “One of our session to test new formations Offensive coordinator/ and will enter the fall as the overall strengths is there is and plays in an effort to get offensive line coach Bryan No. 1 man at right guard. good talent in our program.” not only the offense, but Stinespring has the luxury of “We need a healthy Luke How rapidly some of that himself, ready for the season. three starters back on a line Owens in the fall,” Stinespring talent develops will go a long He will still coach the line, and which helped spring several says. “Luke brings a lot to the way toward determining the should have a good group running backs to big games last table. He’s a tough guy who Hokies’ fate in 2002. returning. year. brings a lot of experience to 18 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL the line. We need to get him going to be able to contribute constant in the lineup the past but Tech had the luxury of healthy and keep him healthy this year.” three seasons and combined to redshirting him. this season.” At right tackle, the No. 1 man catch 33 passes in that time — Greg Burnop is a walk-on Another player in the mix is heading into fall practice will be most of which went for first from Blacksburg who has Miller, a true sophomore who Jon Dunn. At 6-7, 324 pounds, downs. Tight ends coach added weight to try and be a saw plenty of action last year. the redshirt sophomore is the Danny Pearman knows what factor at the position. He was He was the No. 2 man at right biggest man on the team. He he lost, but he’s also excited slowed by a sprained MCL in guard behind Grove and will has made nice progress in two about the four men he has in his knee during the spring but is enter the fall as the top man at seasons, but will be pushed hard the program. looking to work his way into the left guard. to get ready for the fall. Last “Losing the experience mix. At 6-6, 310 pounds, Miller year, he averaged nearly 26 Browning and Bob brought is “I have to develop a guy has good size, foot work and snaps per game and played a big,” Pearman says. “But they we’re comfortable with not only work ethic. He played 160 snaps total of 231 offensive snaps. were also good people, good at the beginning of the year, but last season, averaging nearly 18 “At times, Jon is exactly what leaders and solid citizens. Both at the end in the thick of the plays per game. you’re looking for at a right of them had good careers here. conference,” Pearman says. “We put a lot on Jim this tackle,” Stinespring. “He has That’s part of the excitement of “We have to develop a kid who spring,” Stinespring says. “He outstanding size, but he needs to . Players leave can get us the edge on the has great work habits and has a get a little bit stronger and more and the others guys have to corner, be a stout blocker, but lot of size. He is learning the physical. But he has the chance step up.” also be a good receiver.” schemes of our offense and I’m to be an outstanding tackle.” Tech has four tight ends in real excited about what he can Jacob Gibson started the first its program right now, all with Quarterbacks do.” four games of the season at left limited or no game experience. New quarterbacks coach Former walk-on Will guard and played in nine All bring excellent size and Kevin Rogers started the spring Montgomery, who earned a contests, but missed the Gator good hands to the position and session with four healthy scholarship this past off-season, Bowl due to a back injury. At 6-4, Pearman knows it will be a quarterbacks to work with. By will enter the fall as the No. 2 288, the redshirt junior has good battle between them. the spring game, he was down man at right guard. size and quickness. He played a Redshirt junior Keith Willis to one. Redshirt junior Anthony total of 286 offensive snaps last has the most experience at the Chris Clifton was moved to Nelson, will enter the fall as the season and registered 17 position. He caught two passes wide receiver and Will Hunt No. 2 man at left guard. He has knockdown blocks. last season, one of which was suffered a sprained shoulder good size and strength and “Jacob’s really like a utility a . early in the session. But the big could contribute if he can get infielder for us,” Stinespring “I’m looking forward to blow came when returning himself into playing shape. says. “He can play a lot of seeing what Keith matures starter Grant Noel tore his left Stinespring will have to positions and is really the top into,” Pearman says. “He’s ACL and was lost for the spring. replace one starter at tackle, but backup at both tackle spots. But been here the longest and has That left Bryan Randall to direct Anthony Davis returns to anchor he could also move and play at played the most at the position. both teams in the spring game. the left side of the line. The 6-4, guard if we need him to.” I’m not sure he’s played Continued … 320-pound senior started all 11 Redshirt freshman Curtis enough to say he has games last season at the Bradley, who earned a reputation an edge, but he has position and will likely be the as a tough player in the “middle played more than the No. 1 man again this year. He drills” at practice, will also rest of them and led the line in total plays a year compete for playing time at this probably knows the ago with 708 snaps. He recorded position. offensive schemes 29 knockdown blocks and has “Our offensive line should be more so than the rest good quickness for his size. improved over last year, but I of them.” “Anthony had moments of think some of the things that Redshirt being a good college tackle last concerned me last year concern sophomore Jared season,” Stinespring says. “For me again this year,” Stinespring Mazzetta was a him, he needs to learn to be in says. “We have to stay healthy standout on the punt on every play and be more and we have to play at a high and kickoff coverage consistent. If he does that, he’s level. teams but has seen going to help our offense out “A lot of pressure is being only limited action on immensely. He had a very good exerted on our quarterback with offense. He had nine spring and we’re hoping he can his health so I feel we need to be tackles on special establish himself as one of the able to help him any way we teams and brings a best linemen in the BIG EAST.” can. We’re in a position to do physical presence to Redshirt freshman Reggie that, but we need to go out and the position. He will Butler, who entered school in produce on the field. enter the fall as a co- Bryan Randall January, will battle for the top “We have the opportunity to No. 1 with Willis. backup spot. The 6-5, 324- be a better offensive line than we Also battling for pounder has played just three were last year and I certainly the starting spot will years of organized football, but hope we will be better than last be redshirt freshman the coaches feel he has a lot of year.” Jeff King. The Pulaski potential. native is the biggest “Reggie has only had 15 Tight Ends of the three at 6-5, college practices,” Stinespring The Hokies will have to 258 pounds and has says. “If he can help us this adjust quickly to the loss of the excellent hands. year, then that will be a bonus. duo of Bob Slowikowski and Pearman says King Right now, we have to work on Browning Wynn at the tight end could have played some aspects of his game if he’s position. The two have been a last year if needed, VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 19 Outlook continued … regarded as a smart player who While Suggs will makes good, strong throws. likely be the starter for “At the beginning of the “Will needs to come in this Arkansas State, both spring, Grant’s injury would fall in excellent shape and prove will play a lot and each have been devastating,” Rogers to me he’s able to play at week’s starter will be says, “but he had most of the Virginia Tech,” Rogers says. determined by who’s spring to compete and Bryan “We focussed on two the hotter back at that really came on to step up and quarterbacks in the spring and time. help us out.” that hurt Will, but we need for “Right now, both will Noel opted to forgo surgery, him to be healthy and ready to play a lot and we’ll which would have ended his go.” decide week-to-week season before it started, and While the spring was who’s going to start,” instead rehab the knee all important for the quarterbacks, it Hite says. “For me, it’s summer. He is likely to be back was equally important for the not who starts the for August practice, but his level new coach and a chance to get game, but who’s in at of play is yet to be determined. acclimated with a new program. the end. It’s created a The rising senior started all “This past spring was a big great situation where 11 regular season games and one for the quarterbacks and they push each other the bowl game for the Hokies in myself,” Rogers says. “I had to and make each other 2001. He completed 57 percent learn a whole new offense and a better.” of his passes for 1,826 yards whole new language. It’s like John Candelas, a and 16 . jumping into French II without walk-on from “Grant’s injury puts us in a taking French I; you have to Blacksburg, will provide tenuous situation,” Rogers says. start slowly and work your way Lee Suggs depth at the tailback “We’ll have four quarterbacks on up. position and is working campus this fall, two of which “But, as a whole, I thought it hard to work his way have never played a snap of went really well. I feel good into the rotation. college football. So we need about our situation at “I’m really pleased Grant to be able to play. Grant is quarterback, and about the comfortable with his knee.” with the way John came along the guy and is the number one offense. We’re going to take He has quietly made a during the spring,” Hite says. quarterback until someone every day this fall and make it a remarkable recovery from a torn “He has good speed and will takes it away from him.” competitive situation. The guy ACL in the season opener probably help us out on special If Noel isn’t able to play, who plays will be the guy who against Connecticut. He was off teams.” Randall is ready to step in as we feel is in the best position to to an impressive start to the Candelas will battle with the main man. He will enter help us win.” season when the injury incoming freshman Mike Imoh the fall as the No. 2 occurred. In the third quarter, he for the No. 3 spot. Imoh was quarterback. He saw limited Running Backs had 99 yards rushing and two the Virginia AAA State Player of action in eight games as a true It’s going to be hard to wipe scores, making him the all-time the Year and will see action if freshman last year. He the smile off of running backs leader at Tech in career rushing he isn’t redshirted. possesses a good arm and is a coach Billy Hite’s face this fall. TDs with 31. If Hite has any work to do, it threat to break a long run at any You see, Hite has a problem Although he could have is at the fullback position. Gone time. that every coach would love to gone at full speed this spring, is four-year starter Jarrett “The old coaching cliché is have. That problem is that he the trainers kept a leash on him Ferguson, who was a blocking that you try to get better each has a ton of talented backs, for most of the spring. force and a receiving threat for day and I think Bryan came maybe too many. After the injury, Suggs was the Hokies. pretty close to achieving that,” “I think it’s a problem you eventually replaced by Jones, “Jarrett is definitely one of Rogers says. “He developed the like to have,” Hite says. “I think who went on to have a big year. the most special football confidence in himself that the that was proven in the third In his last three regular-season players I’ve had the pleasure of coaches have had all along and quarter of the opening ball game games, all of which he started, working with in my 24 years at he worked extremely hard. He’s last year when Lee went down. the rising sophomore ripped off Virginia Tech and I’m going to gotten a lot better since last You never know what’s going to games of 155 yards against miss him,” Hite says. “He January and, as a coach, you happen, so we’re happy to have Temple, 181 yards versus brought so much to the table have to like that.” four great backs.” Virginia and finished up with 160 and I hate like heck to think I’m Rogers will also have a He has 2001 BIG EAST yards against the eventual going into this season without familiar name to work with this Rookie of the Year Kevin Jones national champion Miami him. But we have some good fall as freshman Marcus Vick returning at tailback. And don’t Hurricanes. With a full year of young players who I think will looks to follow in the footsteps forget about the 2000 BIG EAST college football, as well as be able to fill in nicely for of his older brother. Offensive Player of the Year in strength training, the sky is the Jarrett.” “If we feel Marcus is ready Lee Suggs. Suggs is back to full limit for Jones. Leading the way at the and able to compete this fall, strength and will enter the fall as “Kevin made a lot of position is redshirt junior Doug Marcus will play,” Rogers says. the No. 1 back. improvement from the end of Easlick, who served as the “If he’s able to be successful “I think Lee had an the season and through spring No. 2 man last season. He is a and we need to play him to win, outstanding spring,” Hite says. “I practice,” Hite says. “He got strong blocker who has Marcus will play. If he’s not think it was an important spring better each week of practice excellent hands. He caught ready, he won’t play. It’s that for him from a mental and that’s what we asked him to four passes for 54 yards and a simple and I think Marcus feels standpoint. Although I limited do. Our defensive coaches were score last year. the same way.” him in what he could do, I was shaking their heads every day at “Doug had a good spring,” Hunt will be the other QB very pleased with his work. He practice and saying how much Hite says. “He did an battling for reps in the fall. He got knocked around some and I better he is right now as outstanding job in the weight was redshirted last year and is think it made him more opposed to last fall.” room this past off-season. 20 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Doug is basically a tailback with totally bare for receivers coach needs to learn the position. He season, is perhaps the hardest- tailback skills playing at the Tony Ball heading into the fall. played there on the scout team working receiver in the bunch, fullback position. He’s strong “André and Emmett were last fall, but did not move to the often staying after practice to and tough and there’s no good athletes with tremendous position full-time until the spring. work on technique or route reason he can’t be an speed and we don’t have that at He will enter the fall battling for running. He had one catch for outstanding football player for the position so we can’t replace playing time at split end. 13 yards a season ago, but us.” them right now,” Ball says. “We Hamilton spent last season played a lot on special teams Cedric Humes spent the are different at the position. We as a scout team running back. before an ankle injury slowed 2001 season terrorizing the have to start all over and find He was moved to the wide out him. defense as a member of the our niche as a group.” in early spring and made great Ball is also excited about scout team. He spent the spring Ball says the goal for this strides every day. He brings the arrival of Fred Lee, who as a tailback, but was moved to group is simple. He feels they size (6-3, 217) and athleticism enrolled at Tech for both fullback following the spring. He must concentrate on the details to the position and will enter the summer sessions. Lee has excellent size and speed of the position. fall as the co-No. 1 at the originally signed with the and should be a factor at his “We’ve got some older guys flanker position. Hokies prior to last season, but new position. with some experience, but we “Justin showed a lot of had to go to prep school. He “Even though they weren’t have a lot of work to do. You ability, but he still has a way to reaffirmed his commitment and running our plays, you could can put all of these guys in a pot go,” Ball says. “Things were is finally a Hokie. see what he was capable of,” and they’re almost the same,” pretty vanilla to him for the “I’m going to throw him right Hite says. “[Defensive Ball says. “They all are about spring game, but he studies and in there,” Ball says. “I’m going coordinator] Coach [Bud] Foster the same size with about the he wants to be good. I think his to feed him and see how much and his staff would come in same experience. We have to future is bright, but people need he can absorb. When he hits after practice each week saying bring them along quickly and to be patient because he’s the wall, we’ll see why he did great things about him. Cedric while we’re doing that, we need never played that position.” and try to simplify it. The one is a great talent who runs and to learn to be good team players Redshirt sophomore Richard advantage he has is he is a catches well. He has great and fundamentally sound wide Johnson, walk-on Chris Shreve true receiver. He is the one guy speed, but he’s not as physical receivers.” and redshirt senior Terrell in the receiving corps who as the other two; but that will Leading the troops will be Parham are all working to find played receiver in high school, come.” Shawn Witten, who missed the their way into the rotation. so I think he’ll be right in the Pushing him for time will be second half of the season with a “This group worked mix.” the oft-moved Josh Spence. broken leg. He will enter the fall extremely hard this summer,” Lee is a speedster who, Spence came in as a tailback as the co-No. 1 man at the Ball says. “I’m being realistic although doesn’t have great and moved to last flanker position. with this group. This is a good size, does run good routes and year, but seems to have found a The rising senior has group that I enjoy being around. has good hands. He could be a home at fullback. He is a big, perhaps the best hands on the They work hard and want to get big threat for the Hokies at the strong back who could be a team and rarely drops a ball. the job done. It’s a young group split end position because of great fullback for the Hokies. Before suffering the injury in the with some great athletes. My job his good speed and quickness, “Josh has accepted the Pittsburgh game, Witten had 16 is to turn them into a great but could end up at flanker if transition to fullback,” Hite says. catches for 161 yards and a group of receivers.” needed. “He also has tailback skills and touchdown. Parham has the most Continued … he’s pretty good with the ball in “He’s going to have to be a experience of the his arms. It’s a new position for leader for us,” Ball says. “He’s a three, seeing action him, so he has some things to leader in his own way because the past three learn. It’s been a slow process he’s quiet, but the guys respect seasons. He is a for him, but he’s coming along. him. He’s got to work on getting good possession He has all the tools — speed, off the line of scrimmage and receiver who caught size and strength — to be an a creating space in his route 14 passes for 155 outstanding fullback for us.” running.” yards and a It’s become an annual This season will be a big one touchdown last tradition for Hite to claim each for Ernest Wilford. The redshirt season. year’s class as “the best group junior has the size at 6-4 to be Johnson is a of Stallions I’ve ever had” and an outstanding receiver and player who can go this year will be no different. must develop some consistency the distance at any “At tailback, obviously this is in his game. Last season, he time. He has blazing the best group yet,” Hite says. caught eight passes for 100 speed and good “The fullbacks still have some yards and a TD. He will head hands, but has been work to do, but it could become into the fall as the No. 1 man at hampered by injuries. a great class. It all depends on split end. He returned kickoffs the three fullbacks and how Two players who were for the Hokies last they come along. But if they do, playing other positions last season, averaging and I think they can, I believe season will battle for playing 22.2 yards per return. we could have a chance to have time at receiver this fall. Chris He also caught four the best backfield ever at Clifton and Justin Hamilton passes for 34 yards a Virginia Tech.” make the move from the season ago. If he backfield to the wide receiver stays healthy, he Wide Receivers position. could be a big threat The Hokies must replace all- Clifton started the spring at for the Hokies this Shawn Witten everything wide receiver André quarterback, but quickly made year. Davis and steady Emmett the move to split end. He has Shreve, who Johnson, but the cupboard isn’t good size at 6-4 and speed, but joined the team last VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 21 With only six seniors on practice with mixed emotions … Adibi at the stud position. The the defensive depth chart, and for good reason. former high school running Foster is looking for leaders. Wiles welcomes back five back has shown steady “We would like everybody to lettermen at defensive end, improvement as a defensive be a leader through their including four who have seen player. His explosive speed work ethic,” he says. “But I’m extensive playing time and and power – 4.41 forty and hoping there will be some starting duty. At the same time, 390 bench press – make him natural leaders who will rise he will begin the season with tough to handle on the corner. This shapes up to be one of to the occasion. With such a just two players who have seen Colas started the Hokies’ last Coach ’s most small senior class, any action on the collegiate four games last fall and led the challenging seasons as sometimes those leaders level at the defensive tackle team in quarterback hurries defensive coordinator. Gone may not be seniors.” positions. The Hokies’ top five with 17. He contributed 37 from last year’s highly-ranked Foster’s first order of defensive tackles in 2001 were tackles, 3.5 sacks and 10 total defense are all five tackles who business when practice all seniors. tackles for loss. Walk-on Bob lettered, along with the top resumes will be making sure “The ends are the strength Ruff, a rising sophomore, is three inside linebackers and the Hokies’ interior line and of our defense,” Wiles says. also slated to work at the stud two starting members of the linebacker play is going to be “They continued to improve end position. secondary. solidified. The biggest part of during spring practice. I am “I thought Nathaniel and The key losses include that will be making sure excited about the possibilities Cols both played well in the starting tackles Chad Beasley some depth is created, we have at those positions. spring,” Wiles says. “Nathaniel and David Pugh, who anchored especially at the tackle “Obviously, losing the kids has gotten bigger and stronger the defensive line the past positions. and the depth that we did at and he’s much more physical three seasons, and linebacker “The fall will be a learning defensive tackle, has made now than he was. Cols is so Ben Taylor, the Hokies’ leading experience for some of these those positions a priority,” he much improved from when he tackler in 2000 and 2001. The guys,” says Foster, “but they adds. “We did improve during first got here. He plays with Hokies will also miss mike have athletic ability, they the spring, but we have got to speed and has shown he can linebackers Jake Houseright want to be good football get better faster.” make plays. It will be a week- and Brian Welch, rover Kevin players and they want to The returnees at end include to-week battle with those two.” McCadam and cornerback carry on the tradition that redshirt junior Nathaniel Adibi, Davis heads into the Larry Austin. we’ve developed defensively. who has played in 24 games, season as the starter at the “I think we have some “We have high 21 as a starter; senior Lamar end position, with Cobb athletic ability at the positions expectations here, and that is Cobb, who has played in 28 battling for his share of playing where we need people to step something that is not going to games, 20 as a starter; redshirt time. Lallis could also fit into up,” says Foster. “The thing that change,” he adds. “Because junior Cols Colas, who has the plans if he is not used at we just don’t have is the of the mixture of experience played in 22 games, four as a tackle. experience. Fifteen days of and youth on this defense, starter; and junior Jim Davis, Davis has been among the spring practice isn’t going to we need to grow and develop who has played in 21 games, team’s leaders in sacks each give you the experience you as a unit. If this group is three as a starter. Last season, of his first two seasons. He need. willing to make the those four players combined for finished third as a freshman in “As a group, though, I was commitment and work 49 quarterback hurries, 25 2000 with 3.5 sacks and was pleased with how we together to be successful, I tackles for loss and 11 of the tied for the team lead with 4.5 progressed through spring like our chances.” Hokies’ 30 sacks. Redshirt last fall. At 6-3, 251 pounds, practice. Are we where we want sophomore Jason Lallis also Davis has proven he has all to be? No … but our goal was Defensive Line returns, but will likely be tried at the skills to be outstanding. He to improve every day and I Tech defensive line coach tackle. finished the 2001 season with thought we did that. The big Charley Wiles finds himself Wiles moved Adibi to the 38 tackles, including eight thing was getting some of the heading into preseason stud end position during the behind the line. He was named younger players in our spring in an effort to one of the Hokies’ most defensive tackle and get him and Davis on valuable defensive performers linebacker spots to the field at the same during the spring. Cobb (6-1, understand their position and time on occasion. 223) contributed 46 total their position expectations Adibi (6-3, 254) tackles in ’01, including two along with the defense’s worked at the end sacks. He brings outstanding expectations.” position as a experience and good The defense will certainly sophomore athleticism to the position. have its share of strong registering 41 tackles, One of the coaching staff’s points, too. There is plenty of 15 hurries and a sack. best moves during the fall was talent and outstanding depth He earned Iron Hokie the decision to redshirt tackle at both end positions, where honors in February, Kevin Lewis (6-1, 281). Lewis senior Lamar Cobb and posting a 400-pound saw action during eight games juniors Jim Davis, Cols Colas bench press and as a true freshman in 2000 and Nathaniel Adibi all saw running a 4.55 forty. and showed an outstanding starting time last season. Adibi won the ability to make plays. With five There is also experience and President’s Award for senior tackles on the 2001 excellent ability at cornerback Lamar Cobb outstanding roster, the Tech staff decided and free safety where leadership during the best way to fully utilize returning starters Ronyell spring practice. Lewis’ talents would be to hold Whitaker and Willie Pile will Colas (6-0, 239) is him out a year and let him be expected to play expected to share the return with the opportunity to leadership roles. starting duties with be a three-year starter. The 22 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Brandon Frye (6-4, 257) and Coach Bud Foster begins Andrew Fleck (6-3, 258) both preseason practice with a have the size and versatility to nucleus of four players who play several positions. Frye have had limited experience at got his first work at end, while the inside linebacker positions Fleck started out at tackle. — redshirt juniors Vegas “It’s still wide open,” Wiles Robinson and Chris Buie, says about the tackle spots. “I redshirt sophomore Mikal like our talent level, we’re just Baaqee and senior Alex inexperienced. Right now, I Markogiannakis. Another would say we are adequate. promising young player with Around here, we are not used time in the system, redshirt to adequate. We are not going sophomore Chad Cooper, sat to be satisfied with that.” out spring semester while recovering from Guillain-Barré Kevin syndrome, a serious disorder Lewis Linebackers Three key seniors — Ben of the nervous system. Taylor, Jake Houseright and “After that group, we’ve got Brian Welch — are gone from redshirt freshmen, some of the linebacker corps, leaving whom were highly-recruited big shoes to fill at both the kids and are talented players,” move could also give Lewis strength and conditioning mike and backer positions. Foster says. “Now it’s time for the chance to play side-by- program. Lallis (6-0, 250) saw Questions also surround the them to get a better side with his younger brother increased playing time at end depth at whip linebacker, understanding of their position Jonathan, who is one of as the 2001 season where four-game starters and the expectations that go several highly-regarded progressed, including 45 Deon Provitt and T.J. Jackson with it. As a linebacker, they defensive line prospects in the snaps over the final three are gone. have to learn the entire Hokies’ 2002 recruiting class. regular-season games. He Taylor led the Hokies in defense because they are “The decision to redshirt finished with 15 tackles and a tackles each of the last two involved in the run aspect and Kevin has really worked out sack. seasons from the backer the coverage aspect. So far, well,” Wiles says. “Now, he Sandidge, who played just position, earning All-America I’ve been pleased with the has three years to play and two years of football in high honors both seasons. their work ethic.” one of those starting defensive school, has shown good Houseright and Welch handled Robinson and Baaqee, tackle jobs is his to lose.” promise and made steady almost all of the snaps at mike who Foster labels a pair of Wiles will start off at the improvement during spring linebacker during that same athletic play-makers, emerged other tackle position with Mark practice. Pannell impressed span. from spring practice as the Costen, the only returning the coaches with his leaders at the backer tackle who saw any action last leverage and instinctive and mike positions, season. Costen, a 6-3, 275- play in the spring before respectively. pound redshirt junior, has being slowed by an ankle Robinson, who made strides in his injury. The coaches have was the No. 2 man performance both on the field yet to get a good look at behind Taylor at and in the weight room. He Hilton, who was sidelined backer last season, played in six games last most of the fall with a played outstanding season, registering 11 total broken foot, and bothered football during the tackles, two tackles for loss during the spring by a spring. He is a and a pair of quarterback dislocated elbow. physical player with hurries. The tackle positions both speed and A group of talented young are expected to get a strength. A two-year players saw considerable boost when Tech’s 2002 , he saw action at tackle during the recruiting class reports for action on defense in spring and are expected to practice. Joining prep All- eight games last challenge for playing time American tackle Jonathan season and was a when practice opens. Redshirt Lewis in the class is big regular on special freshman Jason Murphy (6-2, junior college All-American teams. He finished 285) and Lallis are expected to Jimmy Williams, who at 6- the season with 18 battle Costen at the tackle 4, 305, has a chance to tackles. spot, while redshirt freshmen make an immediate “I think Vegas is Tim Sandidge (6-1, 272), Chris impact. Williams was ready and excited Pannell (6-3, 256) and Kevin rated the No. 5 junior about the opportunity Hilton (6-1, 272) join Lewis at college player in the to step up and be the the nose tackle position. nation by Tom Lemming, starting backer,” Murphy was the Baltimore while Lewis was rated the Foster says. “He has Sun Defensive Player of the nation’s No. 3 prep a chance to continue Year his senior season in high defensive lineman by Max Vegas the tradition we’ve school and posted an amazing Emfinger of USA Today. Robinson established at that 60 sacks during his varsity Two players who position. He career. He has changed his entered school in January possesses all the body dramatically, adding may also fit in along the tools you’re looking nearly 30 pounds through the defensive line. Freshmen Continued … VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 23 Outlook continued … position and has shown the games before freshman Mike passes broken up, three ability to see things developing Daniels won the job for the , two sacks and for to be a play-maker against from the linebacker position. final three regular season two recoveries. He the run and the pass. He’s He impressed the coaches games and the Gator Bowl. scored touchdowns on a 69- seen how the guys before him with his aggressive play during With Provitt and Jackson yard return and a have worked and understands the spring when he was gone, whip linebackers coach 9-yard fumble return. the defense. I think he’s got a named the Hokies’ top Jim Cavanaugh’s attention will Hardee, returning from a big future.” defensive newcomer. be focused on Daniels and knee injury that sidelined him Baaqee practiced at backer Anderson has already redshirt sophomore Brandon for much of the fall, performed during the fall, then moved to added 15 pounds of muscle to Manning, who joined the team well during spring practice and mike linebacker for spring his frame. He also has good as an invited walk-on in 2000. was named the team’s top practice. His only game speed and athletic ability. Cavanaugh might also pick up defensive hustler. His size and experience to date has been Foster wants him to become a some help from the Hokies’ aggressive style of play are on special teams, but Foster is little more physical at the point incoming recruiting class. well suited for the rover confident in his ability. of attack and fully expects that Daniels moved from free position. Hardee has also seen “Mikal is an extremely to happen as he gets more safety to whip following playing time at cornerback and active player who brings time at the position. Provitt’s injury and made a free safety during his Tech outstanding quickness and “I’ve got a big job ahead of rapid adjustment. He moved career. athleticism to the mike me getting all these young into the at “I was pleasantly surprised position,” Foster says. “He is a guys ready,” Foster says. “The Temple and gave the Hokies with Billy,” says Jim guy who is good in the running good thing is they got a lot of solid play. Cavanaugh, who coaches the game and good in coverage. reps during the spring. The “I thought Mike did a great Hokies’ strong safeties and He lacks experience, but I bottom line is finding who can job adjusting,” says outside linebackers. “He was think he has a lot of promise.” best help us beat Miami, beat Cavanaugh. “He’s got a pretty solid and consistent during the Joining Baaqee at mike Syracuse, beat Boston good feel for things out there. spring. He’s a good football linebacker will be College, beat Pittsburgh … He’s always around the ball. player. He works hard, he’s Markogiannakis, Buie, redshirt that’s what I’ve got to He’ll run and he’ll hit you.” tough and he has a knack for freshman Jordan Trott and determine.” Manning excelled as a being around the football.” Cooper. Transfer Steve Canter Last season, three players special teams player last fall Joining Hardee at the and walk-on J.D. Zeigler could saw starting time at the whip and found things falling into position are redshirt junior also work at the position. position. Deon Provitt earned place for him at linebacker Michael Crawford and redshirt Markogiannakis has a nose the starting job and was during the spring when he sophomore Sam Fatherly, who for the football and the only beginning to excel at the earned a scholarship. His work both showed progress during game experience at the mike position when he suffered a ethic and toughness will be spring practice. The preseason position among the returning torn ACL in his left knee positives as he works to earn will be important for Crawford players. Buie possesses the against UCF. T.J. Jackson took more playing time at the and Fatherly. Both players physical ability to be over the starting duties for four position. possess ability, but neither has successful but must “Brandon had a solid developed consistency in their show more consistent spring,” Cavanaugh says. play to date. Crawford showed play. Trott is a big, “He has a chance to help us signs of more consistent play rangy, athletic player … he has shown potential.” while pressuring Hardee for with a lot of promise. Another player who the top spot early in the spring Cooper is expected could work some at the but ended up missing some to move to the mike position is redshirt freshman valuable time with an ankle spot after spending his walk-on Tommy Morgan. injury. He worked a total of 40 first two seasons at the plays at rover during Tech’s backer position. The Defensive Secondary first six games in 2001 and move will help bring With the return of starting finished the season with 14 more speed and free safety Willie Pile, his tackles, including one athleticism to the mike top backup and four . Fatherly’s spot. experienced cornerbacks led only varsity action last season Robinson’s by All-American Ronyell came on special teams against competition at the Whitaker, the Hokies should UCF and West Virginia. He backer position will be extremely solid in the also played on the jayvee and come from a pair of secondary. The only real scout teams. inexperienced, but question – finding a There are a number of talented, young players. replacement for starter players returning who have Redshirt freshmen Kevin McCadam – was been successful at the other Blake Warren and answered in the spring with three secondary positions, James Anderson both the emergence of senior including senior starters Pile got a lot of work at Billy Hardee. and Whitaker. backer during the McCadam’s departure Pile, who has started 24 Hokies’ 15 spring following an outstanding consecutive games at free workouts. senior season left some big safety, missed most of Tech’s Warren, a safety in shoes to fill. The Lakeside, contact work during the spring high school, has made Calif., product started all 12 due to a shoulder injury. He steady progress in his games in 2001 and finished spent the time helping with the transition to linebacker. Mike Daniels third on the team in tackles Hokies’ younger players and He brings football savvy with 83. He also contributed will return to contact work and toughness to the eight tackles for loss, six when practice resumes. Pile 24 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL during the 2000 season when things it takes to be renewed competition from starter Larry Austin was successful. He posted 27 redshirt junior Bobby Peaslee, sidelined. tackles, four passes broken up who held the starting job in “When Ronyell is and two interceptions last fall. 2000. Burns finished his first concentrating on his “I thought we had a good season with a 37.8-yard technique, there’s none spring,” Ward says. “We average on 59 punts. He has better,” says Ward. “He played improved in the areas where a the leg and the ability to be an really well last season when lot of these young men needed all-star punter. All he needs is he concentrated. During the to improve. With six consistency. spring we harped on him about experienced players who can Along with his work as a concentrating on technique play returning, I feel very good punter, Peaslee will also 100 percent of the time.” about these positions.” continue as Tech’s holder for Also competing at the field placements. Senior receiver corner spot will be junior Eric Shawn Witten will serve as his Green, who has earned some backup. starting time in each of his first Both snappers from last two collegiate seasons, and season return and several new freshman D.J. Walton, who faces will join the competition. was redshirted last season. Ken Keister and Travis Conway Billy Green has shown steady split the snapping duties for Hardee improvement at the position most of the 2001 season, with and will head into preseason Keister snapping for field goals practice as a co-starter on the The Hokies have a and PATs and Conway depth chart following a strong reputation for outstanding snapping for punts. Keister took was second on the team in showing in the spring. He has special teams play, but head over both duties late in the tackles last season with 94. He been concentrating his efforts coach Frank Beamer wasn’t year. Another player who will topped the team in on becoming a more physical completely satisfied with see some work at the positions interceptions for the second player. Green contributed 18 Tech’s efforts in the kicking during the preseason is straight year with a total of four. total tackles in 2001 and game during the 2001 season. freshman Nick Leeson. “Willie does a lot of good blocked two punts. Walton is a “I don’t think we kicked the Kickoff return man Richard things and has made a lot of smart player who showed a lot football as well as it takes to Johnson is back, but the Hokies plays for us, but we’re looking of improvement during his first win championships,” Beamer must replace record-setting for him to make more,” year. He is expected to says. “We also had a punt punt returner André Davis. secondary coach Lorenzo Ward continue that improvement as returned for a touchdown Cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, says. “Unfortunately, he was he gets more attention in the against us and two punts who finished 16th nationally in injured in the spring, but I think fall. blocked. That means our punt punt returns while subbing for he will come back in good Sophomore DeAngelo Hall coverage and punt protection an injured Davis during the shape and be ready to play. We and redshirt junior Garnell teams also need attention.” 2000 season, will be available. want him to become more Wilds will hold down the With most of the same The most likely starter, dominating in his open-field boundary cornerback position. performers returning from last however, is Whitaker’s running tackling.” Both players saw action in season, Beamer will be mate at corner, sophomore Pile’s top backup during the every game last season and looking for improved DeAngelo Hall. Johnson, who fall, Vincent Fuller, also returns. each got one start — Hall on consistency this year. averaged 22.2 yards on kickoff A redshirt sophomore, Fuller the boundary side and Wilds at Junior Carter Warley didn’t returns for the season, set a possesses a little more speed field corner. see any competition for the Tech bowl record for kickoff and quickness than Pile, but is Hall moved into the starting place-kicking duties during the return yards with 118 in the still developing strength-wise. job with an outstanding spring spring with senior Jon Gator Bowl. Hall is a He collected 12 tackles and that saw him named one of the Mollerup nursing a sore knee. phenomenal athlete who broke up a pair of passes while team’s most valuable Things should heat up this fall, excelled as a return man in playing in 10 of Tech’s 11 defensive players. He has however, when Mollerup high school. regular-season games. Fuller tremendous physical skills and returns and highly-regarded Tech will miss the play of has done a good job of picking is beginning to understand the freshman recruit Nic Schmitt special teams demon Wayne up the Tech system and could defense more and more. He joins the squad. Ward, who blocked punts, push Pile this fall. Freshman registered 42 tackles and three Warley struggled during the broke wedges and leveled walk-on Jackson Dismukes will interceptions last season to 2001 season but still managed would-be tacklers during his also work at the position. earn fourth-team Freshman to lead the team in scoring four seasons with the Hokies. At cornerback, Whitaker All-America honors from The with 77 points. He connected Two of the top returning players moved from boundary corner to Sporting News. on all 44 of his extra point to watch will be junior Eric field corner when spring “DeAngelo Hall had a great kicks, but saw his field goal Green and redshirt sophomore practice opened. The senior spring,” Ward says. “He had accuracy drop. He connected Brandon Manning. Green has performer earned first-team All- great practices every day. He on just 11 of 21 field goals last blocked three punts over the BIG EAST and third-team AP just needs to pick up where he season after making seven of past two seasons, including two All-America honors in 2001. He left off and he’ll have an his nine tries in 2000. Warley last season. Manning blocked finished the season with 53 outstanding fall.” is hoping to carry over his one punt last season and tackles, an interception and a Wilds improved more than success from the spring when returned one of Green’s blocks team-leading 10 passes broken anyone in the secondary in he made his first seven field for a touchdown against No. 1- up. He also returned a blocked 2001. He doesn’t have the goals during scrimmages. ranked Miami. Tech finished the field goal 71 yards for a speed that some of the Hokies’ Redshirt sophomore Vinnie 2001 season with seven touchdown. Whitaker started other corners possess, but he Burns returns as the starting blocked kicks and three special several games at field corner works the hardest on the little punter, but he can count on teams touchdowns. VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 25 Hokie Preseason Rosters No. Name vl Pos B’date Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School H.S. Coach 83 Nathaniel Adibi 2 DE 1/25/81 6-3 254 r-Jr. Hampton, Va. Phoebus Bill Dee 47 James Anderson - LB 9/26/83 6-3 218 r-Fr. Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek David Cox 45 Mikal Baaqee 1 LB 12/20/81 5-10 223 r-So. Columbia, Md. DeMatha Bill McGregor Kofi Boateng - FL 7/19/83 5-8 170 So. Knoxville, Tenn. Austin East Richard Glasper 59 Curtis Bradley - OT 7/21/83 6-2 299 r-Fr. Summerville, S.C. Summerville John McKissick 46 Chris Buie 1 LB 11/16/79 6-0 225 r-Jr. Tampa, Fla. Armwood Sean Callahan Greg Burnop - TE 11/25/82 6-1 241 r-Fr. Blacksburg, Va. Blacksburg Mike Crist 38 Vinnie Burns 1 P 2/2/82 5-11 190 r-So. New Orleans, La. St. Augustine Anthony Biagas 61 Reggie Butler - OT 8/21/82 6-5 324 Fr. Keswick, Va. Monticello Brud Bicknell John Candelas - TB 4/21/83 6-0 197 Fr. Blacksburg, Va. Blacksburg Mike Crist Steve Canter - LB 2/15/81 6-0 241 r-Jr. Virginia Beach, Va. Kempsville John Bowles Chris Ceasar - FL 12/20/82 5-10 160 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. Spanish River Bill Bretherick 16 Chris Clifton - SE 10/27/82 6-4 201 r-Fr. Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek David Cox 28 Lamar Cobb 2 DE 1/11/80 6-1 223 r-Sr. Hurt, Va. Gretna Robert Prunty 99 Cols Colas 2 DE 5/16/80 6-0 239 r-Jr. Plantation, Fla. South Plantation Dan Margurit 62 Travis Conway 1 DS 6/3/82 6-5 260 r-So. Richmond, Va. J.R. Tucker Rusty Curle 33 Chad Cooper 1 LB 6/10/81 6-2 214 r-So. Herndon, Va. Oakton Pete Bendorf 92 Mark Costen - DT 3/13/81 6-3 275 r-Jr. Virginia Beach, Va. Kempsville John Bowles 21 Michael Crawford 2 ROV 2/20/81 5-11 210 r-Jr. Baltimore, Md. Patterson Roger Wrenn 31 Mike Daniels 1 LB 9/18/81 6-0 197 r-So. Fairfax, Va. Fairfax Tom Verbanic 57 Anthony Davis$ 3 OT 3/27/80 6-4 320 Sr. Victoria, Va. Central-Lunenburg Chippie Chappell 95 Jim Davis@ 2 DE 10/4/81 6-3 251 Jr. Highland Springs, Va. Highland Springs Randy Stokes Jackson Dismukes - FS 2/18/83 6-0 198 So. Vienna, Va. Marshall Pete Salvano 79 Jon Dunn 1 OT 12/12/81 6-7 324 r-So. Virginia Beach, Va. Tallwood Thad Harold 43 Doug Easlick 1 FB 12/4/80 5-11 230 r-Jr. Marlton, N.J. Cherokee John Scott 29 Sam Fatherly - ROV 6/13/81 5-10 209 r-So. Williamsport, Pa. Williamsport Tim Montgomery 93 Andrew Fleck - DT 10/11/82 6-3 258 Fr. Edmond, Okla. Sante Fe Brian Kelly Brandon Frye - DE 1/23/83 6-4 257 Fr. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Myrtle Beach Scott Early 8 Vincent Fuller 1 FS 8/3/82 6-1 184 r-So. Baltimore, Md. Woodlawn Reggie White 60 Jacob Gibson 1 OT/OG 1/29/81 6-4 288 r-Jr. Rocky Mount, Va. Franklin County Jerry Little Lance Goff - SE/P 3/29/82 5-11 195 r-So. Wytheville, Va. George Wythe Larry Russell 1Eric Green 2 CB 3/16/82 6-0 186 Jr. Clewiston, Fla. Clewiston Al Morrell 64 Jake Grove 2 C 1/22/80 6-3 286 r-Jr. Forest, Va. Jefferson Forest Ed Landis 4 DeAngelo Hall 1 CB 11/19/83 5-11 200 So. Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek David Cox 27 Justin Hamilton - FL 9/17/82 6-3 217 r-Fr. Clintwood, Va. Clintwood Bob Meade 25 Billy Hardee† 2 ROV 6/30/80 5-11 191 r-Sr. Winter Haven, Fla. Winter Haven Maxie Hunter 75 Kevin Hilton - DT 10/13/83 6-1 272 r-Fr. Silver Spring, Md. Good Counsel Tom Kolar 32 Cedric Humes - FB 8/7/83 6-1 218 r-Fr. Virginia Beach, Va. Princess Anne Jeff Ballance 13 Will Hunt - QB 6/4/82 6-0 212 r-Fr. Springdale, Ark. Springdale Jarrell Williams

2002 Numerical Roster Following are the preseason number assignments for 2002. Changes are expected to occur before the season opens. This roster should not be used in game programs for the 2002 season. An updated roster will be available from the SID office prior to the season.

1Eric Green ...... CB 26 Shawn Witten...... FL 48 Brandon Manning ..... LB 74 Luke Owens ...... OG 2 Ronyell Whitaker ...... CB 27 Justin Hamilton ...... FL 49 Carter Warley ...... PK 75 Kevin Hilton ...... DT 3Bryan Randall ...... QB 28 Lamar Cobb ...... DE 54 Bob Ruff ...... DE 76 James Miller ...... OG 4 DeAngelo Hall...... CB 29 Sam Fatherly ...... ROV 55 Ken Keister ...... DS 79 Jon Dunn ...... OT 6Vegas Robinson ...... LB 31 Mike Daniels ...... LB 57 Anthony Davis ...... OT 81 Chris Shreve ...... SE 7Kevin Jones ...... TB 32 Cedric Humes ...... FB 59 Curtis Bradley .... OG/OT 83 Nathaniel Adibi ...... DE 8 Vincent Fuller ...... FS 33 Chad Cooper ...... LB 60 Jacob Gibson ..... OT/OG 85 Jared Mazzetta ...... TE 9Terrell Parham ...... SE 35 Willie Pile ...... FS 61 Reggie Butler ...... OT 86 Keith Willis ...... TE 11 Grant Noel ...... QB 38 Vinnie Burns ...... P 62 Travis Conway ...... C/DS 89 Robert Peaslee ...... P 12 Richard Johnson ...... FL 39 Alex Markogiannakis LB 64 Jake Grove ...... C 90 Jeff King ...... TE 13 Will Hunt ...... QB 40 Blake Warren ...... LB 66 Will Montgomery...... OG 91 Jason Lallis ...... DT 16 Chris Clifton ...... SE 17 Garnell Wilds ...... CB 41 Jordan Trott ...... LB 67 Anthony Nelson ...... OG 92 Mark Costen ...... DT 19 Ernest Wilford ...... SE 42 Josh Spence ...... FB 68 Robert Ramsey ...... C 93 Andrew Fleck ...... DT 21 Michael Crawford ... ROV 43 Doug Easlick ...... FB 69 Danny McGrath ...... C 94 Chris Pannell ...... DT 22 Lee Suggs ...... TB 45 Mikal Baaqee ...... LB 70 Kevin Lewis ...... DT 95 Jim Davis ...... DE 24 D.J. Walton ...... CB 46 Chris Buie ...... LB 71 Tim Sandidge ...... DT 97 Jon Mollerup ...... PK 25 Billy Hardee ...... ROV 47 James Anderson...... LB 72 Jason Murphy ...... DT 99 Cols Colas ...... DE

26 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Virginia Tech’s 2002 Football Recruiting Class Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown High School Noland Burchette 6-3 225 DE Richmond, Va. Highland Springs H.S. Chris Burnett 6-2 250 DT Blue Ridge, Va. Liberty-Bedford H.S. Brandon Gore 6-5 300 OL Warrenton, Va. Liberty-Bealeton H.S. Brenden Hill 6-3 190 WR Newport News, Va. Warwick H.S. Mike Imoh 5-8 180 RB Fairfax, Va. Robinson H.S. Fred Lee 5-10 180 WR Harrisburg, Pa. Bishop McDevitt H.S., Milford (Conn.) Prep Jonathan Lewis 6-2 290 DT Richmond, Va. Varina H.S. Jimmy Martin 6-5 270 OL Fairfax, Va. Chantilly H.S., Fork Union Military Academy Brian McPherson 5-11 200 DB Madison Heights, Va. Amherst County H.S. Robert Parker 6-1 200 WR Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Smith H.S. Aaron Rouse 6-4 200 LB Virginia Beach, Va. First Colonial H.S. Antoine Rutherford 5-11 185 CB Miramar, Fla. Chaminade Madonna Prep Nic Schmitt 6-1 230 PK Salem, Va. Salem H.S. 6-2 225 DL Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek H.S. Lamar Veney 6-4 270 DL Stuarts Draft, Va. Stuarts Draft H.S. Marcus Vick 6-1 190 QB Newport News, Va. Warwick H.S. Cary Wade 5-11 180 DB Fairfax, Va. Robinson H.S. Jimmy F. Williams 6-3 195 FS Hampton, Va. Bethel H.S. Jimmy E. Williams 6-4 305 DL Memphis, Tenn. Pasadena (Calif.) City College

No. Name vl Pos B’date Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School H.S. Coach 12 Richard Johnson 1 FL 6/17/82 5-10 191 r-So. Baltimore, Md. Milford Mill Academy Reggie Brooks 7Kevin Jones 1 TB 8/21/82 6-0 211 So. Chester, Pa. Cardinal O’Hara George Stratts 55 Ken Keister 2 DS 8/13/80 6-1 238 r-Sr. Radford, Va. Radford Norm Lineburg 90 Jeff King - TE 2/19/83 6-5 258 r-Fr. Pulaski, Va. Pulaski County Joel Hicks 91 Jason Lallis 1 DT 2/4/82 6-0 250 r-So. Mitchellville, Md. DeMatha Bill McGregor Nick Leeson - LB/DS 10/29/82 6-1 229 Fr. Abingdon, Va. Abingdon Scott Allen 70 Kevin Lewis 1 DT 4/26/80 6-1 281 r-So. Richmond, Va. Varina Ed Bulheller 48 Brandon Manning+ 1 LB 5/12/81 6-0 214 r-So. Harrisburg, Pa. Central Dauphin George Chaump 39 Alex Markogiannakis - LB 1/22/80 5-9 209 r-Sr. Chantilly, Va. Robinson Mark Bendorf 85 Jared Mazzetta 1 TE 6/4/81 6-4 254 r-So. Flemington, N.J. Hunterdon Central Jim Meert 69 Danny McGrath - C 3/19/83 6-2 293 Fr. Herndon, Va. Herndon Tom Meier 76 James Miller 1 OG 8/13/81 6-6 310 So. Pompano Beach, Fla. Ft. Lauderdale John Timmons 97 Jon Mollerup 1 PK 11/15/79 5-11 205 r-Sr. Lyndhurst, Va. Stuarts Draft Tom Goforth 66 Will Montgomery - OG 2/13/83 6-3 286 r-Fr. Clifton, Va. Centreville Mike Skinner Tommy Morgan - LB 3/17/83 6-0 206 r-Fr. Roanoke, Va. Northside Jim Hickam 72 Jason Murphy - DL 8/7/82 6-2 285 r-Fr. Baltimore, Md. Edmondson Westside Pete Pompey 67 Anthony Nelson$ 1 OG 2/18/79 6-4 334 r-Jr. Kingsport, Tenn. Sullivan South Lonnie Messick 11 Grant Noel 1 QB 6/11/80 6-2 221 r-Sr. Ridgeley, W.Va. Frankfort Greg Phillips 74 Luke Owens 3 OG 5/12/79 6-3 312 r-Sr. Grundy, Va. Grundy Greg Rowe 94 Chris Pannell - DT 12/27/82 6-3 256 r-Fr. Staunton, Va. Robert E. Lee David Tibbs 9Terrell Parham 2 SE 10/1/79 6-0 187 r-Sr. Bartow, Fla. Bartow Kenny Wells 89 Robert Peaslee 2 P 6/28/81 6-1 199 r-Jr. Pulaski, Va. Pulaski County Joel Hicks 35 Willie Pile 2 FS 5/25/80 6-3 205 r-Sr. Alexandria, Va. West Potomac Dale Eaton 68 Robert Ramsey - C 4/13/82 6-2 306 r-So. Coraopolis, Pa. Montour Don Morgan 3Bryan Randall 1 QB 8/16/83 6-0 213 So. Williamsburg, Va. Bruton Kyle Neve 6Vegas Robinson 1 LB 5/19/81 6-0 239 r-Jr. Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek David Cox 54 Bob Ruff - DE 9/23/82 6-1 229 So. McMurray, Pa. Peters Township Garry Cathell 71 Tim Sandidge - DT 6/12/83 6-1 272 r-Fr. Madison Heights, Va. Amherst County Mickey Crouch 81 Chris Shreve - SE 7/15/81 6-0 184 r-Jr. Mouth of Wilson, Va. Grayson County Bill Strong 42 Josh Spence - FB 12/8/81 6-0 233 r-So. Riner, Va. Floyd County Winfred Beale 22 Lee Suggs 2 TB 8/11/80 6-0 201 r-Sr. Roanoke, Va. William Fleming George Miller John Thibodeau - WR 9/7/82 6-0 171 r-Fr. Springfield, Va. Hayfield Roy Hill 41 Jordan Trott - LB 6/26/83 6-4 233 r-Fr. Torrance, Calif. Loyola Steve Grady 24 D.J. Walton - CB 10/19/82 5-9 197 r-Fr. Woodbridge, Va. C.D. Hylton Bill Brown 49 Carter Warley 2 PK 2/14/80 6-0 190 r-Jr. Richmond, Va. Fork Union Mickey Sullivan 40 Blake Warren - LB 10/10/82 6-3 221 r-Fr. Clifton, Va. Centreville Mike Skinner 2 Ronyell Whitaker 3 CB 3/19/79 5-9 197 r-Sr. Norfolk, Va. Lake Taylor Dan Newell 17 Garnell Wilds 2 CB 6/8/81 5-11 194 r-Jr. Tampa, Fla. Hillsborough Earl Garcia, Jr. 19 Ernest Wilford@ 2 SE 1/14/79 6-4 216 r-Jr. Richmond, Va. Armstrong/Franklin Otis Brayboy 86 Keith Willis 2 TE 12/14/80 6-5 241 r-Jr. Norfolk, Va. Norview Carleton Thomas 26 Shawn Witten 3 FL 5/18/80 6-0 197 Sr. Elizabethton, Tenn. Elizabethton Dave Rider J.D. Zeigler - LB 11/13/82 6-2 219 r-Fr. Oakton, Va. Oakton Pete Bendorf

$also attended Hargrave Military Academy (Va.); @also attended Fork Union Military Academy (Va.); † also attended Florida Southern College; +attended the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School VIRGINIA VIRGINIA TECH TECH FOOTBALL FOOTBALL 27 2001 Lettermen Depth Chart & Returning Starters (Depth chart is subject to change) Total Lettermen: 69; Lost 28/Returning 41 OFFENSE (Multiple) DEFENSE (4-3) (Starts in parentheses) SE 19 Ernest Wilford (6-4, 216, r-Jr.) DE 83 Nathaniel Adibi (6-3, 254, r-Jr.) 16 Chris Clifton (6-4, 201, r-Fr.) or 99 Cols Colas (6-0, 239, r-Jr.) Offense

LT 57 Anthony Davis (6-4, 320, Sr.) DT 70 Kevin Lewis (6-1, 281, r-So.) Lost - 12 Returning - 17 61 Reggie Butler (6-5, 324, Fr.) 71 Tim Sandidge (6-1, 272, r-Fr.) Emmett Johnson (4) SE Shawn Witten (7), or 94 Chris Pannell (6-3, 256, r-Fr.) Ernest Wilford (1) Bob Slowikowski (12), TE Keith Willis, LG 76 James Miller (6-6, 310, So.) DT 92 Mark Costen (6-3, 275, r-Jr.) Browning Wynn #Jared Mazzetta 67 Anthony Nelson (6-4, 334, r-Jr.) 72 Jason Murphy (6-2, 285, r-Fr.) Matt Wincek (12), OT Anthony Davis (12), or 91 Jason Lallis (6-0, 250, r-So.) Tim Selmon Jon Dunn OG †Jake Grove (11), Luke Owens (8), C64Jake Grove (6-3, 286, r-Jr.) DE 95 Jim Davis (6-3, 251, Jr.) Jacob Gibson (5), 68 Robert Ramsey (6-2, 306, r-So.) 28 Lamar Cobb (6-1, 223, r-Sr.) James Miller, #Anthony Nelson RG 74 Luke Owens (6-3, 312, r-Sr.) OLB 31 Mike Daniels (6-0, 197, r-So.) Steve DeMasi (12) C 66 Will Montgomery (6-3, 286, r-Fr.) 48 Brandon Manning (6-0, 214, r-So.) QB Grant Noel (12), Bryan Randall RT 79 Jon Dunn (6-7, 324, r-So.) ILB 45 Mikal Baaqee (5-10, 223, r-So.) Jarrett Ferguson (12), FB Doug Easlick 60 Jacob Gibson (6-4, 288, r-Jr.) 39 A. Markogiannakis (5-9, 209, r-Sr.) Wayne Briggs, or 33 Chad Cooper (6-2, 214, r-So.) #Joe Wilson Keith Burnell (7), TB+ Kevin Jones (4) TE 86 Keith Willis (6-5, 241, r-Jr.) ILB 6 Vegas Robinson (6-0, 239, r-Jr.) Wayne Ward or 85 Jared Mazzetta (6-4, 254, r-So.) 40 Blake Warren (6-3, 221, r-Fr.) André Davis (12) FL Terrell Parham, Richard Johnson QB 11 Grant Noel (6-2, 221, r-Sr.) FC 2 Ronyell Whitaker (5-9, 197, r-Sr.) 3Bryan Randall (6-0, 213, So..) or 1Eric Green (6-0, 186, Jr.) Defense Lost - 15 Returning - 18 FB 43 Doug Easlick (5-11, 230, r-Jr.) FS 35 Willie Pile (6-3, 205, r-Sr.) Jeff Thompson E Nathaniel Adibi (9), or 32 Cedric Humes (6-1, 218, r-Fr.) 8 Vincent Fuller (6-1, 184, r-So.) Lamar Cobb (8), Cols Colas (4), TB 22 Lee Suggs (6-0, 201, r-Sr.) ROV 25 Billy Hardee (5-11, 191, r-Sr.) Jim Davis (3), or 7Kevin Jones (6-0, 211, So.) 21 Michael Crawford (5-11, 210, r-Jr.) Jason Lallis Chad Beasley (12), T FL 26 Shawn Witten (6-0, 197, Sr.) BC 4 DeAngelo Hall (5-11, 200, So.) David Pugh (11), or 27 Justin Hamilton (6-3, 217, r-Fr.) 17 Garnell Wilds (5-11, 194, r-Jr.) Dan Wilkinson (1), 12 Richard Johnson (5-10, 191, r-So.) Channing Reed, Derrius Monroe PK 49 Carter Warley (6-0, 190, r-Jr.) P 38 Vinnie Burns (5-11, 190, r-So.) Deon Provitt (4), OLB Mike Daniels (4), 97 Jon Mollerup (5-11, 205, r-Sr.) 89 Robert Peaslee (6-1, 199, r-Jr.) T.J. Jackson (4), #Brandon Manning #Dirk Taylor Ben Taylor (12), ILB Vegas Robinson, Jake Houseright (7), #Mikal Baaqee, Brian Welch (5) #Chad Cooper Larry Austin (10) CB Ronyell Whitaker (11), Eric Green (1), Garnell Wilds (1), DeAngelo Hall (1) Kevin McCadam (12), ROV Billy Hardee, #Chris Krebs #Michael Crawford S Willie Pile (12), Vincent Fuller Specialists Lost - 1 Returning - 6 Matt Felber PK Carter Warley (12) KO Jon Mollerup (12) P Vinnie Burns (12) H Robert Peaslee (12) DS Ken Keister (12) Travis Conway (9)

#Lettered mainly for play on special teams Carter Warley †Has changed positions for 2002 season +Lee Suggs started one game at TB but did not letter

28 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL