“A strong running game and an emerging defense are building on the stability of a rock-solid program…” – The Sporting News The Hokies in Preseason Publications ¥ Despite the loss of , Athlon Sports picked No. 3 in its preseason Top 25. Four Tech players were named to the second team of the magazine’s All-America squad. Junior tailback Lee Suggs was named to the second-team offensive unit, while senior tackle David Pugh and senior Ben Taylor were named to the second-team defense. Senior André Davis was the second-team punt returner. Athlon picked Tech to win the BIG EAST Conference and rated the Hokies as having the league’s best tight ends and wide receivers, best defensive line and best . ¥ The Sporting News ranked the Hokies No. 6 in the nation heading into the season and also ranked several players and groups among the best in the nation. Tech’s defensive line was rated the fourth-best in Division I-A, while the receiving corps was picked ninth-best. Tailback Lee Suggs was selected as a second-team All-American and named the publication’s preseason choice for BIG EAST offensive player of the year. Following is a list of the Hokies who TSN ranked nationally: Player Pos. Rank “Suggs is as modest as he Lee Suggs RB 4 (10th in Heisman Trophy) Willie Pile FS 5 is talented, and as André Davis WR 6 (6th in Biletnikoff Award) David Pugh DT 6 humble as he is strong.” Jarrett Ferguson FB 7 Carter Warley PK 7 (7th in Groza Award) – Athlon Sports Ronyell Whitaker CB 9 Ben Taylor ILB 10 2001 André Davis KR 11 Browning Wynn TE 15 Chad Beasley DT 19 ¥ The Sporting News ranked the Virginia Tech coaching staff the best in the BIG EAST for the fourth-straight year. TSN also rated the Hokies tops in the league in overall defense and special teams and second overall in offense. Tech’s wide receivers were ranked No. 1 in the conference along with its defensive line and linebackers. ¥ Lindy’s listed Tech 14th nationally in its preseason publication. Four Hokies Ð Lee Suggs, André Davis, David Pugh and Ben Taylor — were named second-team All-America by the magazine. Meanwhile, the Tech receiving corps was rated 10th-best in Division I-A. Individually, the following Tech players were ranked nationally: Player Pos. Rank Lee Suggs RB 3 (4th in Doak Walker Award) André Davis WR 3 (also #3 all-purpose player; 3rd in Biletnikoff Award) David Pugh DT 4 Ben Taylor ILB 5 Nathaniel Adibi DE 14 To keep up with Lee Suggs’ accomplishments throughout the season, visit www.hokiesportsinfo.com/suggs Hokies Working Hard to Stay in the National Spotlight The Virginia Tech football championship team that Tech “The other key thing was resumes in August and will be team may have lost its leading has to replace. The other four the quarterback situation,” given an opportunity to man, but there is certainly a are all offensive linemen. Beamer added. “Any time compete for playing time. good enough cast remaining “We went into spring you’ve got a question mark at Beamer believes the to help the Hokies maintain a practice with two major areas your quarterback position, that Hokies have a good situation spot in the national spotlight. where we needed some is a critical issue.” for a new quarterback. After helping Tech to back- answers,” head coach Frank During the spring, all the “I think the good thing for to-back 11-1 seasons and a Beamer said. “First, we attention at quarterback went us is we are going to have a pair of Top 10 finishes, needed to see how our to the Hokies’ two returnees, good team around our sensational sophomore offensive line was going to redshirt junior Grant Noel and quarterback,” he said. “Even quarterback Michael Vick stack up. We’ve got the redshirt freshman Jason though there are a lot of new declared himself eligible for makeup to be good. We’re not Davis. Noel moved into the names on the offensive line, I the quite there right now, but I No. 1 spot with a solid believe it is going to be a Draft and eventually became think we will be there when performance and is expected good, athletic line. We have the No. 1 overall pick by the the season rolls around. to open the season as the good wide receivers and tight Atlanta Falcons. Vick is one of Hokies’ starting quarterback. ends. And I’m not sure there’s five offensive starters from last Three incoming freshmen — a better tailback-fullback year’s Gator Bowl , Chris Clifton combination in the country and Will Hunt — will join Noel than Lee Suggs and Jarrett and Davis when practice Ferguson.” Another plus will be the Tech defensive unit which returns nine starters from a year ago and figures to be one of the Hokies’ fastest groups to date. The Hokies have four All-BIG EAST defensive picks back, along with a pair of freshman All- Americans. The main emphasis on defense during the spring was filling the rover and whip linebacker positions. One of the few significant position changes of the spring found senior Kevin McCadam moving from free safety, where he was the No. 2 man last season, to the rover position vacated by All-BIG EAST selection Cory Bird. Some of the biggest names on defense, including starting linebackers Ben Taylor and Jake Houseright, missed all or portions of the spring due to injuries. All of those players are expected back for preseason practice. Talented senior linebackers Jake Houseright (41) and Ben Taylor (40) return to help anchor an Continued on next page experienced Tech defense after missing spring practice with injuries.

2001 Virginia Tech Football 21 Outlook the string of successes that don’t expect the young Tech Continued from page 21 has carried the Hokies to assistant head coach to panic. Their absence during the eight straight bowl games. The 2001 Stinespring and his players spring opened the door That feeling isn’t based have always met challenges for many of the Hokies’ solely on the team’s talent OFFENSE head on. younger players to get added level, it goes more to the Gone are starting offensive attention. heart of Tech’s lunch pail The loss of quarterback tackles Dave Kadela and “Even if they weren’t hurt, tradition. Michael Vick and four veteran Anthony Lambo who had 35 the veteran guys who had “I think the best thing offensive linemen hasn’t taken and 24 consecutive starts, already proven themselves about this football team so all of the bite out of the Virginia respectively. Graduation also were only going to get so far has been its work habits,” Tech offense. Among the six claimed starting guards Matt many reps,” Beamer said. “I Beamer said. “In early- returning starters are record- Lehr and Josh Redding, along think a large part of spring is morning workouts, during setting Lee Suggs with backup Joe Marchant. seeing where a lot of your winter lifting and throughout and big-play receivers André Lehr had 27 straight starts to younger players are in relation the spring our kids worked Davis and Emmett Johnson. his credit and Redding 24. to your program and finding really hard. When you finish Tech’s offense also returns Marchant started six games out which ones are going to up your bowl game and go Jarrett Ferguson, one of the top during the 1998 season and step up and play for you. I right back to work, and fullbacks in the BIG EAST, and saw action in 11 games last think we accomplished that.” you’re working even harder Browning Wynn and Bob year. Beamer feels strongly that than before, I think that’s a Slowikowski, perhaps the best “We lost good players, as the 2001 team will continue pretty good sign.” tight end duo in the league. well as experience, but the The job of rebuilding the cupboard isn’t bare,” offensive line has been Stinespring said. “We have a facilitated by the return of good nucleus coming back center Steve DeMasi and the that mixes some proven presence of talented tackles players with some talented Anthony Davis and Matt young players who haven’t Wincek. DeMasi started all 12 had the opportunity to prove games last year for the Hokies themselves yet. while Davis and Wincek have “I felt we had a productive seen valuable playing time as spring,” he added. “Our top reserves. primary goal was to get our Behind center, the Hokies younger guys some quailty know there is only one Michael work against our defensive Vick and won’t be expecting the unit and see how they same from their next reacted. We were able to do quarterback. During the spring, that. We also got people in offensive coordinator and their best positions and coach Rickey gained some versatility.” Bustle looked for consistency The Hokies’ lone returning and play-making ability from starter is rising senior Steve returnees Grant Noel and DeMasi, who will once again Jason Davis. anchor the center position. Overall, Bustle felt one of DeMasi is a real competitor the most important goals of the who has developed into a spring was to determine the tough, physical player. His chemistry of the new players experience and knowledge of and mesh it with the chemistry the system will make him a of the team. valuable leader along the “We got an opportunity to offensive front. develop our new players,” Last year’s backup at Bustle said. “As an offense, we center, Jake Grove, is still determined our strengths and available for duty, but will weaknesses and began finding concentrate most of his efforts the chemistry that works best at guard this season. Redshirt for us. We’ll continue to build freshmen Bob Ramsey and from there when practice Travis Conway are other resumes in August.” candidates at the position. Ramsey, who can also play guard, showed promise at Offensive Line center during the spring and The departure of four could work his way into the veteran starters and a top backup duties. reserve gives offensive line Despite the loss of Kadela Center Steve DeMasi is the lone returning starter on the coach Bryan Stinespring good and Lambo, the tackle spots offensive line. reason to be concerned. But will be in good hands.

22 2001 Virginia Tech Football Stinespring feels strongly cleared to return to action. He about returnees Anthony is expected to compete for the Davis and Matt Wincek. starting job at left guard and “Anthony and Matt are could also serve as the more than ready to step in backup on the right side. and take over the tackle Gibson, a highly-promising spots,” he said. “Having them 6-4, 293-pound redshirt has been like having sophomore, underwent additional starters.” arthroscopic knee surgery Davis, a 6-4, 314-pound during the off-season but junior, will start at left tackle. returned for the second half of He possesses excellent spring practice. He has shown strength and size, and moves good potential and possesses extremely well. Wincek, a 6-5, the ability to win the battle at 284-pound senior, is slated to left guard. start on the right side, but has Another player battling for the versatility to play either playing time will be Anthony tackle spot. He is tough, Nelson, who is coming off his experienced and athletic. best spring yet at Tech. The 6- One player who got plenty 4, 313-pounder could join in of attention in the spring is the battle with Owens and redshirt freshman Jon Dunn. Gibson for the starting job At 6-7, 320, Dunn has a with a good summer of chance to make an impact in preparation. the fall. He could challenge Sophomore walk-ons Matt Wincek at right tackle as he Findley and Jeff Werner will gains experience. help provide solid depth at the Working behind Davis on guard positions, as well as the left side will be a pair of center. redshirt juniors, 6-5, 287- “We have enough talent to pound Tim Selmon and 6-3, be successful,” said 285-pound Thenus Franklin. Stinespring. “Our off-season The picture at guard goal is to get stronger to make revolves around the health of sure we’re physically and potential starters Grove, Luke mentally ready to take on Owens and Jacob Gibson, whatever faces us this who missed part or all of season.” spring workouts. Bob Slowikowski (87) is one of the Hokies’ experienced One of the key issues will veterans at tight end. be the status of Grove, who Tight Ends performed extremely well at The Hokies have a good honors last season. He Pearman is expecting big the right guard position during mix at tight end where two started 10 games and caught things from the 6-5, 240- the spring. If he can stay away experienced veterans are eight passes for 167 yards pound Willis, who lettered last from the back problems that joined by three promising and one touchdown. Wynn season while seeing reserve have nagged him in the past, underclassmen. The veterans was the first Tech player to action in 10 of the Hokies’ 11 it will be a big plus for the Ð seniors Bob Slowikowski reach the Elite Athlete level in regular-season games. Willis Hokies. The 6-3, 272-pound and Browning Wynn Ð are the strength and conditioning gained Pearman’s attention redshirt sophomore brings considered co-starters at the program. His work ethic and during Tech’s practice outstanding strength and position, and give the Hokies toughness have helped him sessions at the Gator Bowl aggressiveness to the line. one of the best tight end develop into an outstanding and kept it during winter and One of the backups for combos in the BIG EAST. blocker and clutch receiver. spring workouts. Grove will be newcomer Slowikowski has made “I have a tremendous “I’ve been impressed by James Miller, who entered steady improvement amount of confidence in both Keith’s attitude and steady school in January. The 6-5, throughout his Tech career. Bob and Browning,” said tight improvement,” Pearman said. 291-pound freshman put He played in every game last ends coach Danny Pearman. “He has a great opportunity to himself in position for playing fall, including starts against “They have done everything shine and make some in- time with his strong work ethic West Virginia and Syracuse. we have asked them to do to roads at the position.” and attitude during the spring. During the WVU game, the 6- improve as players. Now, we Mazzetta and Jackson Owens, a 6-3, 310-pound 5, 247-pounder hauled in a need them to take on also will get a good redshirt junior, missed the 72-yard touchdown pass, the leadership roles.” opportunity to show what they entire spring after undergoing longest on record for a Tech Pearman couldn’t ask for can do. Pearman was surgery to repair a torn tight end. better examples for his pleased with the progress anterior cruciate ligament in Wynn, who originally younger players, redshirt both players made during his knee. He is the most joined the Tech squad as an sophomore Keith Willis and their redshirt year. experienced player at the invited walk-on, earned redshirt freshmen Jared Continued on next page guard positions and has been second-team All-BIG EAST Mazzetta and Mike Jackson.

2001 Virginia Tech Football 23 within his abilities and make With the starting spots set, plays. and Hite on the lookout for Davis will continue to players to fill the No. 2 spots compete for playing time when at both positions, there should preseason camp opens in be plenty of competition. August. He will be joined in One player who staked a that competition by the claim to the No. 2 spot during incoming freshmen. the spring was redshirt junior Keith Burnell. Burnell had a break-out spring, earning Running Backs Most Improved Offensive With starters Lee Suggs Player honors in the spring. and Jarrett Ferguson returning He was named the offensive at tailback and fullback, MVP for the spring game after respectively, the Hokies can rushing for 182 yards and two concentrate much of their TDs. During 2001 winter focus on developing depth at workouts, Burnell tied Suggs both positions. for the fastest 40 time on the “I feel very good about both squad at 4.28 seconds. positions with Lee and Jarrett One of the other top back,” running backs coach candidates for playing time in Billy Hite said. “Basically, the backfield, senior Wayne spring practice came down to Ward, did not participate in getting a lot of young players spring practice. Ward has some repetitions and finding worked at both tailback and backups.” fullback during his Tech Suggs is coming off a career. record-setting sophomore Competition for the Junior Grant Noel heads into the season as Tech’s season. The 6-0, 204-pounder tailback position should be No. 1 quarterback. was the leading scorer in the even more interesting in Division I-A ranks with an August with the arrival of a Outlook the Hokies’ quarterbacks average of 15.27 points per stellar recruiting class that Continued from page 23 coach and offensive game. He was named the Co- includes prep All-America coordinator. “He is still working BIG EAST Offensive Player of backs Kevin Jones, Justin Quarterbacks to improve his passing the Year and shattered Tech Hamilton and Cedric Humes. The process of picking the accuracy, but he showed season records for rushing Jones, from Chester, Pa., was successor to Michael Vick maturity and toughness and touchdowns (27), total rated the No. 1 high school began with spring practice. All did a good job in our offense. touchdowns (28) and points prospect in the nation by the snaps during the spring “Grant doesn’t have a lot of (168). Suggs led the BIG EAST numerous recruiting services. went to redshirt junior Grant experience from the in rushing with 109.7 yards per The leaders for the No. 2 Noel and redshirt freshman standpoint of playing time,” game and turned in the third- spot at fullback are senior Jason Davis with Noel moving Bustle added, “but he does best single-season rushing Wayne Briggs and redshirt into the top spot. When have plenty of wisdom from mark in school history with sophomore Doug Easlick. practice resumes in August, being around our offensive 1,207 yards on 222 carries. Briggs has shown steady Noel and Davis will be joined system for three years. He’s a Ferguson is a complete improvement during his time at the position by incoming guy who has shown he can player who entered the Tech at Tech and appears ready to recruits Bryan Randall, Will make plays when things break program as a walk-on and step up. He tied for the team Hunt and Chris Clifton. down.” figures to leave as a four-year lead in the bench press during Noel, the only player at the Things have been starter. He has averaged 5.4 the off-season at 425 pounds position with any actual game happening fast for Davis, who yards per carry and 12.5 yards and has earned Super Iron experience, is expected to entered Tech in January 2000, per reception during his career. Hokie honors seven times. open the season as the just a month after completing Ferguson also rates as a Briggs lettered this past Hokies’ No. 1 quarterback. He his final high school season. formidable blocker who has season as the No. 3 fullback has played in a total of six He went through spring helped the Hokies establish and a starter on special varsity games completing 5 of practice a year ago and new BIG EAST season rushing teams. 12 passes for 59 yards with worked with the scout squad totals each of the past two Easlick, a converted no or while redshirting in the fall. seasons. tailback, has shown the touchdowns. The 6-1, 224- “This has been a new Hite knows what Suggs and potential to be an outstanding pounder played a career-high experience for Jason,” Bustle Ferguson can do, but he player. He brings 24 snaps during the second said. “With Michael leaving expects both of them to competitiveness and an half of the Hokies’ win at early, Jason’s timetable was continue striving to get better. aggressive style to the Central Florida in 2000. accelerated. He made some During the spring, Suggs position. “Grant did a lot of the good good throws during the spring worked to improve his blocking Hite has high expectations things you’re looking for from and performed well in the skills and passing routes while for Josh Spence, a redshirt a quarterback during spring spring game. He just needs to Ferguson took on more of a freshman with a great work practice,” said Rickey Bustle, become more consistent, play leadership role. ethic. Spence proved to be a

24 2001 Virginia Tech Football powerful runner last fall as a has the speed, size and Ron Moody, redshirt freshman tailback on the scout team. He athletic ability to impact a Richard Johnson, redshirt moved to fullback for spring game. junior Terrell Parham and The 2001 practice, but was sidelined The Hokies have a definite walk-on redshirt sophomore early by an elbow injury. At 6- impact player at the starting Chris Shreve. DEFENSE 1, 221, he has already added flanker spot in senior André Parham showed big 16 pounds to his frame since Davis, who has averaged 21.3 improvement in the spring and Considered one of the best last August and has a chance yards a catch during his Tech has a chance to make an year in and year out, Virginia to figure into the fullback race. career. Davis was slowed by impact in the fall if he remains Tech’s defense should again Hite also will take a close ankle problems late last focused. Moody, who saw be among the nation’s best in look at three players who are season, but still managed 24 limited action in seven games 2001. Just don’t expect the redshirt sophomores — catches. He showed his last season, enjoyed a good defensive unit you saw on the Marvin Urquhart, Joe Wilson versatility when he finished off-season program but field in spring practice to be and Ryan Angelo. All three second nationally in punt suffered a setback in the what you’ll see when the have good athletic ability and returns with an average of 22 spring when he missed time Hokies line up to face will get a chance to show what yards per return. His with an ankle injury. Connecticut on Sept. 1. they can do. combination of speed and The newcomer of the The big story in spring As a group, the running experience make him a big- group, Richard Johnson, has practice was the absence of backs should be one of Tech’s play threat. created excitement in the Tech some of the defense’s top strongest positions, literally as Redshirt junior Shawn camp with his talent and players, including All- well as figuratively. Seven of Witten, who moved into the quickness. Johnson, a former American linebacker Ben Hite’s players — Briggs, No. 2 spot behind Davis, high school quarterback, has Taylor, who missed spring ball Burnell, Ferguson, Spence, combines experience with gotten stronger both to recover from off-season Suggs, Urquhart and Wilson good instincts and sure physically and mentally, but is ankle surgery. Other notables — earned Super Iron Hokie hands. He has been one of still learning how to be a who missed spring practice honors during the spring. the Hokies’ most dependable receiver. were linebacker Jake receivers the past two “We will keep a close eye Houseright (knee) and safety seasons and has worked on how these players Willie Pile (shoulder). Wide Receivers extremely hard to become perform,” said Ball. “We want Cornerback Larry Austin With everyone returning more than a possession to see if they can develop into (knee), lineman Chad Beasley from last year’s three-deep receiver. players who can give us (foot), tackle David Pugh roster, receivers coach Tony Another talented receiver, quality minutes week-in and (ankles) and cornerback Ball will have plenty of redshirt sophomore Ernest week-out.” Garnell Wilds (knee) all had experience and talent to work Wilford sat out surgeries in the past year. with. spring workouts Despite what seemed to “Our experience should following be bleak news on the injury give us a chance to expand,” surgery for front, defensive coordinator Ball said. “We want to create tendonitis in his Bud Foster could have one of competition at both positions right knee. his best defenses if everyone and develop our depth at the Wilford, whose returns, as expected, for fall flanker position.” 6-5, 211-pound practice. Scheduled to return Ball gave each player frame makes are nine starters, including All- individual goals to focus on him a BIG EAST picks Taylor, Pugh, during the spring. The players formidable Beasley and cornerback also set individual goals of target, is Ronyell Whitaker. In addition, their own. Those goals ranged expected to defensive end Nathaniel Adibi from improving fundamentals work at the No. and cornerback Eric Green and running routes to learning 2 split end spot were both named to The how to participate and handle behind Sporting News Freshman All- themselves off the field in Johnson. He America team. meetings and film study. started four If the replacements for “As a group, our goal has games at Cory Bird at rover and Phillip been to get better at running flanker last Summers and with the football after the season and at whip linebacker can come catch, improving our drive caught 12 through, the Hokies have the blocking techniques and passes for 141 depth and experience to once continuing to get better in yards. again be a defensive force on man-to-man combat at the Ball will take the national level. line of scrimmage,” said Ball. a close look at “We had a very productive Last year’s leading four players to spring,” Foster said. “We receiver, Emmett Johnson, see where they improved in areas we needed returns at the split end fit in the to in order to create depth. position. The 6-3, 206-pound rotation. The “I feel good about this rising senior, grabbed 34 group consists group and like their attitude. passes last fall for 574 yards of redshirt Emmett Johnson will be one of the Hokies’ We’re athletic, bigger and and three touchdowns. He sophomore main receiving targets in 2001. Continued on next page

2001 Virginia Tech Football 25 Outlook conference pick, Chad Beasley. Reed saw action in 10 the team lead with 10 Continued from page 25 The senior led Tech’s defensive regular season games in 2000, quarterback hurries and had stronger and the experience we linemen in tackles and was fifth posting 21 total tackles and a 47 tackles last year. gained last year will be a plus. in the conference among sack. Lewis, who was a true “We expect them to make This defense is going to play linemen in tackles with 58. He freshman last year, played in more big plays this year,” faster because we know what had surgery on his foot during eight games, recording 15 Wiles said. “I think we held up to do. We have a tradition and the off-season and also saw tackles. Wilkinson played in and got a lot of ties, but we high expectations here and I limited work this spring. Both every game, recording 23 need to win more one-on-one think these guys want to uphold Beasley and Pugh should be tackles, one tackle for loss and situations and have more of a those.” ready to go by fall. 2.5 sacks. presence in the passing “David and Chad are two of “Those three are all coming game.” the best tackles in the country,” along and pushing each other,” Joining them on the end Defensive Line Wiles said. “They are the core Wiles said. “We have a real will be Jim Davis and Cols Two seasons ago, defensive for us up front and they are battle with them.” Colas. Davis was one of three line coach Charley Wiles joked playmakers. They’re two big Both starters at the end true freshmen to play last he could sit on the porch in a kids who are athletic and make spots return, as do both season and responded with 28 rocking chair and let the quartet plays and that’s huge on this backups. Nathaniel Adibi and tackles and 3.5 sacks. He also of Corey Moore, John level.” Lamar Cobb combined for 92 had sacks on consecutive Engelberger, Nathaniel Williams Channing Reed, Kevin tackles, seven tackles for loss plays in the Toyota Gator Bowl. and Carl Bradley make him look Lewis and Dan Wilkinson all and six sacks. Adibi was Colas, who had an outstanding good. battled it out in spring practice named a first-team freshman spring session, possesses He should be in a similar for a spot on the depth chart. All-American by The Sporting blazing speed for the position position this year as all four All three enjoyed success News after posting 45 tackles and had 20 tackles in 2000. starters along the defensive during the spring. Reed and and five sacks. He will team “Jim probably made the front return, along with some Lewis were named the team’s with Cobb to once again form a most big plays for us at end solid depth at each position. most improved defensive great tandem on the ends. last year and he has great “We return just about players and Wilkinson was Cobb, a junior who was potential. Hopefully he’ll everybody and that’s exciting,” named one of the most named one of the two continue to mature and come Wiles said. “We have some valuable defensive top defensive on for us this year,” Wiles said. experience, but we’re still a way players in the annual hustlers in the “Cols has a lot of ability. During from being where we want to Maroon-White spring, tied for the spring, he became more be. We got stronger and bigger game. instinctive and showed a great in the off-season and hopefully attitude. He really has an that will pay off this fall. The opportunity to help us this effort is there and we play hard season.” and that’s half the battle.” Last year, no one expected Tech’s defensive line to be very good. This year, people are expecting big things. “The expectations don’t change year to year for us,” Wiles said. “We want to play at a certain level. We were young last year and you have to take that into account, but there’s a certain level all coaches expect their kids to play at whether you’re a senior or freshman. Hopefully with a year under our belt and the experience coming back, we’ll be able to have a great year.” Leading the way up front will be first-team All-BIG EAST selection David Pugh. The senior ranked sixth in the conference among linemen in tackles with 57 and led the team in quarterback sacks with five. He had off-season ankle surgery, then hurt his knee during the spring and missed contact work. Joining him up front on the Tackle Chad Beasley (94) and end Lamar Cobb (28) are expected to help form one of the top line will be second-team all- defensive lines in the country.

26 2001 Virginia Tech Football speed and power and has a be a battle between Chris and season at the boundary Linebackers chance to be a valuable Alex for the third spot.” corner position. Between injuries and contributor this year. Last year’s co-starters at Wilds will back up graduation, the Tech “The last two weeks of whip linebacker, Phillip Whitaker at the boundary linebacker corps was spring, Mikal showed as much Summers and Nick Sorensen, spot. The redshirt sophomore completely different for spring improvement as anyone. He are both gone, leaving the returned from knee surgery to practice. Ben Taylor and Jake has a tremendous work ethic position wide open. T.J. enjoy a good spring practice Houseright missed the spring and attitude. He’s become a Jackson, Deon Provitt, and should be a solid session, but are scheduled to more physical player and if he Brandon Manning and Dirk performer for the Hokies this return in the fall. Taylor, who continues to improve, he’ll Taylor all had repetitions at fall. was a semifinalist for the battle for a spot on the two- the position in the spring. “Ronyell knows he can Butkus Award a year ago, had deep.” Jackson’s experience paid play with anybody,” Ward said. surgery on his ankle. Cooper, who is still making off, helping him come out of “He had a tough assignment Houseright tore his ACL in the the transition from a high spring ball as the No. 1 man, in the bowl game [Clemson’s Gator Bowl, but has been school safety to the backer but he was followed closely by Rod Gardner] and he did a cleared to return to practice position at Tech, has shown Provitt. Jackson was a starter great job against him. There and participated in summer good athletic ability and on the kickoff team and saw was a great size disadvantage workouts. improvement, but still has action in nine games last year. and Ronyell held his own.” “Both were out of contact some learning to do. The prep He had eight tackles on the Austin, like Wilds, injured work all spring and we missed All-America redshirted last year. Provitt, who was a his knee during the season them, but we’re excited about year. starter on the special teams but came back strong for getting them back this fall,” Houseright handles the last season, brings good size spring practice. Austin will said Bud Foster, who handles mike linebacker duties. He and speed to the spot. He saw start the season as the No. 1 the Hokies’ inside linebackers. finished second behind Taylor action on over 130 plays a man at the field corner “Ben’s a guy who I thought in tackles and enjoyed his best year ago, registering eight position. improved as the season went season since coming to Tech. tackles. Joining Austin at the field along. He’s an exceptional Houseright started every game Manning got a lot of reps position will be sophomore football player and we have and finished the season with during spring practice and Eric Green, who was forced high expectations for him. It’s 75 tackles. The senior gives made the most of his into action last year as a true disappointing that he was hurt, the Hokies another physical opportunitues. He will have a freshman and responded with but it allowed him to spend player in the middle. chance to compete for playing four interceptions and a team- more time in the weightroom. Competing with Houseright time. high 12 passes broken up. He “Last year was the first at mike linebacker is senior Taylor’s only varsity action was named a second-team year Jake’s been healthy. He Brian Welch. He filled in for came against Rutgers last freshman All-American by The showed steady improvement Houseright in the spring and season, but he contributed an Sporting News. and played his best game in was named one of the top in both jayvee Continued on next page the Gator Bowl. I look for both defensive hustlers of spring games. him and Ben to be leaders for practice. He is a very capable us and we’re expecting big player who saw action last things from them.” year at linebacker and is Defensive Secondary Taylor, who was a third- expected to be in the thick of With the return of senior team All-American last year, things this season. Welch Larry Austin and led the Hokies in tackles and rated as one of the most sophomore Garnell Wilds earned first-team All-BIG productive reserves last year, from knee injuries, EAST honors. He is an registering 42 tackles. secondary coach outstanding football player with Alex Markogiannakis and Lorenzo Ward will have great range and a nose for the Chris Buie used the spring to four corners who could football. He is expected to play jockey for position on the play at any time in a a key leadership role for the depth chart. Markogiannakis secondary which should Hokies this season at his spent his time on the special be among the tops in the backer position. teams last season, but has put conference. Vegas Robinson, Mikal himself in position for playing “Our depth will be a Baaqee, and Chad Cooper time on the defense with a big plus for us because saw the most action at backer good showing during the now we have some kids during the spring in Taylor’s spring. Buie, a sophomore, playing for us with game absence. Robinson played saw all of his playing time last experience,” Ward said. mostly on special teams in season on special teams. He Leading the way at 2000, but had two tackles from is a strong athlete who brings cornerback is Ronyell his linebacker spot against good speed to the position. Whitaker, who was a Akron last year. Baaqee had a “Brian had a great spring second-team All-BIG great second half of spring and we expect him to be a EAST pick last year. The practice and will battle valuable contributor,” Foster junior had 61 tackles and Robinson for playing time. said. “He has great awareness five interceptions on the “Vegas had a good spring and instincts inside the tackle year as he saw action in Cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was and is a very promising young box. I consider Brian and Jake over 750 plays. Whitaker a second-team All-BIG EAST pick player. He combines good both starters and it’s going to is slated to start the in 2000.

2001 Virginia Tech Football 27 Outlook secondary heading into the Continued from page 27 spring, but senior Kevin At safety, starter Willie Pile McCadam eased the coaches’ The 2001 returns after sitting out contact worries with a great spring. work in spring practice while “I thought Kevin enjoyed a SPECIAL recovering from shoulder very good transition,” said surgery. Pile led the team in position coach Jim interceptions with five and Cavanuagh. “He has learned TEAMS added another pick in the to make decisions more Gator Bowl. quickly. He’s tough and has Spring practice produced Pile’s absence opened the good coverage skills. I expect plenty of competition on special door for young redshirt him to be a good leader for teams despite the fact freshmen Vincent Fuller and us.” everyone was back but kickoff Mike Daniels to get plenty of McCadam, who played at return man André Kendrick. exposure to the position. safety last year, moved to the The competition was Fuller, a great athlete with tons rover spot this spring and especially tight for the punting of potential made a strong came out of the session as duties with last year’s starter push for playing time behind the No. 1 man. The rising Robert Peaslee and redshirt Pile and also spent some time senior made a run at the freshman Vinnie Burns leading at corner in the spring. Daniels starting job last year before the way. Peaslee started every also enjoyed a good spring suffering a high ankle sprain game last season and ended Place-kicker Carter Warley and impressed the coaches in a preseason scrimmage. up with a 35.3-yard average. with his physical style of play. He ended up making 28 He also doubled as the Hokies’ by back problems. Warley was “The good thing about this tackles on the season as the holder for field goals and extra second-team All-BIG EAST is Willie got all the footwork [of No. 2 man at safety. points. Burns, however, last season as a freshman spring practice], but none of Billy Hardee, who emerged out of spring ball as when he was the fifth-leading the contact,” Ward said. “As practiced at safety and the No. 1 man after averaging scorer in the league with 77 far as tackling, he got better as cornerback last year, will over 46 yards per punt with an points. Warley kicked with the season went along and he move to the rover spot when average hang time of 4.6 back pain throughout the 2000 should be fine once fall practice opens in August. He seconds. season before taking the practice comes around. started Tech’s last three “We’re going to continue to spring off to rest. Warley’s “I was very pleased with games on the corner last year do a lot of punting during absence during the spring Vincent. Right now, he’s got and finished the season with preseason practice,” says head provided a golden opportunity more range than anyone 34 tackles, two tackles for coach Frank Beamer, whose for Jon Mollerup who was the we’ve got. He can run with loss and two passes broken involvement with special teams No. 2 kicker last season. anyone.” up. Hardee is a hard-working, has made the Hokies’ special Mollerup impressed the The rover spot was physical player who team units among the nation’s coaches with his strong leg, the biggest question understands the game. best. “Vinnie Burns really kicking a 52-yarder in the mark of the Also competing punted well over the last two spring game. for the playing time weeks of spring and showed The Hokies return two Top at rover will be good consistency. He will need 20 punt return men from last Michael Crawford, to maintain that consistency in year’s team, which finished Chris Krebs and August in order to hold on to first nationally in punt returns Sam Fatherly. the No. 1 spot. as a unit. André Davis ranked Crawford saw brief “We need to punt the ball second in the nation with an action at rover last better this season and our average of 22 yards per season on the way players are aware of that. return, while Ronyell Whitaker to lettering as a There’s still going to be plenty was 16th with an average of special teams of competition.” 14.4 yards. player. He showed The competition won’t stop Redshirt freshman Richard outstanding effort with the punters. Beamer also Johnson appears to be the during the spring expects competition for the leading candidate for kickoff and became more snapping duties and even for return duties. Davis, tailback comfortable at the the place-kicking job. Lee Suggs and rover Michael position. Krebs has Last season, Ken Keister Crawford also are among the been a mainstay handled the snaps for both pool of candidates. on Tech’s special placements and punts. This After blocking more kicks teams the past year, he will be challenged for than any other Division I-A three years and one or both of those duties by team during the 1990s, Tech posted eight redshirt freshman Travis carried the tradition over to tackles on the Conway. the new millennium with eight year. Fatherly was One of the biggest blocks during the 2000 redshirted last year questions for the Hokies season. Six of the seven and is still learning Willie Pile posted a team-high six heading into the season is the players who blocked kicks for interceptions from his free safety spot the rover position. health of place-kicker Carter the Hokies last season are last season. Warley, who has been plagued slated to return.

28 2001 Virginia Tech Football 2000 Lettermen & Returning Starters

Total Lettermen: 63; Lost 19/Returning 44 (Depth chart is subject to change) (Starters in CAPS)

OFFENSE (Multiple) DEFENSE (4-3) SE 18 Emmett Johnson (6-3, 206, Sr.)* DE 28 Lamar Cobb (6-2, 226, r-Jr.)* Offense 19 Ernest Wilford (6-5, 211, r-So.) 99 Cols Colas (6-0, 239, r-So.) Lost (13) Returning (17) SE EMMETT JOHNSON, LT 57 Anthony Davis (6-4, 314, Jr.) DT 94 Chad Beasley (6-5, 292, r-Sr.)* Derek Carter TE BROWNING WYNN, 65 Tim Selmon (6-5, 287, r-Jr.) 70 Kevin Lewis (6-1, 280, So.) *Bob Slowikowski, Keith Willis LG 60 Jacob Gibson (6-4, 293, r-So.) DT 71 David Pugh (6-3, 271, r-Sr.)* DAVE KADELA, OT Anthony Davis, or 74 Luke Owens (6-3, 310, r-Jr.) 53 Channing Reed (6-2, 311, Sr.) ANTHONY LAMBO Matt Wincek 67 Anthony Nelson (6-3, 313, r-So.) or 54 Dan Wilkinson (6-1, 258, r-Sr.) Jeff Hartzog JOSH REDDING, OG Luke Owens C 61 Steve DeMasi (6-3, 278, r-Sr.)* DE 83 Nathaniel Adibi (6-3, 253, r-So.)* MATT LEHR, 64 Jake Grove (6-3, 272, r-So.) 95 Jim Davis (6-4, 251, So.) Joe Marchant C STEVE DeMASI RG 64 Jake Grove (6-3, 272, r-So.) OLB 23 T.J. Jackson (6-1, 214, r-Jr.) †Jake Grove 74 Luke Owens (6-3, 310, r-Jr.) 3 Deon Provitt (6-1, 209, r-So.) MICHAEL VICK, QB or 76 James Miller (6-5, 291, Fr.) *Dave Meyer Cullen Hawkins FB JARRETT FERGUSON, RT 58 Matt Wincek (6-5, 284, Sr.) ILB 41 Jake Houseright (6-3, 237, Sr.)* Wayne Briggs 79 Jon Dunn (6-7, 320, r-Fr.) or 34 Brian Welch (6-0, 232, r-Sr.) André Kendrick TB LEE SUGGS, Keith Burnell, TE 93 Browning Wynn (6-3, 232, r-Sr.)* ILB 40 Ben Taylor (6-2, 235, Sr.)* #Wayne Ward or 87 Bob Slowikowski (6-5, 247, r-Sr.) 6 Vegas Robinson (6-0, 233, r-So.) Anthony Thibodeau, FL ANDRÉ DAVIS, or 45 Mikal Baaqee (5-10, 218, r-Fr.) Mike Donahue *†Ernest Wilford, Shawn Witten QB 11 Grant Noel (6-1, 224, r-Jr.) FC 24 Larry Austin (5-9, 187, r-Sr.)* 15 Jason Davis (6-1, 196, r-Fr.) 1 Eric Green (5-11, 177, So.) Defense FB 27 Jarrett Ferguson (5-9, 222, r-Sr.)* FS 35 Willie Pile (6-3, 197, r-Jr.)* Lost (6) Returning (24) 43 Doug Easlick (5-11, 226, r-So.) 8 Vincent Fuller (6-1, 178, r-Fr.) Franklin Bowser E LAMAR COBB, or 47 Wayne Briggs (5-10, 247, r-Sr.) NATHANIEL ADIBI, Jim Davis, Cols Colas TB 22 Lee Suggs (6-0, 204, r-Jr.)* ROV 5 Kevin McCadam (6-1, 219, Sr.) T CHAD BEASLEY, 20 Keith Burnell (6-0, 202, r-Jr.) 25 Billy Hardee (5-11, 196, r-Jr.) DAVID PUGH, *Dan Wilkinson, FL 88 André Davis (6-1, 194, r-Sr.)* BC 2 Ronyell Whitaker (5-9, 192, r-Jr.)* Channing Reed, 26 Shawn Witten (6-0, 194, Jr.) 17 Garnell Wilds (5-11, 193, r-So.) Kevin Lewis PHILLIP SUMMERS, OLB #T.J. Jackson PK 49 Carter Warley (5-11, 184, r-So.)* P 38 Vinnie Burns (5-11, 177, r-Fr.) *Nick Sorensen, *Deon Provitt or 97 Jon Mollerup (5-11, 202, r-Jr.) 89 Robert Peaslee (6-0, 192, r-So.)* Tee Butler Benny Wolfe ILB BEN TAYLOR, *Returning starter JAKE HOUSERIGHT, Brian Welch, #Chris Buie CB RONYELL WHITAKER, LARRY AUSTIN, *Eric Green, *†Billy Hardee, Garnell Wilds CORY BIRD ROV #Chris Krebs, #Michael Crawford S WILLIE PILE, †Kevin McCadam Specialists Lost(0) Returning (3) PK CARTER WARLEY P ROBERT PEASLEE H ROBERT PEASLEE DS KEN KEISTER

*Also saw starting time in 2000 Virginia Tech's highly-successful special teams make use of players who #Lettered mainly for play on special teams also start on offense or defense, such as tailback Lee Suggs (22) and †Has moved to another position for 2001 season safety Kevin McCadam (5). 2001 Virginia Tech Football 29 No. Name vl Pos B’date Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School H.S. Coach 83 Nathaniel Adibi 1 DE 1/25/81 6-3 253 r-So. Hampton, Va. Phoebus Bill Dee 30 Ryan Angelo - FB 10/23/80 6-1 230 r-So. Spring Hill, Fla. Springstead Pat McCoy 24 Larry Austin 3 CB 5/17/79 5-9 187 r-Sr. Norfolk, Va. Norview David Heath 45 Mikal Baaqee - LB 12/20/81 5-10 218 r-Fr. Columbia, Md. DeMatha Bill McGregor 94 Chad Beasley 3 DT 11/13/78 6-5 292 r-Sr. Gate City, Va. Gate City Nick Colobro 47 Wayne Briggs$ 1 FB 1/24/78 5-10 247 r-Sr. Windsor, Va. Windsor Joe Jones 46 Chris Buie 1 LB 11/16/79 6-0 223 r-So. Tampa, Fla. Armwood Sean Callahan 20 Keith Burnell 1 TB 1/8/79 6-0 202 r-Jr. Chesapeake, Va. Western Branch Lew Johnston 38 Vinnie Burns - P 2/2/82 5-11 177 r-Fr. New Orleans, La. St. Augustine Anthony Biagas 28 Lamar Cobb 1 DE 1/11/80 6-2 226 r-Jr. Hurt, Va. Gretna Robert Prunty 99 Cols Colas 1 DE 5/16/80 6-0 239 r-So. Plantation, Fla. South Plantation Dan Margurit 62 Travis Conway - C/DS 6/3/82 6-4 269 r-Fr. Richmond, Va. J.R. Tucker Rusty Curle 33 Chad Cooper - LB 6/10/81 6-2 205 r-Fr. Herndon, Va. Oakton Pete Bendorf 92 Mark Costen - DT 3/13/81 6-3 250 r-So. Virginia Beach, Va. Kempsville John Bowles 21 Michael Crawford 1 ROV 2/20/81 5-11 205 r-So. Baltimore, Md. Patterson Roger Wrenn 31 Mike Daniels - FS 9/18/81 6-0 187 r-Fr. Fairfax, Va. Fairfax Tom Verbanic 88 André Davis 3 FL 6/12/79 6-1 194 r-Sr. Niskayuna, N.Y. Niskayuna John Furey 57 Anthony Davis$ 2 OT 3/27/80 6-4 314 Jr. Victoria, Va. Central-Lunenburg Chippie Chappell 15 Jason Davis - QB 2/4/82 6-1 194 r-Fr. Sevierville, Tenn. Seymour Gary Householder 95 Jim Davis@ 1 DE 10/4/81 6-4 251 So. Highland Springs, Va. Highland Springs Randy Stokes 61 Steve DeMasi 2 C 11/24/79 6-3 278 r-Sr. Virginia Beach, Va. Cox Reggie Garrett 52 Jon Dunn - OT 12/12/81 6-7 320 r-Fr. Virginia Beach, Va. Tallwood Thad Harold 43 Doug Easlick - FB 12/4/80 5-11 226 r-So. Marlton, N.J. Cherokee John Scott 29 Sam Fatherly - ROV 6/13/81 5-10 203 r-Fr. Williamsport, Pa. Williamsport Tim Montgomery Matt Felber - PK 10/25/79 5-8 182 r-Sr. McLean, Va. Randolph-Macon Dick Allansen 27 Jarrett Ferguson 3 FB 1/23/79 5-9 222 r-Sr. Goodview, Va. Staunton River Bob Gray Matt Findley - OG 11/11/80 6-1 284 r-So. Woodbridge, Va. C.D. Hylton Bill Brown 77 Thenus Franklin - OT 2/2/79 6-3 285 r-Jr. Clewiston, Fla. Clewiston Al Morrell 8 Vincent Fuller - FS 8/3/82 6-1 178 r-Fr. Baltimore, Md. Woodlawn Reggie White 60 Jacob Gibson - OG 1/29/81 6-4 293 r-So. Rocky Mount, Va. Franklin County Jerry Little 1 Eric Green 1 CB 3/16/82 5-11 177 So. Clewiston, Fla. Clewiston Al Morrell 64 Jake Grove 1 OG/C 1/22/80 6-3 272 r-So. Forest, Va. Jefferson Forest Ed Landis 25 Billy Hardee† 1 ROV 6/30/80 5-11 196 r-Jr. Winter Haven, Fla. Winter Haven Maxie Hunter 41 Jake Houseright 3 LB 1/4/79 6-3 237 Sr. Gate City, Va. Gate City Nick Colobro 80 Mike Jackson - TE 4/27/82 6-3 241 r-Fr. Mason, Ohio Archbishop Moeller Steve Klonne 23 T.J. Jackson 1 LB 10/10/79 6-1 214 r-Jr. Delray Beach, Fla. Olympic Heights Willie Dadaro 18 Emmett Johnson 3 SE 3/17/80 6-3 206 Sr. Chesapeake, Va. Western Branch Lew Johnston 12 Richard Johnson - FL 6/17/82 5-10 189 r-Fr. Baltimore, Md. Milford Mill Academy Reggie Brooks 55 Ken Keister 1 DE/DS 8/13/80 6-1 229 r-Jr. Radford, Va. Radford Norm Lineburg 37 Chris Krebs 3 ROV 1/5/79 6-1 195 r-Sr. Burke, Va. Robinson Nick Hilgert Virginia Tech’s 2001 Football Recruiting Class Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown High School James Anderson 6-2 210 LB Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek Curtis Bradley 6-3 285 OL Summerville, S.C. Summerville Reggie Butler 6-6 310 OL Keswick, Va. Monticello Chris Clifton 6-4 200 QB Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek Andrew Fleck 6-4 240 DL/TE Edmond, Okla. Santa Fe Brandon Frye 6-4 225 DL Myrtle Beach, S.C. Myrtle Beach DeAngelo Hall 6-0 190 DB Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek Justin Hamilton 6-3 210 RB Clintwood, Va. Clintwood Kevin Hilton 6-2 255 DL Silver Spring, Md. Good Counsel Cedric Humes 6-2 200 RB Virginia Beach, Va. Princess Anne Will Hunt 6-1 205 QB Springdale, Ark. Springdale Kevin Jones 6-1 205 RB Chester, Pa. Cardinal O’Hara Jeff King 6-5 245 TE/DL Pulaski, Va. Pulaski County Fred Lee 5-10 175 WR Harrisburg, Pa. Bishop McDevitt Danny McGrath 6-2 270 OL Herndon, Va. Herndon Jason Murphy 6-3 255 DL Baltimore, Md. Edmondson Westside Chris Pannell 6-5 240 DL Staunton, Va. Robert E. Lee Bryan Randall 6-2 205 QB Williamsburg, Va. Bruton Tim Sandidge 6-2 275 DL Madison Heights, Va. Amherst County Jordan Trott 6-4 230 LB Torrance, Calif. Loyola D.J. Walton 5-10 195 DB Woodbridge, Va. C.D. Hylton Blake Warren 6-2 205 LB Clifton, Va. Centreville

30 2001 Virginia Tech Football 2001 Numerical Roster

1 Eric Green ...... CB 26 Shawn Witten ...... FL 45 Mikal Baaqee ...... LB 71 David Pugh ...... DT 2 Ronyell Whitaker ...... CB 27 Jarrett Ferguson ...... FB 46 Chris Buie ...... LB 74 Luke Owens ...... OG 3 Deon Provitt ...... LB 28 Lamar Cobb ...... DE 47 Wayne Briggs ...... FB 76 James Miller ...... OG 5 Kevin McCadam ...... ROV 29 Sam Fatherly ...... ROV 48 Brandon Manning ...... LB 77 Thenus Franklin ...... OT 6 Vegas Robinson ...... LB 30 Ryan Angelo...... FB 49 Carter Warley ...... PK 80 Mike Jackson ...... TE 8 Vincent Fuller ...... FS 31 Mike Daniels ...... FS 52 Jon Dunn ...... OT 82 Ronald Moody ...... SE 9 Terrell Parham...... FL 32 Wayne Ward ...... TB 53 Channing Reed ...... DT 83 Nathaniel Adibi ...... DE 11 Grant Noel ...... QB 33 Chad Cooper ...... LB 54 Dan Wilkinson ...... DT 85 Jared Mazzetta ...... TE 12 Richard Johnson ...... FL 34 Brian Welch ...... LB 55 Ken Keister ...... DE/DS 86 Keith Willis ...... TE 15 Jason Davis ...... QB 35 Willie Pile ...... FS 57 Anthony Davis ...... OT 87 Bob Slowikowski ...... TE 17 Garnell Wilds ...... CB 36 Marvin Urquhart ...... FB 58 Matt Wincek ...... OT 88 André Davis ...... FL 18 Emmett Johnson ...... SE 37 Chris Krebs ...... ROV 60 Jacob Gibson ...... OG 89 Robert Peaslee ...... P 19 Ernest Wilford ...... SE 38 Vinnie Burns ...... P 61 Steve DeMasi ...... C 91 Jason Lallis ...... DE 20 Keith Burnell ...... TB 39 Alex Markogiannakis .... LB 62 Travis Conway ...... C/DS 92 Mark Costen ...... DT 21 Michael Crawford ...... ROV 40 Ben Taylor ...... LB 64 Jake Grove ...... OG/C 93 Browning Wynn ...... TE 22 Lee Suggs ...... TB 41 Jake Houseright ...... LB 65 Tim Selmon ...... OT 94 Chad Beasley ...... DT 23 T.J. Jackson ...... LB 42 Josh Spence ...... FB 67 Anthony Nelson ...... OG 95 Jim Davis ...... DE 24 Larry Austin ...... CB 43 Doug Easlick ...... FB 68 Robert Ramsey ...... C 97 Jon Mollerup ...... PK 25 Billy Hardee ...... ROV 44 Joe Wilson ...... FB 70 Kevin Lewis ...... DT 99 Cols Colas...... DE

No. Name vl Pos B’date Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School H.S. Coach 91 Jason Lallis - DE 2/4/82 6-0 244 r-Fr. Mitchellville, Md. DeMatha Bill McGregor 70 Kevin Lewis 1 DT 4/26/80 6-1 280 So. Richmond, Va. Varina Ed Bulheller 48 Brandon Manning+ - LB 5/12/81 6-0 211 r-Fr. Harrisburg, Pa. Central Dauphin George Chaump 39 Alex Markogiannakis - LB 1/22/80 5-9 208 r-Jr. Chantilly, Va. Robinson Mark Bendorf 85 Jared Mazzetta - TE 6/4/81 6-4 245 r-Fr. Flemington, N.J. Hunterdon Central Jim Meert 5 Kevin McCadam^ 1 ROV 3/6/79 6-1 219 Sr. Lakeside, Calif. El Capitan Dave Waastad 76 James Miller - OG 8/13/81 6-5 291 Fr. Pompano Beach, Fla. Ft. Lauderdale John Timmons 97 Jon Mollerup - PK 11/15/79 5-11 202 r-Jr. Lyndhurst, Va. Stuarts Draft Tom Goforth 82 Ronald Moody - SE 10/26/81 6-1 190 r-So. Chesapeake, Va. Great Bridge Noble Palmer 67 Anthony Nelson$ - OG 2/18/79 6-4 313 r-So. Kingsport, Tenn. Sullivan South Lonnie Messick 11 Grant Noel - QB 6/11/80 6-1 224 r-Jr. Ridgeley, W.Va. Frankfort Greg Phillips 74 Luke Owens 2 OG 5/12/79 6-3 310 r-Jr. Grundy, Va. Grundy Greg Rowe 9 Terrell Parham 1 FL 10/1/79 6-0 196 r-Jr. Bartow, Fla. Bartow Kenny Wells 89 Robert Peaslee 1 P 6/28/81 6-0 201 r-So. Pulaski, Va. Pulaski County Joel Hicks 35 Willie Pile 1 FS 5/25/80 6-3 197 r-Jr. Alexandria, Va. West Potomac Dale Eaton 3 Deon Provitt 1 LB 10/22/80 6-1 209 r-So. Warren, Ohio John F. Kennedy Tony Napolet 71 David Pugh 3 DT 7/24/79 6-3 271 r-Sr. Madison Heights, Va. Amherst County Mickey Crouch 68 Robert Ramsey - C 4/13/82 6-2 305 r-Fr. Coraopolis, Pa. Montour Don Morgan 53 Channing Reed^^ 1 DT 9/19/78 6-2 311 Sr. Trenton, N.J. Trenton Central Lawrence Parker 6 Vegas Robinson - LB 5/19/81 6-0 233 r-So. Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek David Cox 65 Tim Selmon++ - OT 8/7/78 6-5 287 r-Jr. Trenton, N.J. Hamilton West Keith Hartbauer Chris Shreve - SE 7/15/81 5-11 192 r-So. Mouth of Wilson, Va. Grayson County Bill Strong 87 Bob Slowikowski 3 TE 10/30/79 6-5 247 r-Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa. Central Catholic John Fiscetti 42 Josh Spence - FB 12/8/81 6-1 221 r-Fr. Riner, Va. Floyd County Winfred Beale 22 Lee Suggs 2 TB 8/11/80 6-0 204 r-Jr. Roanoke, Va. William Fleming George Miller 40 Ben Taylor 3 LB 8/31/78 6-2 235 Sr. Bellaire, Ohio Bellaire John Magistro Dirk Taylor - LB 12/25/79 6-0 197 Sr. Penn Laird, Va. Spotswood Eric Baylor Jeff Thompson - DE 5/26/80 6-4 245 r-So. Midlothian, Va. Clover Hill Ted Salmon 36 Marvin Urquhart - FB 8/16/80 5-11 265 r-So. Chesapeake, Va. Western Branch Lew Johnston 32 Wayne Ward 3 TB 5/29/79 5-11 209 r-Sr. Plant City, Fla. Plant City Todd Long 49 Carter Warley 1 PK 2/14/80 5-11 184 r-So. Richmond, Va. Fork Union Mickey Sullivan 34 Brian Welch 2 LB 7/17/78 6-0 232 r-Sr. Fairfax, Va. Oakton Pete Bendorf Jeff Werner - OG 5/10/82 6-0 278 So. Yardley, Pa. Pennsbury Mike Elko 2 Ronyell Whitaker 2 CB 3/19/79 5-9 192 r-Jr. Norfolk, Va. Lake Taylor Dan Newell 17 Garnell Wilds 1 CB 6/8/81 5-11 193 r-So. Tampa, Fla. Hillsborough Earl Garcia, Jr. 19 Ernest Wilford@ 1 SE 1/14/79 6-5 211 r-So. Richmond, Va. Armstrong/Franklin Otis Brayboy 54 Dan Wilkinson 1 DT 11/14/78 6-1 258 r-Sr. W. Palm Beach, Fla. Palm Beach Lakes Bill Bolinder 86 Keith Willis 1 TE 12/14/80 6-5 240 r-So. Norfolk, Va. Norview Carleton Thomas 44 Joe Wilson - FB 7/22/81 6-1 261 r-So. Newport News, Va. Warwick Tommy Reamon 58 Matt Wincek 3 OT 9/12/79 6-5 284 Sr. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Coughlin John Joseph 26 Shawn Witten 2 FL 5/18/80 6-0 194 Jr. Elizabethton, Tenn. Elizabethton Dave Rider 93 Browning Wynn 3 TE 12/3/78 6-3 232 r-Sr. Jonesville, Va. Lee Allen Kinser

$ also attended Hargrave Military Academy (Va.); @ also attended Fork Union Military Academy (Va.); † also attended Florida Southern College; ^ also attended Grossmont [Calif.] CC; ^^ Montgomery [Md.] College; + attended the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School; ++ also attended Peddie School (N.J) 2001 Virginia Tech Football 31 Arkansas Springdale Will Hunt California Lakeside Kevin McCadam Torrance Jordan Trott Florida Bartow Terrell Parham Clewiston Thenus Franklin Eric Green Delray Beach Maryland T.J. Jackson Columbia Plantation Mikal Baaqee Cols Colas Baltimore Plant City Michael Crawford South Carolina Wayne Ward Vincent Fuller Pennsylvania Myrtle Beach Pompano Beach Richard Johnson New York Coraopolis Brandon Frye James Miller Jason Murphy Niskayuna Robert Ramsey Summerville Spring Hill Mitchellville André Davis Chester Curtis Bradley Ryan Angelo Jason Lallis Kevin Jones Tampa Silver Spring Ohio Harrisburg Tennessee Chris Buie Kevin Hilton Bellaire Fred Lee Elizabethton Garnell Wilds Ben Taylor Brandon Manning Shawn Witten West Palm Beach New Jersey Mason Pittsburgh Kingsport Dan Wilkinson Flemington Mike Jackson Bob Slowikowski Anthony Nelson Winter Haven Jared Mazzetta Warren Yardley Sevierville Billy Hardee Marlton Deon Provitt Jeff Werner Jason Davis Doug Easlick Wilkes-Barre Louisiana Trenton Oklahoma Matt Wincek West Virginia New Orleans Channing Reed Edmond Williamsport Ridgeley Vinnie Burns Tim Selmon Andrew Fleck Sam Fatherly Grant Noel Hometowns of Hokies From Virginia

Alexandria Fairfax Hurt Norfolk Rocky Mount Willie Pile Mike Daniels Lamar Cobb Larry Austin Jacob Gibson Burke Brian Welch Jonesville Ronyell Whitaker Keith Willis Staunton Chris Krebs Forest Browning Wynn Chris Pannell Jake Grove Keswick Penn Laird Chantilly Dirk Taylor Victoria Alex Markogiannakis Gate City Reggie Butler Anthony Davis Jake Houseright Pulaski Chesapeake Lyndhurst Jeff King Chad Beasley Jon Mollerup Virginia Beach James Anderson Robert Peaslee Mark Costen Keith Burnell Goodview McLean Jarrett Ferguson Radford Steve DeMasi Chris Clifton Matt Felber Ken Keister Jon Dunn DeAngelo Hall Grundy Madison Heights Richmond Cedric Humes Emmett Johnson Luke Owens David Pugh Ronald Moody Travis Conway Williamsburg Hampton Tim Sandidge Kevin Lewis Vegas Robinson Nathaniel Adibi Bryan Randall Marvin Urquhart Midlothian Carter Warley Herndon Jeff Thompson Ernest Wilford Windsor Clifton Wayne Briggs Chad Cooper Mouth of Wilson Riner Blake Warren Danny McGrath Chris Shreve Josh Spence Woodbridge Clintwood Highland Springs Newport News Roanoke Matt Findley Justin Hamilton Jim Davis Joe Wilson Lee Suggs D.J. Walton

32 2001 Virginia Tech Football