Vol. 4 No. 1, August 2011 • $4

SILVER anniversary SEASON Frank Beamer hasn’t changed much as he enters his 25th season as the Hokies’ head coach, but Tech’s fortunes certainly have and the Hokies are expecting big things again in 2011

WHAT’S INSIDE: A position-by-position look at the 2011 Hokies inside.hokiesports.com 1

contents August 2011 • Vol. 4, No. 1 www.inside.hokiesports.com Hokie Club News | 4 Don't have a News & Notes | 9 Jimmy Robertson Editor subscription? From the Editor’s Desk | 11 Marc Mullen Over the past 25 years, Frank Beamer has Editorial Assistant been the constant Simply cut out this section and mail Bill Roth Kroger Roth Report | 12 with a check for the appropriate amount Columnist or call (540) 231-3908 to charge your The 2011 Tech team looks like many of subscription to your VISA or MasterCard. Beamer’s past teams Tim East Makes a great gift for every Hokie! Executive Editor Compliance Corner | 14 Dave Knachel 1 Print options Photographer Jim Weaver Q&A | 16 1-year: $37.95 2-year: $69.95 Tech AD provides answers on Mary Frances Czarsty several topics for First Class Mail, additional : $35.00 Designer Please make checks payable to: Treasurer, Virginia Tech Contributors 25 Years with Frank Beamer | 18 Brian Thornburg - Hokie Club Dutch Baughman’s bold move paid 2 Ashleigh Waddle - IMG off for Tech online options 1-year: $25.00 * To advertise with Virginia Tech athletics or Football Spotlight | 20 Inside Hokie Sports, contact Kyle Winchester or The Hopkins brothers ready to team Ashleigh Waddle at IMG Sports 540-961-7604 Please designate a username and password: up again Published by the Virginia Tech Athletics Department Username: Football Preview | 24 Inside Hokie Sports (ISSN 8750-9148, periodical postage Password: paid at Blacksburg Va. 24060 and additional mailing offices) Hokies loaded at key positions, lack depth covers Virginia Tech athletics and is published 11 times annually at others – monthly from August through June. The publisher is the Email: Virginia Tech Athletics Department, 460-E Jamerson Athletic Center, Blacksburg, Va. 24061-0502. Volleyball Preview | 38 You will receive an email confirmation once your account is activated. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: $37.95 for one year (11 issues) and Tech looking to go to NCAAs once again $69.95 for two years. You can get an online subscription for $25 and both the online and the print version for $50. Mail all subscription inquiries, renewals, address changes, written Men’s Soccer Preview | 40 Access the on-line version by entering your username inquiries and complaints to Inside Hokie Sports, 460-E Return of key players should help Tech men and password at www.inside.hokiesports.com, once Jamerson Athletic Center, Blacksburg, Va. 24061-0502 or call you receive your e-mail confirmation. (540) 231-3908. Women’s Soccer Preview | 42 To order online: visit www.inside.hokiesports.com and Inside Hokie Sports assumes no responsibility for companies Seniors poised to become program’s and persons who advertise in this publication. Reproduction click on the “subscribe” button. of contents in whole or in part without written permission all-time winningest class is prohibited. Publisher does not guarantee accuracy of information contained in any advertisement. Cross Country Preview | 45 Inside Hokie Sports ATTN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Inside Tech men and women anxious to improve Hokie Sports, P.O. Box 11101, Blacksburg, Va. 24061-1101. 460 Jamerson Athletics Center on last season’s performance Blacksburg, Va. 24061-0502 Printed by Southern Printing Co., Inc., of Blacksburg, Virginia The women’s soccer team opened the 2011-12 Virginia Tech athletics season with an exhibition game against East Carolina on August 12 and will play the first regular- season game of the fall on the 19th. This year’s seniors have an opportunity to become the winningest class ever in the program and the first to finish all four seasons with a berth in the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships.

Supporting Tech Athletics Since 1949 “I would like to thank all of the Hokie “Thank you so much for giving Club members that have helped pave me this incredible opportunity to the way for me to have the opportunity play at the collegiate level and to to step on the soccer field and represent be a member of the student-athlete Virginia Tech. So far it has been a great organization here at Virginia Tech. experience, and I look forward to my It has truly been a memorable and remaining year at Virginia Tech.” growing experience over the years!”

Jeremy Senior,Williams Men’s Soccer Brittany Senior,Michels Women’s Soccer The Donor File

Dennis Michael Semones Current Hokie Club level: Hokie Century Champion Hokie Club member since: 1979 Currently resides: Christiansburg, VA Family: Betty (Wife) Michael (Son) Mitchell(son) Brandon (son) Graduation year: 1967 Q&A Q: A Hokie is … importance of an education to the Virginia scholarship means to an individual athlete. A: A TRUE Virginia Tech fan. Tech athletes. As stated earlier, I would not have gone to college without the scholarship to Virginia Q: The Hokie Nation is real because… Q: What caused you to become a fan of Tech. I received bachelor’s and master’s A: I believe that Virginia Tech relates to Virginia Tech? degrees from Virginia Tech. I have had the students, faculty, and alumni as family. A: I have been a Virginia Tech fan since I was a very successful career in education. Virginia Tech truly places the interest of the a young boy and could not believe that I Betty and I are donating a scholarship student-athletes at the forefront. was really going to play football for Virginia in appreciation for the scholarship that I Tech! received because it has added so much Q: What is your best memory of Virginia to my life. I would encourage everyone Tech athletics? Q: Do you have any game day to donate to the Virginia Tech Athletic A: My treasured memories are primarily superstitions? If so, what are they? Hokie Club and support the funding of of the relationships among the football A: I do not. scholarships to our athletes. players that we developed as student- athletes and the ones that we continue to Q: Describe your perfect day at Virginia Q: I’m a Hokie Club member because… develop 40 some years later. Tech. A: I love Virginia Tech athletics and Virginia A: A perfect day at Virginia Tech begins Tech. Q: How did you get involved with the with breakfast with our Virginia Tech friends. Hokie Club? We then get together for a pregame tailgate Q: My favorite Virginia Tech sports are…. A: We became donors of the Hokie Club with wonderful food and drink. The weather A: Football and basketball. to give back to Virginia Tech a portion of is perfect and we enjoy our time together what Virginia Tech gave to us. I probably as we get excited for the “Hokie Victory.” Q: My all-time favorite Virginia Tech would not have attended college without Virginia Tech plays a perfect game and football player is … the scholarship that was granted to me by beats Virginia. We then celebrate with a A: Our son - Brandon Semones – What very Coach Jerry Claiborne. We want Virginia postgame tailgate and finish the day with special memories of Brandon playing for his Tech to be a winning program in all aspects GREAT MEMORIES!! uncle Frank and with our nephew, Shane. of athletics; but, the ultimate goal is for each athlete to earn his or her diploma. Q: What motivates you to give back to help Q: My all-time favorite Virginia Tech I believe that all of the administrators, Virginia Tech athletics? student-athlete from another sport is … coaches, and support staff try to instill the A: I am a very good example of what a A: Deron Washington 6 Hokie Club 6 Supporting Tech Athletics Since 1949 6 Supporting Tech Athletics Since 1949 letter from Lu

Welcome Back! Did your summer fly by as quickly as mine did? The students are back on campus and the energy in Blacksburg is electric as a new academic year is underway.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your financial support in the 2010-11 fiscal year. We saw growth in the Endowment Fund, which combined with the Annual Fund, pays the scholarship bill. In the new fiscal year that began July 1, we have been asked to increase our support as tuition, fees, and room and board have grown by over $700,000. You have responded well in the past and now more than ever we need your increased annual fund gifts.

For the past eight years, we have all been focusing on the Campaign for Virginia Tech-Invent the Future. Thousands of alumni and friends of the university have attended regional campaign meetings and have participated in the effort to meet the announced goal of 1 billion dollars. The campaign has now concluded and the official results will be announced this fall. I do want to thank each and every one of you who have supported the athletics portion of the Campaign and helped us to exceed our goals in support of the endowment, capital projects and annual operating needs. I don’t know the final tally so I will look forward to the big announcement in November with great anticipation.

Soon, you will receive a brochure outlining the details for next spring’s reseating of Lane Stadium. A committee has been meeting since March to draft the plan and outline for you the specific steps in the reseating process. Look for more information in these pages as we move toward 2012. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible going into the process. We are excited to introduce an online seat selection software product. It has been used by other university and professional teams in their seat selection process, and we are confident that our fans will embrace it as well. You will also receive a second brochure that introduces you to the online process and walks you through the selection of your seats. Every Hokie Club member and season ticket holder will have the opportunity to select his or her own seat.

This fall, the athletics department will announce a campaign to raise funding for a new indoor field house. This facility will be located east of the current practice fields and will allow our football program and many of our Olympic sport teams the opportunity to train and practice during inclement weather. Our current indoor facility, Rector Field House, will be turned over to our nationally ranked track & field program on a full- time basis to allow those athletes full access to train and compete. The Hokies have hosted the ACC Indoor Championships in Rector Field House in recent years and are once again scheduled to host the 2012 ACC Indoor Championships. We will be providing more details on the new field house facility once architectural drawings are complete. We are excited about the opportunities the new indoor field house facility will offer to our student-athletes.

The opening of football season is days away and we look forward to seeing you in Blacksburg and Lane Stadium. We are grateful for your past support for our athletics program and will need your help as we prepare to meet the increasing costs of educating our student-athletes. Please join me by increasing your gift this year. I think it is an excellent investment in the future of this university and its athletics programs. It’s a great time to be a Hokie in the Atlantic Coast Conference! Go Hokies,

Senior Director ofLu Development Merritt for Intercollegiate Athletics

hokieclub.com 7 www.hokieclub.com 7 8 Inside Hokie Sports by news & notes Jimmy Robertson Drager applying for Rhodes Scholarship Hopper, Acree change positions Tech tight end Chris Drager confirmed at Tech’s Drager, who got his un- Football Media Day that he was submitting his applica- dergrad degree in human Tech’s staff moved James Hop- tion for the Rhodes Scholarship. The prestigious schol- foods, nutrition and exer- per, a 5-9, 180-pound redshirt arship allows students to take postgraduate courses at cise and is now working on sophomore from Fayetteville, N.C., renowned Oxford University in England for anywhere his master’s, must submit a from tailback to free safety short- from one to three years. Only 32 students in the United resumé, eight letters of rec- ly before fall practice started to States are awarded this scholarship each year. ommendation from people add depth to that position. The “Christina McIntyre [associate director of Tech’s who know him well (five move marks the second in less University Honors Program] contacted me last spring must be professors) and a than six months for Hopper, who and said I had the potential to be a good candidate,” 1,000-word personal essay to was moved from rover to tailback Drager said. “Right away, I wanted to do it. I was kind Tech by Aug. 25. Then he inter- before the start of spring practice. of surprised because I didn’t put myself up there to get views with a committee, which Hopper played in 12 games and re- that award. Then football started up and I started grad decides whether to send his ap- corded 10 tackles a year ago. school and I didn’t have time. Then the summer came plication to Oxford. The officials Chris Also, the staff moved Nick Acree Drager and I had some free time, so I figured I might as well at Oxford then make a decision by from defensive tackle to the of- do something and applied for it.” Thanksgiving. fensive line at his request. The 6-5, 278-pound redshirt fresh- man from King William, Va., felt he was a better fit on the offensive DeChristopher to miss 2-4 weeks line, and the coaches granted his Four-year starting offense tackle Blake DeChristopher played in four games a year ago, request. is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a strained pectoral while Via, hampered while recovering muscle after injuring himself while performing the bench from a torn ACL, played in six. Via, press in the weight room a week before fall practice though, has starting experience, Tech to face Alabama in 2013 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game started. DeChristopher, a 6-foot-5, 311-pound redshirt having started three games at center senior, earned second-team All-ACC honors a year ago as a redshirt freshman following an Alabama and Virginia Tech will while starting all 14 games. He leads all of Tech’s offensive injury to Beau Warren. open the 2013 college football sea- linemen with 37 career starts. “They need reps, and Blake son in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game His status for the season opener against Appalachian knows what to do,” offensive line in Atlanta. State is unclear, but he anticipates playing. coach Curt Newsome said. “It’s The game will be a rematch of the “I think 2-4 weeks is pretty accurate, with the way I feel a long season. We think he’ll be 2009 season opener. In that one, right now,” he said. “As of right now, I feel a lot better. I back for the first game, so let the No. 5 Crimson Tide downed the think I will be back, but I’m going to be smart and not do those other guys get some reps. No. 7 Hokies 34-24 on their way to anything stupid and hurt it even more. This is a big year for Blake doesn’t have to get all the the national championship. me and this team, and I’m not going to do anything stupid preseason bumps and bruises. The game is expected to air in by re-injuring it.” Plus, we need to find out who is prime time on either ABC or ESPN. Blake DeChristopher Vinston Painter, a 6-6, 303-pound redshirt junior, going in for Blake during a game. I Tickets to the game will be evenly and Michael Via, 6-7, 292-pound redshirt junior, are hate that Blake is hurt, but I don’t think this is going to split between the two teams, creat- competing for reps until DeChristopher returns. Painter hurt our football team.” ing a true neutral-site game.

inside.hokiesports.com 9 10 Inside Hokie Sports editor’s desk | by Jimmy Robertson Lots of things have changed over 25 years, but Frank Beamer isn’t one of them

Tech’s new running backs coach remem- year-old locker room rates second to none. Tech started out the season with high expecta- bers when times weren’t this good for Virginia Assistants have come and gone in that time, tions, but an 0-2 record. The Hokies then won Tech’s football program. He remembers once though Bud Foster and Bryan Stinespring have out, beating Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Last year, when a rude fan called the Beamer home, and been here for nearly the duration. Rickey Bus- Tech started out the season with high expecta- his sister answered and dealt with a tirade that tle left to be a head coach, J.B. Grimes depart- tions, but an 0-2 mark. The Hokies went on to left her in tears. He remembers seeing his dad, ed to be closer to home, and Todd Grantham win the ACC title and went to the Orange Bowl. stumbling through the throes of what ultimate- and Kevin Rogers went to the NFL, to cite ex- “There was no panic,” Foster said. “He told ly would be a 2-8-1 season, walk through the amples. us we were good coaches and we have a good door each evening, looking tired and haggard. Players have left and then came back. Tech’s formula for success here. We just had to get But Shane Beamer never wondered whether current staff features five assistants who played the right players and let them learn from their tough times would change his father. for Beamer – Bud Foster, Charley Wiles, Torri- mistakes and we were going to be fine. That “He was like he is now,” Shane said. “It’s an Gray, Cornell Brown, and of course, Shane. was comforting and showed a lot of confidence the truth. I was in high school. When he The current graduate assistants include former in us. That’s what a leader of an organization came home, he was dad. It wasn’t like he was players John Candelas, Jimmy Martin and does.” screaming and yelling and bringing his frustra- Orion Martin. Hopefully, fans appreciate conference tions home with him. You knew how hard he There have been three athletics directors at championships, bowl bids (18 straight) and was working, and you knew how much it hurt Tech in Beamer’s tenure – one who hired him, bowl wins (8). Just consider the plights of ACC that they couldn’t get over the hump. But when one who kept him during the rough times and brethren Clemson and North Carolina, both he came home, he was the same guy, the same one smart enough to make sure he never left. on their fifth coach since Beamer started. The dad, whether times were successful or difficult. There also have been four university presi- Tech program, his program, is in fine shape, “He was that way in 1992 and nothing has dents. both for this season and in the long run, so changed.” “The thing you realize is that I’ve been very there should be more glory in the future. On Sept. 3, Frank Beamer begins his 25th fortunate,” Beamer said. “I was fortunate to Frank Beamer’s enjoyed unprecedented season as the head coach at Virginia Tech, and have the administration that I had when I first success at Tech. And the length of his tenure times certainly have changed. After winning began. I don’t know if a guy would survive if he also may become unprecedented, given today’s just 24 games in his first six seasons, Beamer had the same record I had when I first started college football climate. and the Hokies have won at least 10 games out here. To see the place change and to see the “Coach [Steve] Spurrier [South Carolina in each of the past six seasons, and his silver facilities change and to be with as many good head coach] always said 10-11 years was long anniversary team – the 2011 Hokies – appear coaches and as many good players … I’ve just enough to stay at one place,” Shane said. poised to continue that streak, with a talented been a fortunate person. I very much realize “Whether that’s true or not, it’s a different time roster and a nicely constructed schedule. that.” now. Other things have changed, too. Lane Sta- Even with all the changes, he’s never “You may see a situation like that [a coach dium looks like a football palace. The complex changed. Beamer’s best trait may be his uncan- staying at one school for a long time] in the fu- features immaculate practice fields, and the ny ability to remain calm in a storm. In 1995, ture, but I’d be surprised if there was.”

inside.hokiesports.com 11 kroger roth report | by Bill Roth Despite some large losses of talent, head coach Frank Beamer’s 25th Tech team will look like many of his past squads

You don’t have to spend much time watch- ing the 2011 Virginia Tech football team prac- tice to understand why there’s so much opti- mism surrounding this ball club. Yes, the Hokies suffered some tremendous personnel losses from their 2010 ACC champi- onship team. Gone are Tyrod Taylor and tail- backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans, who each departed Blacksburg early for the NFL. The team graduated both its all-conference kicker and punter, and cornerback Rock Car- michael is with the Houston Texans. And that’s just a sampling of missing names and faces. Despite those losses, Frank Beamer’s 25th Virginia Tech team looks much like most of his recent squads – lots of talent, tremendous speed, outstanding character and off-the- charts skill at many positions. As a result, the Hokies find themselves ranked in the preseason top-20 for the seventh straight year and the runaway favorites in the ACC’s Coastal Division … again. There’s much to get into heading into this season, so let’s look at some major storylines.

Logan Thomas at quarterback Jarrett Boykin, who is on the verge Much of the preseason talk about the Hokies of breaking two receiving records at centers on Thomas, who replaces Taylor at the Tech, will be a key weapon in 2011. most vital position. The redshirt sophomore has attempted just 26 career passes. In fact, he’s caught more touchdowns (one) than he’s Mike O’Cain agreed. “But Logan is further ity and a lot of leeway in what we did offensive- thrown (zero) during his career. along now than Tyrod was when we threw him ly, and Logan saw that and learned from that. Taylor, though was a proven, experienced in there (in 2007) in his first year. Logan red- We’re not going to throw quite that much on quarterback. Thomas, at present, is neither. shirted and got to be around our program and him, obviously. We want him out there play- “No, he’s not,” Tech quarterbacks coach at our meetings. We gave Tyrod a lot of author- ing, not thinking, but he’s seen what we do

12 Inside Hokie Sports kroger roth report | by Bill Roth throughout a game and throughout a season.” sational ends, and the Hopkins brothers are solid O’Cain says Thomas can make all the throws, tackles. Bruce Taylor has the look of a big-time has a big-league arm and will be able to throw linebacker, Jeron Gouveia-Winslow is a totally more passes over the middle than previous Tech different player from last year, and the secondary quarterbacks because of his height (6-foot-6). is star-studded. But after that first group? “But what I want to see is his game manage- “We’re going to have a lot of first-year players ment,” O’Cain said. “How does he get the team in out there, which is similar to last year,” defen- and out of the huddle? How does he handle the sive coordinator Bud Foster said. “We have self- crowd? How will he handle both the good and the motivated kids with a lot of athletic ability and bad? physically much different than last year (when “The key for any quarterback is not to get the Hokies finished eighth in the ACC in total de- caught up in a good play and be also able to play fense, allowing 361.5 yards per game). But depth through a bad one. I call it poise. It’s all about at tackle and end is a concern, and depth at safety game management. All those things are unknown is a major issue right now.” with Logan because we can’t simulate any of this The Hokies moved James Hopper back to in practice. You don’t really know any of these safety after he spent the spring at tailback. He’ll things until you get a young quarterback out be providing depth to Eddie Whitley. Freshman there in a game situation.” Boye Aromire is listed as the backup to Antone Exum at rover, but nothing is set in stone. What O’Cain wants to see “We’ve got to find some people who can play. O’Cain shared that he wants his quarterback to Who is our rover?” Foster asked. be poised and efficient, and doesn’t get caught up Another issue here is leadership. The Hokies in rotisserie-league statistics. have just four seniors on their defense and just “I’m not worried about passing yards or one senior starter (Whitley). touchdowns,” O’Cain said. “Those stats are a by-product of a system and don’t necessarily Boykin leads deep, experienced tell you how good a quarterback is. Same with receiving corps that touchdown-to-interception ratio stat. That The Hokies may have lost their all-league doesn’t tell me much about a quarterback either. quarterback, but they return nearly the entire In my mind, touchdown passes are a by-product receiving unit, including Jarrett Boykin, who of a system. Interceptions, on the other hand, are should become Tech’s all-time leading receiver the responsibility of the quarterback.” early this year. Entering 2011, Boykin has 123 What numbers does O’Cain feel serve as an ac- career receptions, which ranks second in school curate barometer for a quarterback? history to Ernest Wilford (126). And his 2,123 “The two numbers that I think are the best receiving yards is third in Tech history behind gauge are completion percentage and a low num- Ricky Scales (2,272) and Antonio Freeman ber of interceptions,” he said. “If a quarterback is (2,207). That means Boykin should break both completing a high percentage of his passes and records in September. throwing a low percentage of interceptions, that “I think he’s a great fit for our program,” means two things. First, he’s probably an accu- Beamer said of Boykin. “He’s doesn’t say much, rate passer. And secondly, he’s a guy who makes but he’s productive.” good decisions.” When you throw Boykin in with Danny Coale, Accurate passers who make good decisions Dyrell Roberts, Marcus Davis and D.J. Coles, you usually win games. Here’s a look at Tech quarter- have a group that combined for 135 receptions backs under O’Cain since the Hokies joined the and 13 touchdowns last year. ACC: Kicker Year Primary QB Compl. % TDs INTs During the past two seasons, that’s a total of 2006 Sean Glennon 56.0 17 10 28 games, the Hokies missed just four field-goal 2007 Sean Glennon 60.9 12 5 attempts. Last year, Chris Hazley was 21 of 22, 2008 Tyrod Taylor 57.2 2 7 and during the 2009 season, Matt Waldron was 2009 Tyrod Taylor 56.0 13 5 20 of 23. That’s just absolutely remarkable. The 2010 Tyrod Taylor 59.7 24 5 five years before Waldron, Tech kickers Dustin Keys (23 of 29), Jud Dunlevy (21 of 26) and Bran- Tech won at least 10 games in each of those don Pace (58 of 68) were just tremendous. Which seasons, and the Hokies led the ACC in passing leads us to Cody Journell, Tech’s 2011 kicker. efficiency in each of the past two seasons. O’Cain Journell was a high school All-American at hopes Thomas can continue that trend this fall. Giles High, but has yet to attempt a kick in a col- lege game. He has come back from injuries and Depth on defense appears to be 100 percent healthy this fall. Will After watching practice for a while this August, the Hokies be counting on a 20-year-old kid it’s clear the Hokies have some really nice players who’s never played in a college game to be clutch on defense. James Gayle and J.R. Collins are sen- in a big way this year? You betcha!

inside.hokiesports.com 13 compliance corner | by Jimmy Robertson

Keeping up with Compliance The compliance corner answers questions concerning the governance of intercollegiate athletics and its impact on our athletics department. Have a question? Please send it to [email protected] and we’ll answer it in upcoming issues.

Now, here are a couple of questions that we’ve TP: “Simply interacting with a current or for- Q: Just a random question concerning received from Tech alums and fans over the mer student-athlete via a social website is not a drug testing. What if a student-athlete past few months, with responses from Tim problem. However, posting in any public forum tests positive for a banned substance Parker, Associate AD for Compliance: on the social media site of a prospective student- and it turns out to be medication that a athlete (e.g. high school or junior college athlete) doctor prescribed? Would the student- Q: What exactly can a coach do on an is problematic, if the content of the posting in- athlete be punished in this scenario? unofficial visit? I read where LSU got volves any language related to recruitment or any - Torye in Statesboro, Ga. dinged by the NCAA when an assistant solicitation of that prospect’s athletics services on coach provided transportation and lodg- behalf of the college/university that you support.” ing for a recruit. Is this not permissible TP: “No. The NCAA rules do recognize a le- for unofficial visits? Thanks! gitimate need for certain banned substances and - Jerry in Blacksburg Q: I’m hearing that Mike Gentry [Tech’s exception procedures do exist. Keep in mind, associate AD for sport performance] though, that a prescription does not guarantee TP: “Transportation is permissible, but with isn’t allowed to discuss the Hokies’ off- that a banned substance is okay to use.” conditions. A coach may provide transporta- season testing results at Tech’s annual tion on an unofficial visit if he or she is driving media day. What is the NCAA’s logic be- Q: What exactly is academic fraud? You the prospective student-athlete and/or his par- hind not allowing this? This is ridiculous. keep hearing more and more about that ents to see off-campus practice and competi- - Marla in Gainesville, Fla. these days (e.g. North Carolina), and it tion sites in the prospect’s sport, or any other seems to be a growing problem in col- school facilities located within a 30-mile radi- TP: “The NCAA rules permit strength and lege athletics. Thanks. us of campus. Also, a coach can provide three conditioning staffs to design and conduct sum- - Cindy in Blacksburg game tickets to an athletics contest. mer workout programs for student-athletes, “But other than that, no member of the but these summer workouts are still technically TP: “Academic fraud includes many types of coaching staff or the athletics department can voluntary. Student-athletes cannot be required activities, but generally involves cheating. This provide transportation, lodging or anything to attend the voluntary workout, and no infor- could be cheating off a classmate’s work or else for a prospective student-athlete on an un- mation can be reported back to the coaching having someone else write a paper for you and official visit. This is the primary way in which staff related to the student-athletes’ participa- turning it in as your own. unofficial visits differ from official visits.” tion in the workouts. The goal is to prevent stu- “Whenever academic fraud involves a staff dent-athletes from being indirectly ‘required’ member or employee of the university (e.g. tu- Q: More and more student-athletes to practice and train year round, while also giv- tor), NCAA bylaw 10.1-(b) comes into play. The are joining Twitter and posting random ing those who want to work out in the summer penalties for violating this bylaw are very severe, thoughts. Is it a violation for me to con- the option of doing so. But coaches – and the starting with permanent competitive ineligibil- tact a student-athlete using Twitter? public – aren’t allowed to know anything about ity. So student-athletes need to be aware of the - Brent in Blacksburg these workouts, hence, the no-publicity rule.” consequences before going down that road.”

14 Inside Hokie Sports inside.hokiesports.com 15 Q & A | with Jim Weaver

Tech AD optimistic about Hokies’ future in spite of ever-changing landscape

by Jimmy Robertson

Virginia Tech is entering its seventh year as with the first one [e.g. ESPN Gameday] and meetings last year, and for all intents and pur- a member of the ACC, and the landscape of col- the enthusiasm around the game was good. poses, the AD’s voted to take that off the table. lege athletics continues to change. The ques- But I’m not one who wants to keep going to We’re not actively pursuing that. Some teams tion remains how will this impact Virginia Tech neutral-site games. I want our fans to be able would be playing five conference games at going forward. Tech AD Jim Weaver sat down to have as many opportunities to see us play home in a given year, while others would be and graciously answered questions concerning in Blacksburg as we can because they’re buy- playing four. To be honest, a lot of the head many different topics. ing season tickets, club seats, suites, etc. I want coaches didn’t like that. them to have the opportunity to use those.” “We talked about the “buy” games because Q: What progress is being made on the guarantees are getting so expensive. But it’s the building of a new field house next Q: What’s the latest with football not to the point yet where we’re willing to go to to the football locker room? scheduling? You need a game next nine conference games.” year, correct? JW: “We’re getting ready to move on that Q: What led to the decision to perform and start a fundraising campaign. We’re get- JW: “Yes, we’re looking for a I-AA because another re-seating of Lane Stadium? ting a publication printed, so that when we get we don’t have one scheduled. We were sup- after it here in the next six weeks, I would think posed to play East Carolina in 2012 and 2013, JW: “When we did the first re-seating, we we’d start our active campaign in concert with but when we got the invite to play Alabama, said we were going to re-seat in no less than the start of the football season. We don’t have a I called Terry Holland [ECU AD] to see if we five years and no more than seven years, so timetable set as to when we’d like to start con- could do anything and we agreed not to play in we’re keeping our word. There are a lot of do- struction or when we’d like to have it done, but 2012 and 2013, but we are going to push those nors who have given us gifts with the under- we have an idea as to what we’d like built and games back to 2016-17. Having said that, they standing that they’re going to have a chance to we’re moving forward with that idea.” had an opportunity or two that they wanted to get better seats. So we feel that re-seating is the look at, so we worked together on that. proper thing to do, and we have a committee Q: How did the arrangement with “Other than looking for a game for next year, that is working diligently on that. Alabama come about [2013 Chick- we’re scheduled out through 2015, and we’re “I don’t have any concerns about our pro- fil-A Kickoff Game], and what are looking at adding a MAC opponent in 2016. cess. I think our process will be better than your thoughts on all these neutral- I’m waiting for the contract on that one before what we had in place the last time, and we had site games? I say anything, but that fits with our scheduling very few, if any, problems the last time and re- philosophy. We want to schedule a major in- ceived compliments from sister institutions in JW: “Last fall, Gary Stokan [president of the stitution like Ohio State (2014-15), Wisconsin the way we went about it the last time.” Chick-fil-A Bowl] approached me and said that (2016-17) and Pittsburgh (2012-13), which are they would like for us to consider coming back on our future schedules, and then fill in with I- Q: How concerned are you, like most and playing Alabama. The new College Football AA’s and teams from the MAC and Conference AD’s, about selling tickets to bowl Hall of Fame is going to be opening and run USA (e.g. Marshall, ECU).” games? by the Chick-fil-A people, and Frank [Beamer] and I felt honored that they wanted Virginia Q: Do you see any movement to play- JW: “Very. The secondary ticket market is Tech and Alabama to play in that special game ing nine ACC games and getting rid of killing everyone right now. Our people have in conjunction with the new Hall of Fame. a non-conference game? been such terrific followers to bowls and away “I do like neutral-site games when it’s the games. But go back to the one Orange Bowl a right thing to do. The kinds of exposure we got JW: “We discussed that at two or three ACC few years ago when the Orange Bowl was go-

16 Inside Hokie Sports Q & A | with Jim Weaver ing to host the national championship the week the same issue as paying them [student-ath- there are 20 schools that are operating in the after. They [Orange Bowl officials] mandated letes] the cost of attendance. If that’s the case, black (actually 22) – and we’re one of them. If that people who bought tickets to the cham- then there’s equity within your department and they’re already in the red, how are they going pionship game also had to buy tickets to the it’s not going to be as costly because not every to afford to make headway toward operating in Orange Bowl. So a lot of those people had no student-athlete is on full scholarship – some the black?” interest in the Orange Bowl and were selling get a percentage of a scholarship. I think in- those tickets and parking passes at tremen- creasing the value of a scholarship might be a Q: A story came out recently in The dously reduced rates. That killed us. way to do it without getting into all the other Washington Post about the financial “It’s an issue, and we’ve talked about it a lot. issues that may come into play.” problems in Maryland’s athletics But I’m not sure what can be done. Different department. How is this department things have been tried, but without a lot of suc- Q: So you wouldn’t be for paying financially looking ahead to the next cess. I don’t know what the answer is. That’s a student-athletes a set rate of $100 or several years? wait-and-see deal.” $200 a month or whatever the number might be? JW: “I think we’re as solid as any schools Q: What do you think of all the chatter that have been operating in the black. We’ve in regards to paying student-athletes? JW: “I would not. I still believe that the ama- been operating in the black for as long as I’ve teurism issue should be in effect. There are a lot been here. We’re proud of that fact. We have JW: “The reason this is a hot topic is that of young men and women on scholarship who a requirement from the state that you have to a lot of these young people don’t have spend- go through college and get some Pell money or have 22 percent of your operating budget in ing money, and you’re hearing more and more get some NCAA assistance money or they work reserve, and we fulfill that obligation. We have about expanding scholarship dollars to cover a little in the summer, and they still graduate the lowest student fees among the schools in the “cost of attendance,” which means not only and they’re okay. I’m not for paying college the state, and we’re still on solid ground. giving money for tuition, fees, books, etc., but athletes. I am for having as many opportunities “The most important reason we’re in the also for personal expenses. available for our young people to get resources black is that we have a fan base called Hokie “The problem with doing that is that if you such as the Pell money and the NCAA special Nation that loves this university and supports don’t pay that for everyone, you have a poten- assistance money. this university and buys football and basketball tial Title IX issue. Now, if I understood what “If we start paying people, and let’s just say tickets, which it takes to operate the enterprise. [ACC commissioner] John Swofford said, he it’s $100 a month as a hypothetical, then peo- They also give of their resources to help us would like to pursue increasing the value of the ple will say that won’t be enough. There’s no build facilities. Without them, we would have scholarship, and I don’t think it’s necessarily end to it, and remember, in this day and age, a hard time.”

inside.hokiesports.com 17 feature | frank beamer

Baughman makes bold move during his brief time at Tech by Jimmy Robertson

Toward the end of 1986, the Virginia Tech with university administrators over an investi- athletics department was a tumultuous place gation into the school’s men’s basketball pro- to be – and this was following a great football gram. But he made a decision in that brief time season that ended with a thrilling Peach Bowl span that propelled Virginia Tech into a national victory over N.C. State. football powerhouse going on two decades now. The department was transitioning to a new “No way I could have imagined it,” said athletics director and a new football coach, as Baughman, who now serves as the executive Bill Dooley, who served both roles, resigned ear- director of the Division I-A Athletic Directors’ lier in the season – he said he was fired – after Association. “I would not be telling the truth if university officials wanted to split his coaching I said I could.” and AD roles. Other issues at the time included Baughman hired a little known football an NCAA investigation into Tech’s football pro- coach from Murray State named Frank Beamer gram, the lack of a conference home for all its to head Tech’s football program following Dool- sports, and a lack of revenue. ey’s departure. Interestingly, Beamer wasn’t But one person wanted to take on the chal- necessarily Baughman’s first choice. lenges. To backtrack a little, Baughman got the job “What you described is precisely why I took on Dec. 11, 1986, when then-Tech president the job,” Dale Thomas Baughman said, better William Lavery heeded the recommendation celebrating known to Tech fans as “Dutch.” “Charlie Moir of his 23-member search committee and hired [the Tech men’s basketball coach at the time] Baughman to take over the AD’s job. Baugh- 25 YEARS man, one of 96 applicants for the position, had was a very good friend and helped me under- This is the first in a series of stories stand what was needed. Anybody can take an been working for the Southwest Conference for that looks back at head coach Frank AD position when everything is working just three years prior to taking the Tech job, and be- Beamer’s 24 years as the head man right, but frankly, that never happens. There fore that, he worked as the AD at Furman from is always a reason why a position is open, and 1979-83. of Tech’s football program. To begin, there is always something that needs to be fixed. Baughman combined a tough, disciplined we look back at the circumstances “The other intangibles, such as the people approach honed from spending three years in that led to his hiring – and the man involved, the institutional leadership, the mis- the Marines and from also serving as a graduate who made it happen. sion of the institution, etc., are all compelling assistant football coach under legendary Woody reasons.” Hayes at Ohio State, with a softer side that put Dutch Baughman’s tenure at Tech lasted less integrity and the welfare of student-athletes than six months – he resigned following a rift first. His handlebar mustache, trademark cow-

18 Inside Hokie Sports feature | frank beamer boy boots and cheery disposition helped him Typical of a Marine captain, Baughman went win over the committee. into the Virginia Tech coaching search with a But to win over the Tech fan base, he needed plan and a set of criteria. He wanted someone to hire a quality football coach – and quickly. who had core values that he would not devi- “I had to move swiftly, but not hastily,” ate from, and he wanted someone who could Baughman said. stand in front of faculty, alumni, students or Baughman’s top choice was Bobby Ross, who media and represent the university well. And he had resigned as the head coach at Maryland wanted someone who shared the same values as following that season. Baughman met Ross in he did because the two of them needed to work Richmond to discuss the Tech job, but Ross together and be compatible with the mission of thought it too soon to jump back into coaching. the institution. He recommended a former assistant coach of “The more I knew of Frank, he met each one his from when he served as the head coach of of those,” Baughman said. “It became apparent The Citadel – Beamer. that he should be the person at Virginia Tech.” Frank Beamer “Bobby thought it was too soon to be in- Virginia Tech made it official on Dec. 23, volved, but he did tell me that his first hire 1986, by announcing the hiring of Beamer to would be Frank Beamer as his assistant head take over following the Hokies’ Peach Bowl no one could do that.” coach,” Baughman said. “I thought that was in- appearance. He inherited a solid team coming Baughman spent eight years at Oregon State teresting. I was talking to Bobby about the job, back, but the transition turned out to be a dif- as the AD after his brief tenure at Tech. Follow- and he gave his endorsement to Frank Beamer, ficult one, as Tech went 2-9 in his first season. ing his time in Corvallis, Ore., he took over as who was another person whom I was interested Making matters worse, the NCAA ultimately the executive director of the Division I-A Ath- in at the time.” punished the program, putting Tech on proba- letic Directors’ Association, where he’s been for Beamer desperately wanted to return to his tion for two years and reducing scholarships the past 15 years. alma mater. He had been the head coach at – Beamer could only sign 17 prospects in his He keeps in touch with Beamer and returns Murray State for six years and amassed four second recruiting class, eight under the NCAA to Blacksburg periodically, though he rarely an- straight winning seasons, including in 1986 limit. Plus, Baughman was gone. nounces his arrival. He stays “under the radar,” when the Racers shared the Ohio Valley Confer- Still, Beamer managed to put all that aside as he calls it, preferring to stay on the sideline ence championship and made the Division I-AA and led the Hokies to winning seasons in his during a football game and enjoy the moment. playoffs. third and fourth years. Tech just missed on a “I do that out of respect for Frank and Jim Baughman knew of Beamer’s accomplish- winning season in his fifth year and then plum- Weaver [Tech’s current AD],” Baughman said. ments and was intrigued. He met with Beam- meted to 2-8-1 in 1992, leading to speculation Baughman enjoys what he does these days, er and his wife, Cheryl, in Nashville, and then that Hokie higher-ups might make a change. impacting student-athletes’ lives across all Cheryl departed to leave the two men alone to But Dave Braine, who ultimately replaced sports while remaining in relative anonymity. talk more in depth about the job. The two men Baughman, stuck with Beamer. Tech went to And he still thinks highly of Virginia Tech and discussed the landscape of college football and the Independence Bowl the following year and southwest Virginia as a whole in spite of a brief Virginia Tech’s place in it, and also, the pending hasn’t missed one since. Beamer has guided the tenure during a difficult period in Tech athletics. NCAA ruling. program to unprecedented success, winning or “I’m so proud of that athletics department,” “We had an incredible conversation,” Baugh- sharing seven conference championships and he said. “That was a group of people who came man said. “I remember it well. There was a currently ranking as the second-winningest ac- together quickly, and I could be there so easily. level of comfort immediately. He had a passion tive coach in Division I. “I don’t regret leaving because I knew why I for Virginia Tech, and he wanted the coaching “I was convinced he could create a program was leaving and it was for the right reason. But search to go in the best way possible, not for that modeled what we had in mind,” Baughman I do regret missing out on so many great things Frank Beamer, but for Virginia Tech.” said. “But to forecast what he’s been able to do, there. I really feel like I missed out on a lot.”

inside.hokiesports.com 19 blacksburg BROTHERHOOD

by Jimmy Robertson

The Hopkins brothers, Derrick (left) and Antoine, are the latest brother tandem on Tech’s football squad and are looking forward to teaming up as starters on the Hokies’ defense this fall

20 Inside Hokie Sports Close on the field and off it, brothers Antoine (left) and Derrick Hopkins plan on shoring up Tech’s rush defense this fall.

he picture frame resembled brothers do, following the ageless adages of lot of fighting. It just wasn’t like that.” most any other in any other typical brotherhood. Most of that goes back to the firm child rais- family home in America. Brothers are best friends and the bitterest of ing of Jackie and Gary Hopkins, who raised Only this one lay shattered in rivals. They love and hate with equality. They them and the youngest son, Justin, in a nice pieces, the result of a squabble outlast marriages and survive deaths of grand- neighborhood in Highland Springs, Va. Jackie between two brothers in a wrestling ring parents and then parents, and they shake hands and Gary provided a loving home, but put up disguised as a living room. following quarrels that would sink any other with no nonsense. Their boys knew it, too, and Jackie Hopkins, the strong mother of the friendship. They knock each other down, dust never really got into trouble. two troublemakers, came into the room, saw each other off and then go drink Kool-Aid. They “No suspensions, no detentions or anything the frame and directed her anger to the oldest possess a near unbreakable bond, one that often like that,” Derrick said, going down the list. “We of the two, who, in turn, was the innocent one. lasts a lifetime. were always good. My neighborhood was a quiet Meanwhile, the youngest, the one who errantly The Hopkins brothers have been picking on, neighborhood. We were always playing basket- tossed a frozen water bottle that doomed the and picking up, each other since birth. That ball outside. You didn’t see any crime or drugs or picture frame, sat and watched, too scared to won’t change now, as the duo, now members anything like that. There weren’t any shootings challenge his mother’s authority. of the Virginia Tech football squad, join forces or robberies. It was a good neighborhood.” Remembering the moment still brings a smile as starters at the defensive tackle spots for the Gary Hopkins started his kids on a path to- to Derrick Hopkins’ face, though not because he Hokies entering the 2011 season. ward football stardom when a neighbor told him dodged his mother’s wrath that particular day These two have been practically joined at the about a recreation league team. He convinced roughly 10 years ago. hip since they came into the world. They shared them to go out for that team when Antoine was “He didn’t tell,” Derrick said. friends and played the same games, usually bas- 7 and Derrick was 5 more or less because he “He,” of course, being Antoine Hopkins, Der- ketball, with other kids in their neighborhood. wanted to see if his kids would enjoy the sport. rick’s tormentor that day and his older brother For young kids, they lived the life. They ended up playing it and have played it by 23 months. It was Antoine who willingly ac- “We were like a normal family,” Derrick said. every fall since those days. They still played bas- cepted the punishment for Derrick’s transgres- “We lived together and stayed together and sup- ketball, and Antoine actually liked it more early sion. ported each other all the way through middle on before sacrificing it as time went by. He grew “I was teasing him, and he doesn’t have very school and high school and now. It was just a out of it – literally. good aim,” Antoine said, smiling “He hit that normal life. “That was the sport I wanted to play,” he said. picture and broke it. I was the oldest, so I got “He [Antoine] picked on me a little bit, but “Then I became 6-1 and 300 pounds. I had to in trouble.” that was just being normal brothers. We didn’t put that dream out the window.” Similar stories about brothers get told on a fight or anything like that. We were close. We Most of the time, the Hopkins brothers played daily basis, so Antoine’s gracious act comes as helped each other out.” on the same team and on the defensive line next no surprise. In fact, the Hopkins brothers’ rela- “I used to tease a lot,” Antoine admitted. to each other. They became separated for a brief tionship has no surprises. They simply do what “Then once we got older, there wasn’t a whole spell when Antoine went to middle school, and

inside.hokiesports.com 21 feature | blacksburg brotherhood

then for another brief period when Antoine went “There was more food in the house,” Der- decision. “People always ask me that. I thought to Highland Springs High, while Derrick was in rick laughed. “There was more spaghetti left it was the best move for me. It wasn’t like that, middle school. But eventually, the two of them or a few more pieces of chicken. When he was but people try to make it like that.” became standouts at Highland Springs. there, there would be none left. Then he left, and Last season, the two of them were reunited, Following a senior year in which he record- there’d be three or four pieces left and I’d clean both on the field and off it. Derrick played as a ed 61 tackles, including 19 for a loss, and three it up. true freshman, seeing action in 13 games and sacks, Antoine earned first-team All-Met honors “But nah, it wasn’t that much different. I’m recording nine tackles, including 1.5 for a loss. by The Richmond Times-Dispatch and second- my own person. I had my own friends. There Antoine started in 12 games last season as a team All-Group AAA honors. He was one of the wasn’t much of a difference at all.” redshirt sophomore, taking advantage of a sea- top prospects in the state of Virginia and re- Derrick got the best of his big brother in the son-ending knee injury to Kwamaine Battle. He ceived multiple scholarship offers. He ultimate- awards category. He recorded 59 tackles, in- finished with 45 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, ly chose to attend Virginia Tech. cluding 13 for a loss, his senior season, and was and two sacks. “It was close to home,” he said. “I wasn’t going named the Capital District defensive player of Antoine retained his starting job coming too far away from home. It’s as simple as that. If the year. He earned first-team All-Group AAA out of spring practice, and Derrick joined him, anything happens [in Highland Springs], it’s not honors and became one of the top 15 prospects winning the spot vacated with John Graves’ that far away. It was a good situation here, too. in Virginia. departure. Derrick, whom defensive line coach I had a chance to play early. This was a good op- Most assumed Derrick would follow Antoine Charley Wiles called “unblockable” this spring, portunity for me.” to Virginia Tech. But Derrick remained open- appears poised for a great season after being Antoine’s departure left Derrick to fend for minded in the process. He considered other named the top newcomer on defense coming himself. For the first time, Derrick’s big brother schools, including Georgia, which made him an out of spring practice. He continues to push his wasn’t in the house or hanging out with him at offer. In the end, though, he chose Tech, and the older brother and may surpass him as the best school or lined up next to him on the football Hopkins brothers became yet another brother player in the family. field. It made for somewhat of a strange period. tandem to come to Blacksburg, joining the likes “I don’t get caught up in all that,” Antoine But brothers often like to be their own per- of Beau, Brett and Blake Warren; Jonathan and said. “My job is to be the older brother and play sons. Derrick quickly adjusted and liked his new- Kevin Lewis; Nekos and Wiley Brown; Chad and my game. I want to be a better player, but I don’t found freedom as the oldest child in the house. Cody Grimm; Kyle, Corey and Vinnie Fuller; want him to be a lesser player than me. And our Plus, there was an added benefit to Antoine’s and others. younger brother, hopefully he’ll be better than leaving. “It wasn’t a given,” Derrick said of his college both of us. That’s the whole game plan.”

22 Inside Hokie Sports “We’re a close family,” Derrick said. “If some- the hopkins, head to head one says he did better than Derrick at this or Are you more like your mom or dad? Who is the better dancer? Derrick was better than Antoine at this, then I am. I take after my we’d congratulate each other. There’s no jeal- Derrick | I’m more like my Derrick | mom. She loves to dance. My ousy in the family.” mom. He’s more like my dad. brothers take after my dad. Both of them need to be great players for the They can’t dance. Antoine | I take after my dad, Hokies in 2011. Tech lacks depth at the defen- but I think I have some traits of Antoine | He is. I can’t dance at sive tackle positions, but perhaps more impor- my mother’s. all. I have no rhythm. tantly, the Hokies need to become a little firmer up front. A year ago, Tech’s defense gave up an average of 4.7 yards per carry – the worst in Bud Okay, then who is more outgoing? Who is better at video games? Foster’s 16-year tenure as defensive coordina- Derrick | He is. I’m not really tor. shy, but I like to keep to myself Derrick | He’s better at COD [Call of Duty]. If we play Madden or a “No question, those two are ultra critical sometimes. sports game, then I am. for us,” Wiles said. “We need for some defen- Antoine | He’s a little more of a sive tackles to step up, but Derrick and Hop partier. I’m more laid back. Antoine | COD, that’s me. I’m not that good, but I don’t think [Antoine] separated themselves this spring he’s that good either. and they only helped themselves this summer. They’ve been playing and working at an elite Who is more patient? Who is the better basketball player? level and that needs to continue.” Derrick | Oh, I am. We’ll be They possess bright futures off the field as around my little brother and Derrick | He is. well. Derrick plans on using his math skills to try to teach him something, become an accountant, while Antoine, a human and he’ll [Antoine] get frustrated with him. I’ll stick development major, is a whiz at computers. He with him [Justin] a little longer Antoine | I am. All day. has the ability to dismantle a computer and than he would. quickly put it back together, following along the lines of his father, who does the same thing in Antoine | I’m more patient. I his profession. Antoine wants to follow in Gary’s love kids. I worked at a daycare Future plans (excluding football)? this spring. I’m laid back. You footsteps, except he wants to run the business. could put me in a room with Derrick | I’ll probably be an For now, though, the immediate concern is 20 kids, and I’d be laid back. accountant. teaming up on the field again, just like they’ve done so many times in the past, and helping the Antoine | Hopefully, I’ll get this Hokies win another ACC crown. Who is the better student? computer business started up “The older you get, the more you realize and have that running. I have Derrick | I am. a friend in Richmond who I that a lot of people don’t get to play with their may go into business with. I’m brother,” Antoine said. “There’s stuff you could going to get my degree and say in a whole paragraph, but I can look at him Antoine | He is. I’m taking as many computer and nod and he’d know exactly what I’d mean. classes as I can. I’ll get my We know each other, and we know what’s on the certifications. That’s the plan. table.”

inside.hokiesports.com 23 football preview | quarterbacks Thomas assumes the helm for the Hokies by Jimmy Robertson

As if Logan Thomas didn’t Taylor, who won 34 games in his have enough to worry about four-year career. Thomas played in replacing the all-time win- in seven games as a backup last 2011 quarterbacks ningest quarterback in Virginia season, completing 12-of-26 Tech history, he also faces the for 107 yards. His best moment Quarterbacks inevitable comparisons to a guy came in the Miami game when, 3 Logan Thomas who recently won a Heisman with Taylor shaken up and hav- (6-6, 254, r-Soph.) Trophy and a national champi- ing to come out for a play, he 12 Ju-Ju Clayton onship. completed a 24-yard pass on (6-1, 225, r-Jr.) Mostly because of his size and a third-and-16 play. Tech later 6 Mark Leal (6-0, 209, r-Fr.) running ability, Thomas gets scored on the drive and went on 16 Trey Gresh compared to former Auburn to win, but Thomas wants to be (6-1, 205, r-Fr.) quarterback Cam Newton, who remembered for more. 5 Ricardo Young led the Tigers to the national ti- “That’s not what I want my (6-0, 178, r-Fr.) tle last January and who won the career to be defined as whatso- Heisman Trophy. As the 2011 ever,” he said. “It was a great A QUICK GLANCE season approaches, he hopes his first play to put me on the scene, Returning starters: none season follows a similar path as but I’m ready to make a name Starter lost: Tyrod Taylor (42 career Newton’s 2010 campaign. for myself in another respect starts) “I take it as a blessing,” other than that.” Projected new starter: Logan Thomas Ju-Ju Clayton, Mark Leal Thomas said of the comparison. Ju-Ju Clayton and Mark Top reserves: Newcomers: Leal, Trey Gresh, Ricardo “He’s doing what he wants to Leal serve as the top backups Young do. He was the No. 1 pick in the to Thomas. Leal continues to Breakout candidate: Thomas draft, won the national champi- push the more experienced Notes: Thomas was named the Hokies’ onship, won the Heisman, and Clayton for the job, but clearly top offensive performer coming out of he’s the type of player I want to Tech’s success in 2011 hinges on spring practice … Clayton played in five be. That’s a dream and a goal. Thomas. games behind Taylor in 2009, but did not My dream is the national cham- “It’s an opportunity, and I’m play a snap during the 2010 season … Young pionship. I don’t care about the blessed to have this opportu- missed nearly all of spring practice with a Heisman. Of course, you want nity,” Thomas said. “God has foot injury, but should be 100 percent for this Logan season. Thomas it, but it’s a team game. It’s not put me in this situation that he an individual game, and I want wants me in to use me, and I’m to be known as a person who led pretty excited for my time to his team to victory.” come. Hopefully the season will Thomas takes over for Tyrod go well.”

24 Inside Hokie Sports football preview | running backs Oglesby excited for the opportunity to show his talent by Jimmy Robertson

Josh Oglesby readily admits that he’s a big fan of Twitter, and he would be the first to ad- mit that his volume of “tweeting” has increased over the summer. But that tends to happen 2011 running backs when some of your best friends, guys like Ty- rod Taylor, Ryan Williams and Darren Evans, Tailbacks for the past four years depart, and you find that 4 David Wilson (5-10, 205, Jr.) 2 Josh Oglesby (5-11, 218, r-Sr. certain forms of social media best keep you in 22 Tony Gregory (6-0, 190, r-Soph.) touch. 14 Dominique Patterson (6-2, 236, r-Fr.) Interestingly, not seeing those guys – well, at least in the case of Evans and Williams – works Fullbacks in Oglesby’s advantage as the 2011 season ap- 45 Joey Phillips (5-11, 221, r-Jr.) proaches. Their departures removed a couple 25 Martin Scales (5-11, 207, r-Jr.) of impediments in the logjam at the tailback 32 Riley Beiro (5-9, 221, r-Fr.) position, and Oglesby, a fifth-year senior, finds himself with the opportunity he’s long coveted. A QUICK GLANCE “I’m very excited,” Oglesby said of the ap- Returning starters: none Starters lost: Darren Evans (18 proaching season. “I finally have a legitimate career starts), Ryan Williams (18), chance to showcase my skills, and I’m also Josh Oglesby (moved to TB) excited about the group of players we have. I Projected new starters: David think this team has a chance to be something Wilson, Joey Phillips special.” Top reserves: Josh Oglesby, Tony David Wilson and Oglesby head into the Gregory season as the new tandem at the position and Newcomer: Dominique Patterson will be counted on to replace two of the all- Breakout candidate: Wilson time best ever to play at Tech. Evans led Tech Notes: Wilson has averaged 9.3 yards with 854 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns a every time he’s touched the ball in two year ago, while Williams, missing nearly four years at Tech. … He has 2,096 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons … games with a hamstring injury, rushed for 477 He was an All-American in track, finishing yards and nine touchdowns. Williams, who set sixth in the triple jump at the NCAA’s outdoor a Tech single-season record with 1,655 yards meet in June … Gregory is back at full strength and 21 touchdowns two years ago and went Josh after tearing his ACL at UNC last season … Oglesby in the second round of this past April’s NFL Patterson was moved from whip linebacker to Draft, and Evans rushed for a combined 4,251 tailback following spring practice. yards in their careers. Wilson, who rushed for 619 yards and five touchdowns as the third tailback a year ago, displays a ton of explosive ability and figures to be the starter. Oglesby resembles Evans in that last spring], and I knew transferring would set “I had four high school teammates his strengths lie in running between the tack- me back academically. And this is a great pro- who played at South Carolina and they raved les. Oglesby also excels at catching the ball out gram. This is where I ultimately wanted to be, about him [Beamer],” Oglesby said. “When he of the backfield and in pass protection, picking so sometimes, you’ve got to give a little bit.” was at South Carolina, they would talk to him. up blitzing linebackers. Oglesby’s move to tailback opens the door They kept telling me, ‘Coach Shane is cool.’ So “Ryan and Darren had a great skill set, and for walk-ons Joey Phillips, Martin Scales and I knew he would be a great fit, and I’d have a me and David bring forth similar traits,” Ogles- Riley Beiro at fullback. In Tech’s offense, they’ll good feel for his personality. He just brought a by said. “There will be a change, but the end be used mostly in short-yardage and goal-line new life to the meeting room. result will pretty much be the same.” situations. “Coach Beamer has coached at some tre- Oglesby, who has played sparingly in his ca- All the running backs will be playing under mendous football programs, but had never re- reer, spent last season at fullback and rushed a new coach after Shane Beamer came aboard ally coached the offensive side of the ball. With just six times. He contemplated transferring last winter, taking over for Billy Hite, who that being said, his experience of coaching de- several times, but in the end, he decided to stay moved into an administrative role. Always pre- fense gave us a new look at reading defenses put. paring himself for what lies ahead, Oglesby got and knowing what the secondary is doing and “It’s tough not playing at all,” he said. “But a scouting report of the younger Beamer once blitzes that may be disguised. This has been a getting a degree was real high [he graduated the announcement occurred. great opportunity to learn new things.”

inside.hokiesports.com 25 football preview | wide receivers Tech’s receiving group gets stronger with Roberts’ return by Jimmy Robertson

Tech’s football players run 110-yard sprints often over the summer as part of their condition- ing in the Hokies’ strength and conditioning pro- 2011 wide receivers gram, and while most guys hate running those drills, at least one was gleeful to be doing so. In early November, Dyrell Roberts took a blow Split ends to his thigh during the Georgia Tech game. A few 81 Jarrett Boykin (6-2, 218, Sr.) 18 D.J. Coles (6-3, 224, Jr.) hours later, he was at Montgomery Regional 85 E.L. Smiling (6-3, 200, r-Fr.) Hospital undergoing emergency surgery for 83 Corey Fuller (6-2, 189, r-Jr.) compartment syndrome. “I was scared,” Roberts said. “Once I got home, Flankers it started throbbing and swelling up. I fell asleep, 19 Danny Coale (6-0, 200, r-Sr.) and it [his thigh] just woke me up. It was throb- 7 Marcus Davis (6-4, 228, r-Jr.) bing so bad that I had to wake my mom up – my 11 Dyrell Roberts (6-2, 196, Sr.) family comes up for games – and go to the hos- 82 Willie Byrn (5-10, 177, r-Fr.) pital. It was hurting too bad. I knew something was wrong.” A QUICK GLANCE Returning starters: Danny Coale Roberts, who had caught 21 passes (two touch- (40 career starts), Jarrett Boykin downs) up to that point, spent nearly a week in (32) the hospital and missed the rest of the season. He Starters lost: none went through a difficult rehab, but showed Tech’s Projected new starters: none sports medicine staff that he was ready to return Top reserves: Marcus Davis, to the field this fall. Still, the sports medicine staff Dyrell Roberts held him out of contact drills this spring as a pre- Newcomer: E.L. Smiling caution. Breakout candidate: Davis Now, he’s ready to go and pick up where he left Notes: Boykin should become off from last fall. Tech’s all-time leader in recep- tions and receiving yards … He “I haven’t taken a hit yet, but I feel it’s in shape needs just three catches to pass to go back to where I was,” Roberts said. “I feel Ernest Wilford in receptions like I was healed in the spring even though I (126) and 149 yards to pass Ricky wasn’t. But as far as my motion and getting my Scales in receiving yards (2,272) speed back, it felt good. They say I look faster … Boykin is only the fourth re- than what I was before. I think I had a pretty ceiver in Tech history with more good session to get my muscle back to where it than 2,000 yards receiving at was. 2,123 yards … Coale could be the “I’m looking forward to the season. The work fifth – he’s only 246 yards away that I’ve done to get it back to where it was … I from that plateau … Coale may also be the team’s punter. hope it pays off. You don’t realize how hard you can train until you have to. You’ve got to go twice as hard even when you’re hurt. Now that I’ve had a chance to work with the strength and condi- tioning staff and the trainers, I think they’ve done caught two touchdown passes in the Maroon- a great job of getting me ready.” White game. Roberts is one of many in a talented group Behind those four will be D.J. Coles, E.L. Smil- that ranks as the most experienced position on ing, Corey Fuller and Willie Byrn. Coles possesses the team. Tech’s top four receivers include three the most experiences of that quartet, having seniors in Roberts, Jarrett Boykin and Danny played in nine games a year ago. Coale and a redshirt junior in Marcus Davis. The group expects to put up big numbers this Boykin and Coale, the projected starters, com- season, but that depends on how they mesh with bined for 92 catches and 1,579 yards last season, new starting quarterback Logan Thomas. Roberts with nine touchdowns. Roberts caught 21 for 303 doesn’t feel as though there will be any drop off. yards and two scores, while Davis caught 19 for “When we first started camp last year, we were 239 yards and two scores. getting work with Logan because he was the No. Davis may be the most talented at 6-foot-4, 2 [quarterback],” Roberts said. “It’s not like we’re 231 pounds. He caught 23 passes for 297 yards brand new to each other. We’ve got a founda- and four touchdowns combined in the Hokies’ tion as to how each one of us plays and runs our scrimmages and the Maroon-White game. He routes, and things like that.”

26 Inside Hokie Sports football preview | tight ends 2011 tight ends 33 Chris Drager Drager back to his original spot and hoping (6-4, 264, r-Sr.) 86 Eric Martin to be a playmaker (6-2, 269, r-Soph.) 13 Randall Dunn by Jimmy Robertson (6-2, 228, r-Jr.) George George Not many student-athletes at the ed, but it didn’t go too badly,” he said. Then after last season, he found him- (6-4, 265, r-Jr.) elite Division I level can go from being a “I learned the plays. They [the offen- self summoned into head coach Frank starter on the defensive line one season sive staff] switched up a lot of the play Beamer’s office and knew what was A QUICK GLANCE to a starter at tight end the next season. names, so I had to re-learn that. Then coming. Returning starter: none “I like to tell people that I’m not a they started incorporating us more as “I loved playing defensive end. That’s Starter lost: Andre Smith defensive end or a tight end. I’m just an an H-back and using us as a fullback or probably my favorite position to play,” (25 career starts) athlete,” Chris Drager joked. in the ‘off’ position [off the line of scrim- Drager said. “But I think I’m better at Projected new starter: All jokes aside, Drager figures to be a mage]. That was somewhat different tight end. I think I’ll be able to help the Chris Drager critical component to a Tech offense that than what I did my first two years. That team out more on offense.” Top reserves: Eric Martin, Randall Dunn lost playmakers at quarterback, tailback was the toughest part.” Tech needs for Drager to have a big Newcomers: Darius and tight end, where Andre Smith en- It’s not as if Drager is unproven, season in part because of the unproven Redman, Ryan Malleck joyed a tremendous season with 20 though. He played in four games at tight reserves behind him. Eric Martin came Breakout candidate: catches, including five for touchdowns. end as a true freshman and caught a out of spring as the No. 2 tight end, but Drager Smith is now gone, and Drager is the couple of passes, but a torn ACL ruined he played in nine games last season and Notes: Drager’s last catch only tight end with any hint of experi- that season, and he ended up receiving did not catch a pass. Randall Dunn was in a game came Oct. 4, ence – albeit experience that came three a medical hardship waiver. The next at No. 3 on the depth chart. He played 2008, against Western years ago. For the past two seasons, he season, he played in all 14 games at tight in seven games last season and caught Kentucky … Dunn caught worked at defensive end, including last end and caught a couple of passes. one pass. one pass for nine yards (in the Wake Forest game) season when he served as a starter. As a redshirt sophomore, he played That leaves one to believe that Drag- – the last catch by a Tech’s coaching staff decided to defensive end, as the staff moved him er will have to produce – and he hopes returning tight end … Dunn move Drager back to tight end because because of a lack of depth at that posi- he’s ready. also caught a touchdown of a lack of depth there. Despite being tion. He played well at that spot for two “I think I’ll be able to answer that better pass in one of Tech’s spring rusty, Drager won the starting job in years, with last season being his best. in a few weeks,” Drager said, looking to- scrimmages. spring practice. He recorded 34 tackles, including six ward the season opener. “Right now, there “It was a little rougher than I expect- for a loss, and two sacks. is no reason not to be confident.”

inside.hokiesports.com 27 football preview | offensive line

Andrew Miller is the lone new starter on Tech’s offensive line and will make the calls as the center. Miller ready to hold his own on a talented and experienced offensive line by Jimmy Robertson

This past winter, Andrew Miller spent his free time try- “There’s a lot of pressure, but I probably put most of ing to pin wrestler David Marone, a two-time NCAA quali- that on myself just to make sure I’m ready,” Miller said. fier at the heavyweight classification, in practices. “We’ve got all seniors except for me, so I’ve got to step up This spring, Miller pinned down the starting center job my game.” during spring football practice. He certainly took all the proper steps to prepare himself Miller, a redshirt sophomore from Bassett, Va., won for the 2011 season. First, he joined Tech’s wrestling team the only starting vacancy on Tech’s offensive line, taking back in January. A two-time state champion as a wrestler, over the role held by Beau Warren, a three-year starter. he never wrestled in a match this past season, but worked The rest of the line features four returning starters – all of out with Marone to make Marone a better wrestler. That them seniors. In fact, Tech’s starting line has accumulated also helped Miller, improving his own mobility. a total of 95 career starts, with Miller being the only one “I gave him [Marone] a bigger body to compete with,” who hasn’t started a game. Miller said. “And just getting on the mat helps my condi-

28 Inside Hokie Sports football preview | offensive line

tioning and my mobility. It’s definitely helped me be a better football player over the years.” 2011 offensive line Then, he played well in spring practice, Right tackles showing command of Tech’s offense. In fact, 62 Blake DeChristopher (6-5, 311, r-Sr.) he played so well that he received the top of- 71 Vinston Painter (6-6, 303, r-Jr.) fensive newcomer award following spring ball. Finally, he stayed at Tech for both summer Right guards sessions. He improved in all his lifts and got his 68 Jaymes Brooks (6-2, 307, r-Sr.) 64 Matt Arkema (6-3, 287, r-Fr.) weight up to 315 pounds after playing at 290 a 60 Laurence Gibson (6-6, 312, r-Fr.) year ago. “I feel good,” he said. “I’m strong, and I’m Centers getting faster. I’ve gained a lot of weight since 74 Andrew Miller (6-4, 315, r-Soph.) last year. I wasn’t this heavy last year. I’ll prob- 67 Michael Via (6-7, 292, r-Jr.) 79 Caleb Farris (6-3, 309, Fr.) ably lose some weight. During the season, I’ll 63 Bo Gentry (5-9, 262, r-Jr.) drop 10-15 pounds. I usually do.” Miller, who played 136 snaps a year ago, will Left guards be surrounded by plenty of experience to help 75 Greg Nosal (6-6, 297, r-Sr.) him out if need be. The four other senior start- 76 David Wang (6-1, 300, r-Soph.) 59 Courtney Prince (6-2, 282, r-Jr.) ers all played more than 700 snaps (offense 77 Dale Davis (6-2, 303, r-Fr.) and special teams) a year ago, with three of them playing more than 800. Left tackles On the right side, Blake DeChristopher and 72 Andrew Lanier (6-5, 306, r-Sr.) Jaymes Brooks return at tackle and guard, 54 Nick Becton (6-6, 326, r-Jr.) 69 Mark Shuman (6-7, 302, r-Fr.) respectively. DeChristopher, a second-team 58 Nick Acree (6-5, 278, r-Fr.) All-ACC selection last season who may miss the opener with a pectoral muscle injury, has A QUICK GLANCE started 37 games in his career, while Brooks Returning starters: Blake has started 28. DeChristopher (37 career starts), Jaymes Brooks (28) Greg Nosal (15), On the left side, Greg Nosal returns at Andrew Lanier (15) guard. Nosal played the most snaps of any of- Starter lost: Beau Warren (23 career fensive lineman last season – 885. To his left starts) will be Andrew Lanier, who played 707 snaps a Projected new starter: Andrew Miller year ago. Lanier stepped in when Nick Becton Top reserves: Nick Becton, Michael Via, David Wang, Vinston Painter injured his toe during preseason practice, and Newcomers: Laurence Gibson, Matt he played so well that he never allowed Becton Arkema, Mark Shuman, Nick Acree to get in the starting lineup. Breakout candidate: Miller Becton returns, giving Tech an experi- Notes: Nosal was the Hokies’ enced backup. In fact, the Hokies return sev- top grader a year ago, grading at 85 percent for the season … eral promising backups, making this one of the DeChristopher led the team with 59 deepest offensive lines in recent memory. knockdowns last season … Becton is Michael Via, who started three games at the Hokies’ most experienced reserve, center as a redshirt freshman, returns after having played 287 snaps a year ago. missing a lot of time last season with a knee injury. He’ll be the backup behind Miller, but also possesses the versatility to play tackle if The Hokies could better that number in needed. Also, guard David Wang and tackle 2011. Of course, that depends on the continued Vinston Painter return after seeing limited development of Miller and the continued ex- time a year ago. Wang backs up Nosal, while cellence of those other four starters. Painter stands in behind DeChristopher. “We have to communicate,” Miller said. Three redshirt freshmen – Mark Shuman, “Everyone has to be on the same level. We’ve Matt Arkema and Laurence Gibson – may not always been great about getting along with play a ton, but Tech’s staff, notably offensive each other and we work well with each other. line coach Curt Newsome, likes them. We’re like a family, and the seniors have been A year ago, the Hokies led the ACC in scor- doing a good job of helping everyone out. ing offense (33.9 ppg). Most of that can be at- “It helps to have those guys. They’ve been tributed to a terrific rushing attack, as Tech fin- there and done it. They can answer any ques- ished second in the league in rushing offense tions you might have. Or if you have problems, (198.7 ypg). they are there to correct you.”

inside.hokiesports.com 29 football preview | defensive linemen

James Gayle had a big spring and is ready to be a force at defensive end this fall. Gayle hopes big offseason and spring practice carries over into this fall by Jimmy Robertson

With the exception of a couple of weeks in the strength and conditioning program, this past spring, with six sacks combined in once the spring semester ended, James Gayle winning the Excalibur Award – the top honor Tech’s scrimmages and in the Maroon-White was in Blacksburg the entire summer, working in the program – over the winter, which came game. He earned the team’s most valuable out and taking classes. as a surprise to him. At 251 pounds then, he defensive player award following spring “Sometimes, I feel I need a break from recorded a 420-pound bench press and a 38- practice. school, but not with football,” he said, with a inch vertical jump, and then he ran the 40- Tech’s defensive coaching staff hopes smile. “I love lifting weights. yard dash in 4.45 seconds. this progression continues this fall, as Gayle “This [playing football] is what I’ve always “It [the Excalibur Award] surprised me,” headlines a defensive line that lost three wanted to do. So I figured I might as well be up he said. “I knew I was going to get it sooner or starters from a year ago, including Chris here working on my craft.” later. I just didn’t know it would be this soon. Drager, who was moved to tight end. The A redshirt freshman a year ago, Gayle I didn’t expect my numbers to jump that high, coaches need for Gayle to make plays and be a gained some experience last fall as a reserve that fast.” force along a defensive front partly responsible at one of the defensive end spots. He thrived All that helped him dominate on the field for giving up 4.7 yards per carry a year ago –

30 Inside Hokie Sports football preview | defensive linemen the worst yards per carry number in defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s tenure. “I feel we’re going to play a lot more consistently,” Gayle said. “We had a lot of young 2011 defensive linemen guys last year. Myself, I know I made a lot of mistakes that gave up yards. That was from not knowing the game plan mentally and not Ends Top reserves: 42 J.R. Collins (6-2, 240, r-Soph.) Kwamaine Battle, following through. But I feel, this year, we’re 66 Tyrel Wilson (6-1, 219, r-Soph.) Duan Perez- going to be a whole lot better. You can tell just 95 Zack McCray (6-5, 254, r-Fr.) Means, Dwight from watching the spring. 87 Justin Taylor (6-2, 230, Fr.) Tucker “Everyone talks about how we’re going to be Newcomers: much better on defense. I don’t see us giving up Studs Perez-Means, five yards a carry – at all.” 99 James Gayle (6-4, 257, r-Soph.) Zack McCray Tech’s starting defensive line should form 90 Duan Perez-Means (6-4, 248, r-Fr.) Breakout a much more formidable wall this season. candidate: J.R. Collins, who, like Gayle, enjoyed a superb Tackles Gayle spring, lines up opposite Gayle at the other end 56 Antoine Hopkins (6-1, 306, r-Jr.) Notes: 55 Isaiah Hamlette (6-5, 291, r-Jr.) Graves, Friday and spot, while the Hopkins brothers man the two Drager combined tackle spots. Derrick Hopkins, who played as Nose tackles for 233 tackles, a true freshman last season, was unblockable 98 Derrick Hopkins (6-0, 301, Soph.) 44.5 tackles for a this past spring, and Antoine, the older of the 93 Kwamaine Battle (6-1, 302, r-Sr.) loss and 19 sacks two, was a starter a year ago, recording 45 53 Dwight Tucker (6-1, 280, r-Jr.) in their careers tackles, including 6.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He … In contrast, possesses a ton of ability. Those four provide a A QUICK GLANCE Gayle, Collins and J.R. solid nucleus. Returning starter: Antoine Hopkins Derrick Hopkins have Collins The question concerning Tech’s defensive line (12 career starts) combined to start in will be depth, as only Kwamaine Battle possesses Starters lost: John Graves (36 career three games … Collins starts), Steven Friday (14), Chris and Gayle combined for nine any significant experience. Even Battle comes Drager (moved to tight end) sacks and 13 tackles for a loss as a bit of a question mark because he tore his Projected new starters: James Gayle, last season … Derrick Hopkins played ACL in the James Madison game last season J.R. Collins, Derrick Hopkins in 13 games as a true freshman. and missed the rest of the year. He practiced this spring, and Tech’s coaches hope he provides some playmaking ability as a reserve. Most of the backups are either young or inexperienced, or both. Tyrel Wilson, a redshirt rest of the starters enjoy huge years. He showed up and you have Coach Foster calling the plays sophomore, and Duan Perez-Means, a redshirt big-time potential in brief playing time last as you’re lining up – and you don’t really know freshman, back up the end positions. Perez- season, recording four sacks and 6.5 tackles for the plays anyway – it makes it harder. But now, Means flashed a lot of ability this spring, and the a loss. I know everything. coaches remain high on his future. At the tackle “To be honest, last year, what held me back “I’m very excited. I felt like I’ve been learning spots, Dwight Tucker and Isaiah Hamlette serve was knowing the plays,” Gayle said. “Now the past two years. Last year, I had minimal as reserves. that I know the plays, things are much easier. playing time, but this year, I think I’m going to That makes it imperative that Gayle and the Everything comes fluidly. When you’re lining play a lot more. I’m going to have fun.”

inside.hokiesports.com 31 football preview | linebackers Edwards ready to step into a playmaking role at backer by Jimmy Robertson

Tech fans remember vividly the days here and what was going on there. Usu- team All-ACC selection started all 14 when Xavier Adibi patrolled the field ally, I’m pretty good at that, but when games a year ago and finished with 91 at the backer position. Tall, strong and I’m coming from a simplistic defense in tackles and six sacks. He missed spring fast, Adibi made plays from sideline to high school to a complex defense, I had practice with a shoulder injury, but sideline and earned All-America honors to learn a little more, like coverages and should be at full strength once the sea- following a senior season in which he re- different blitzes and audibles. That was son starts. corded more than 100 tackles. the hardest part. But now I feel I know Barquell Rivers, Jack Tyler and Chase The backer position hasn’t seen any- what to do.” Williams all return at the mike spot. Riv- one like him since then – until now. Edwards holds the top spot at backer ers, who started in 2009, missed nearly Tariq Edwards, a redshirt sopho- on the depth chart, but was challenged all of last season while trying to recov- more, looks like Adibi in pads. He stands this spring by Telvion Clark, who en- er from a torn quadriceps tendon and 6-foot-2, weighs 230 pounds and runs joyed his best spring since arriving at should be at full speed this fall. from sideline to sideline. He thumped Tech. The two of them will need to re- These two positions are among the people on the field this past spring and place Lyndell Gibson, a 13-game starter most experienced on the team. The play- earned the team’s most improved defen- a year ago who decided to transfer fol- ers hope to return the defense back to its sive player coming out of spring practice. lowing the season. previous ways after allowing 155.9 yards Finally, he played the way he wanted “We [he and Telvion] push each oth- rushing per game last season. to and knew he could – and the way the er,” Edwards said. “That’s how it’s sup- “I’m very excited,” Edwards said. “I’m coaches knew he could, too. The differ- posed to be. He’s doing a great job, and watching film, trying to get prepared. I’m ence? He felt comfortable with Tech’s I’m doing a great job. We’ll never lose a doing everything I can to help the team scheme. step if either of us is in the game. That’s as much as possible. I’ve been trying to “It was just the mental part of the how you get better as a team.” get to this point since I’ve been here. It’s game,” Edwards said when asked what Bruce Taylor returns to handle things been a learning process. I’ve been trying held him back originally. “I was just at the other inside linebacker spot – the to get over the hump, and it feels good to trying to figure out what was going on mike linebacker position. The second- get over the hump.”

2011 LINEBACKERS Tariq Edwards Mike linebackers 51 Bruce Taylor (6-2, 243, r-Jr.) 52 Barquell Rivers (6-0, 250, r-Sr.) 58 Jack Tyler (6-0, 229, r-Soph.) 36 Chase Williams (6-1, 223, r-Fr.) 47 Brian Laiti (6-3, 217, r-Fr.)

Backers 24 Tariq Edwards (6-2, 231, r-Soph.) 57 Telvion Clark (6-1, 228, r-Soph.) tackles 36 Chase Williams (6-1, 223, r-Fr.) for a loss Jonathan Halfhide (5-10, 217, r-Fr.) with 15.5 … Tyler, who Bruce A QUICK GLANCE gave the Hokies Taylor Returning starter: Bruce Taylor (14 great play down career starts) the stretch last Starter lost: Lyndell Gibson (13 season, injured his career starts) back and missed all of Projected new starter: Tariq Edwards spring practice. He has been Top reserves: Telvion Clark, Barquell cleared for fall practice. … Rivers, Jack Tyler, Chase Williams Rivers, who missed virtually all of Newcomer: Williams last season while recovering from a Breakout candidate: Edwards torn quadriceps tendon, earned the Notes: Taylor led the Hokies in Don Williams TEAM UNITED award tackles a year ago with 91 and in this spring for putting the team first.

32 Inside Hokie Sports football preview | whips

Gouveia-Winslow hopes strong end to 2011 whip LINEBACKERS 43 Jeron Gouveia-Winslow 2010 and strong spring leads to 2011 success (6-2, 205, r-Jr.) by Jimmy Robertson 28 Alonzo Tweedy (6-2, 189, r-Jr.) Jeron Gouveia-Winslow made one end his year. Maligned at times early in started playing better, and I carried that 27 Nick Dew of the biggest plays of the season a year the season, he showed his mettle by con- over to the spring. I’m just trying to play (6-2, 196, r-Fr.) ago, and yet hardly anyone ever talks tinuing to work hard. It paid dividends, consistent right now.” A QUICK GLANCE about it. as he started playing better, culminating Tech’s whip spot appears to be in Returning starter: Jeron In the first quarter of the ACC title with his big plays down the stretch. much better shape heading into the 2011 Gouveia-Winslow (7 career game against Florida State, Gouveia- He carried that play over into spring season than it was a year ago. Not only starts) Winslow intercepted a tipped pass of practice, and now, heading into the 2011 does Gouveia-Winslow return, but so, Starters lost: none FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel and re- season, he’s ready to become a playmak- too, does Alonzo Tweedy, a lanky, ath- Projected new starter: none turned it 24 yards for a touchdown to er at the whip position. letic player who can really run. Known Top reserves: Alonzo Tweedy, give Tech a lead it never would relin- “I was real excited about how I played more as a special teams player, Tweedy Nick Dew quish. this spring,” he said. “That’s why I was hopes to work himself into a rotation Newcomers: none “That was exciting for me,” Gouveia- anxious to get back on the field this fall. I with Gouveia-Winslow. Also, Nick Dew, Breakout candidate: Gouveia- Winslow Winslow said. “Those big plays will hap- look good and I feel good. I’m definitely though a little raw, possesses many of Notes: Gouveia-Winslow pen. It’s just a matter of being around excited to continue how I’ve been play- the same traits as Tweedy. finished with 41 tackles and the ball and making the play. It’ll come. ing. I’m looking forward to it. But Gouveia-Winslow plans on hold- two interceptions a year ago You just have to play your part. Do what “Last year, it was tough to try and ing off the competition – and making a … Tweedy was slowed by a you’re supposed to do. The plays will play consistently. Everyone was getting name for himself. groin injury early last year and come to you. It was nice to finish the on me about the first two games. We “I feel confident with the defense struggled to get back into the year off with that big play and end the were rotating in and using personnel and with everyone behind me,” he said. mix … Tweedy still played in all year well.” changes [which resulted in Gouveia- “I’m making the right calls, and every- 14 games a year ago and was a For Gouveia-Winslow, that play and Winslow coming out of games] to help one is making calls. I feel better running special teams standout, leading his forced fumble in the Orange Bowl us out. It was definitely tough. I came around. I feel I’m playing good right the team with 17 special teams tackles on the season. against Stanford marked a great way to back toward the end of the year and now.”

inside.hokiesports.com 33 football preview | defensive backs

Kyle Fuller started six games as a true freshman and should make more of an impact in 2011. Fuller one of many excellent players in what should be a good 2011 secondary by Jimmy Robertson

For years, Kyle Fuller was in the shadow “That happened the year before with Though slender at roughly 170 pounds of his older brother, Vinnie, who enjoyed a Rock [Rashad Carmichael], and that’s how when he enrolled, he got on the field be- terrific career at Tech and now plays for the Jayron made a name for himself,” Fuller cause of his intelligence – arguably his best NFL’s Tennessee Titans. said. “The same thing is going to happen to trait. Now, Kyle Fuller, the projected starter me, so I’ve got to take advantage of my op- “You have to be able to know other posi- at field corner, sits in the shadow of Jayron portunities. I’ve got to be ready to take on tions,” Fuller said. “I was able to learn the Hosley, Tech’s boundary corner who led that challenge.” nickel, and that’s what helped me get on the the nation in interceptions last season and Fuller, a sophomore, got his baptism into field last year. If I hadn’t been able to do earned All-America honors. Division I football a year ago as a true fresh- that, then maybe I wouldn’t have been on Fuller hopes to step out of the shadow, man when he saw extensive playing time in the field as much as I was. though, this upcoming season and make Tech’s nickel defense. In fact, he started “As long as you know your alignment, a name for himself, and he figures to get six games mostly because of all the spread your assignments and your adjustments, plenty of opportunities in what should be offenses thrown at the Hokies by their op- you’ll be good. That’s hard for freshmen. a strong, talented Tech secondary. Hosley’s ponents, but also because of injuries (Eddie But I think that’s what helped me get ahead skills and reputation as a ball hawk should Whitley) and inconsistency on a defense of some of the other freshmen.” result in Fuller seeing plenty of action com- that forced Tech’s staff to juggle things a With Fuller and Hosley manning the ing at him. bit. corner spots and Whitley controlling the

34 Inside Hokie Sports football preview | defensive backs free safety position, Tech’s 2011 secondary is in good shape. Hosley finished with 50 tackles and nine interceptions last season, while Whit- ley – a senior and a leader – had 80 tackles and two interceptions. 2011 defensive backs The other starter will be Antone Exum, who heads up the rover spot and replaces Davon Boundary cornerbacks Antone Exum Morgan. Exum started five games a year ago 20 Jayron Hosley (5-10, 171, Jr.) Top reserves: Cris when Tech went to its nickel defense and fin- 9 Cris Hill (5-11, 180, r-Sr.) Hill, Detrick Bonner, ished with 45 tackles. At nearly 220 pounds Boye Aromire and with a nose for the ball, he could make a Field cornerbacks Newcomers: ton of plays at a playmaking spot like rover. 17 Kyle Fuller (6-0, 187, Soph.) Aromire, Cris Hill, a steady senior, and Detrick Bon- 8 Detrick Bonner (6-0, 189, r-Fr.) Theron Norman, ner, a talented freshman who enjoyed a fantastic Free safeties Detrick Bonner spring, provide depth at the cornerback spots. 15 Eddie Whitley (6-1, 200, Sr.) Breakout candidate: But depth at free safety and rover remains a 21 Theron Norman (6-3, 196, r-Fr.) Fuller concern. Theron Norman, who backed up Whit- Notes: Whitley ley this past spring, will miss the early part of Rovers finished third on the season with an injury, and Boye Aromire, a 1 Antone Exum (6-0, 220, r-Soph.) the team with 80 freshman who enrolled last January but has no 30 Boye Aromire (6-0, 201, Fr.) tackles a year ago … college experience, is the backup at rover. Exum finished sixth in tackles despite The young depth makes it imperative that Jayron the starters stay healthy, including Fuller, A QUICK GLANCE starting just five Hosley Jayron Hosley (13 games … Tech’s whose smarts and smooth style – and newly Returning starters: career starts), Eddie Whitley (14) secondary bulked-up body at 187 pounds – could make Starters lost: Rashad Carmichael (26 finished with him the next big star out of Tech’s secondary. career starts), Davon Morgan (23) 20 of the team’s 23 interceptions – the At the least, he’s going to be challenged and he Projected new starters: Kyle Fuller, 23 picks tied for second nationally. welcomes it, though he doesn’t have any mes- sages for opposing receivers. “I’m not that type of guy,” he said. “But I’m ready to take on all the challenges.”

inside.hokiesports.com 35 football preview | special teams kickers and punters Kickers 89 Cody Journell (5-11, 178, r-Soph.) 48 Justin Myer (6-1, 220, Sr.) Kickers are not proven, but possess Tyler Weiss (5-10, 169, r-Sr.) the talent to keep tradition going Punters by Jimmy Robertson 19 Danny Coale (6-0, 200, r-Sr.) 92 Ethan Keyserling (6-2, 197, r-Fr.) Perhaps no positions on Tech’s squad over the Myer returns as Tech’s kickoff expert. Thirty Scott Demler (5-11, 194, r-Jr.) years have been as consistent as the kicking and of his 94 kickoffs last season went for touchbacks, punting spots, and head coach Frank Beamer and he has 52 touchbacks for his career. Snapper hopes that trend continues. Tech’s punting situation was unsettled follow- 50 Collin Carroll (6-3, 232, r-Sr.) Coming out of spring practice, Beamer told ing Brian Saunders’ departure after last season. A QUICK GLANCE people that redshirt sophomore Cody Journell Saunders, a second-team All-ACC member, aver- Returning starters: Justin Myer (played in all but won the kicking job. Journell will become aged 44 yards per punt, and placed 18 of his 60 40 games the past three seasons), Collin the first Tech kicker since Brandon Pace started punts inside the 20. Carroll (snapped in every game the past three in 2005 to start as a non-senior, snapping a trend Heading into the season, receiver Danny Coale seasons) that began with Pace in 2006 and continued with leads in the battle to replace Saunders. He aver- Starters lost: Chris Hazley, Brian Saunders guys like Judson Dunlevy, Dustin Keys, Matt Wal- aged a game-best 44 yards per punt on three Projected new starters: Cody Journell, Danny dron and Chris Hazley. punts in the Maroon-White game, while Ethan Coale Journell has big shoes to fill as Hazley was Keyserling averaged 43.5 yards per punt on two Top reserves: Myer, Tyler Weiss, Ethan a first-team All-ACC performer a year ago and punts. Keyserling Michael Branthover made all but one of his field-goal attempts. In fact, “If we stay inconsistent, I’m probably going Newcomer: Breakout candidate: Journell he set a single-season record with 20 straight and to go with Danny Coale because he’s the guy you Notes: Journell has only dressed in one game made all six of his field-goal attempts beyond 40 trust and the guy that’s been in the game,” Beam- in his brief collegiate career – the Orange yards. In short, Hazley had arguably the best sea- er said following the spring game. Bowl … Myer starts as the kickoff guy, but son ever by a Tech kicker not named Chris Kinzer. Collin Carroll returns for the fourth straight would be the backup to Journell as the field- But Journell showed potential this spring. He season to handle the snapping duties. He deliv- goal/extra-point kicker … Myer was fourth in made six of his nine field-goal attempts combined ered every snap on extra points, field goals and the country with 30 touchbacks a year ago … in scrimmages and in the Maroon-White game. punts for the Hokies during the 2010 season and Myer surprisingly has 14 special teams tackles His consistency enabled him to snag the job from possesses the most experience, having played in in his career … Branthover is a two-time All- Justin Myer. 41 games entering the 2011 campaign. Met selection by The Washington Post.

36 Inside Hokie Sports inside.hokiesports.com 37 season preview | volleyball

HOKIES DIGGING DEEP FOR REPEAT NCAA VOLLEYBALL APPEARANCE

Erin Leaser is one of many talented players on a team looking to head back to the NCAAs. Head coach Chris Riley has nearly everyone back from a team that made history with an NCAA bid and victory by Marc Mullen

In head coach Chris Riley’s first year in invitation to the NCAA Championships. the Sweet 16, going a little bit farther than the Blacksburg, he led a Virginia Tech volleyball Five days later, they checked “NCAA round of 32. team that had won just 13 games in each of tournament victory” off the list as they “I think we’ve got a pretty experienced, the prior three seasons to a 17-win season defeated Delaware in the first round before good group, a senior-led team that’s been that included 11 ACC wins, still the high-water falling to three-time defending national playing since they walked on campus. So we mark for the Hokies. champion Penn State on the Nittany Lions’ expect them to be pretty solid, and we’ve got a Last year, his fifth at Tech, Riley elevated the home court. lot of experience on the floor.” program to another plateau, accomplishing And Riley is poised to take a very A member of Riley’s senior-laden roster, three things that had never been done at the experienced team back to the tournament, but and the leader on the court, is setter Erin school in the previous 33 seasons. wants more. Leaser, who has made 91 starts and played First, after 24 previous tries, the Hokies “Our expectation is the same as it is every in all 94 games since arriving as a freshman. defeated a top-25 program with their 3-2 year, trying to make the NCAA tournament She is already fourth all time at the school victory over No. 25 Florida State on Oct. 29. and, for us, to try and advance past where we in assists with 3,755 and is just 1,000 shy of A month later, on Nov. 28, they earned an did last year,” he said. “Our goal is to make second. She would need a monster senior year

38 Inside Hokie Sports season preview | volleyball to become the school record holder, as Melissa days in California and then toured and played Gammel, a 5-10 outside hitter from California Markowski (2002-05) holds the mark at 5,287. matches for almost two weeks in China. who was named a PrepVolleyball.com Fab 50. “Erin is definitely our floor leader, and we’re “It was a great experience for both of them,” “We’ve got a real good class coming in that all going to lean on her a lot,” Riley said. “She’s got Riley said. “I think they played with a lot of great are going to be really good players,” Riley said. to be consistent for us. She has to be solid and college players that are in the US system. They “Jordan’s a great setter, Alyssa is a dynamic be the same player every day for us. We can be got an opportunity to play at a higher level, see jumper, a good ball-control kid, and LaTasha is pretty good and make some good strides if our what the international game was like, and keep so fast in the middle that she reminds me of what setters can be consistent. playing together. Felicia was before Felicia became Felicia. “Erin, Allison (Munter, a sophomore) and “They both made strides and came back “Then we’ve got a couple libero/defensive Jordan (Fish, a freshman) are all going to be comfortable with what we wanted them doing setters in Catherine Kane, a local Virginia kid leaned on, and the most important aspect for and what the next level looks like. So they are and probably the fastest player on the team, and all three of them is to be consistent everyday going to try and bring that to our gym with our Gabrielle Talley. Lastly, we have Bailey Dowd, a because we’ve got attackers all over the place group.” 6-3 right side front from Pennsylvania, who is that can score. So we’re going to be pretty And a group is exactly how Riley sees his a big blocker. So we expect them to help us get physical, and we’re probably one of the best ball 2011 squad. He believes that, at times in prior better and help our practices tremendously.” control teams in the conference, so if we can be seasons, his team was too “Felicia heavy,” and The last key component Riley points to for his consistent setting, we are going to be very good.” that this year, his team will feature a more team to make a return trip into the postseason Attackers include senior Justine Record, balanced attack. is another solid non-conference showing. The juniors Cara Baarendse and Jennifer Wiker, and Evidence he pointed to was during the spring, schedule includes six 2010 NCAA tournament sophomores Victoria Hamsher and Samantha when his team went 7-1 in a pair of tournaments teams, among them Sweet 16 participant Indiana Gostling, who all had at least 100 kills in 2010. that included a win over North Carolina, who also and SEC power Tennessee. Baarendse is most likely the player who will lost in the round of 32 at the NCAA tournament. “If we learned anything from the past, for be looked upon as the leader of this group after “At times this spring, we were actually better us to make the NCAA tournament, we’ve got the graduation of three-time All-American than we were in the fall,” Riley said. “We had to beat some teams that are going to be in it,” Felicia Willoughby. An All-American herself in a fantastic spring. With the amount of kids we he said. “Last year, we beat Western Kentucky 2010, Baarendse led the Hokies with 385 kills had, being able to move them around and get and Missouri in the non-conference and Florida and a .376 hitting percentage, and she added 121 them on the court was essential. But when we State and Duke in the ACC. But you have to have digs to her totals. had our best team out there, we were very, very some out-of-conference wins that put you on “Losing Felicia is pretty hard, a three-time good. that board. All-American and the best kid to play here, “Our balance offensively – our ability to set “So having the opportunity to play against but Cara is fantastic,” Riley said. “To be an anybody at any point – is a big emphasis for us, teams like Tennessee and Indiana at home All-American as a sophomore is impressive. and it’s going to be really hard to defend us if we and playing against Western Kentucky, Ohio, With the progression that she’s made and how can do that. I’m excited about what we have, and Kentucky and UConn is something we are looking efficient she is as an attacker – she just doesn’t we got a great group of freshmen coming in that forward to. We have a very heavy schedule, but make any mistakes – she’s going to be tough to are going to keep building on what we’ve done I think that’s what is going to help us get back to defend. Cara could be hitting over .400 all year so far.” the NCAA tournament.” for us.” The class coming includes Fish, a 5-foot-8 Riley believes the experiences Leaser and setter who earned first-team all-state selection Baarendse enjoyed this summer also will help in Michigan last year; LaTasha Samson-Akpan, For the complete volleyball roster, please check: his 2011 Hokies. In June, the pair joined a USA a 6-foot middle blocker from Ohio who had www.hokiesports.com/volleyball/players/ Development Team that trained for several 383 kills and 74 blocks as a senior; and Alyssa

inside.hokiesports.com 39 season preview | men’s soccer

Returning experience and talent, Tech men’s soccer squad ready to see improvements in 2011

James Shupp returns to Tech’s lineup after missing last season with an injury and provides much-needed experience as a defender.

by Marc Mullen The calendar had just been turned to Octo- season. Tech went on to lose that match 2-0 situation much better,” Brizendine said. “And ber and Virginia Tech men’s soccer head coach and fall in nine of its final 11 to limp to a 5-13-1 having the guys in reserves, we have firmed Mike Brizendine had his lineup card ready finish. that situation up. for Tech’s match at Wake Forest, checking off “That finish was a combination of two things “And having James Shupp back in the line- freshman Kyle Renfro as his starting goalkeep- – one, Renfro is very, very good; and two, our up and getting some other guys playing time, er for the seventh consecutive match. backups didn’t meet the challenges of our like Devante Dubose, was good. He comes in Things were looking good for the Hokies. schedule, so that combination was painful,” late in the season and has an outstanding per- After dropping their first two games, they had Brizendine said. “To be honest, we started 3-5- formance. We are very excited about him. So compiled a 3-2-1 mark with Renfro starting 1, but Renfro didn’t even play in the first couple I think we are going to firm some things up in between the pipes, including an ACC win at of games. We had a positive record when Ren- the back line.” NC State and a tie versus Clemson. Renfro was fro was playing.” Dubose saw limited playing time through also sporting a 0.84 goals allowed average and Looking to this year, Brizendine points not the first two months of the season, but earned a 79.2 save percentage. just to Renfro’s return, but also to those de- four starts to end the year. Junior David Fio- Just 48 seconds into that contest, the De- fenders in front of him, including the return rello, who started 35 matches in his first two mon Deacons put a goal on the scoreboard, of redshirt senior James Shupp. A defender, years, and senior Jeremy Williams, who made only the sixth allowed by Renfro in more than Shupp missed the 2010 campaign to injury af- 12 starts in 2010, return on the back line. 538 minutes, but it was what happened 20 ter starting in 55 games the previous three sea- “David Fiorello was a captain last year. He minutes later that turned the Hokie season. sons. Renfro, Shupp and the rest of the defend- brings a lot of things to the table and he’s a very Trying to stop a ball from going over the ers should be the strength of this year’s team. good leader,” Brizendine said. “And it’ll be nice end line, Renfro dove and landed awkwardly, “There are a number of things, and having for him to have Shupp back, someone he can dislocating his right shoulder and ending his Renfro healthy makes our whole goalkeeping lean on, but he’s come along way. He had to

40 Inside Hokie Sports season preview | men’s soccer really step up last year, so this year, he feels much 13-14 spot or at least that’s we think,” he said. “That is high, and it just happens.” more comfortable, especially as one of the older is what we are projecting.” Ten-goal guys are not the norm in Blacksburg, as guys.” “There are a couple that we are excited about only eight men have ever reached double figures in And there aren’t too many “older guys.” Brizen- and will make an impact similar to last year’s class, goals in the program’s 38-year history and it’s only dine enters his third year at the helm of the Tech guys like Beto Velazquez, David Clemens, Mikey happened twice since the turn of the century, last team and has brought in more than 20 guys over Minutillo. So while we have some veterans in the in 2006. the past two seasons in an attempt to get the play- back, everything in front of them will be younger But also to be successful, the Hokies will need to ers whom he wants and who fit the system he wants kids, freshmen or sophomores.” do something not done since 2007 – register more to play. Velazquez made 10 starts and played in 16 total than two wins away from home. Over the past three “This is my second recruiting class and this class games as a midfielder, while Clemens and Minutillo seasons, on the road and at neutral sites, Tech is a … we spent more time and energy recruiting this showed off some scoring ability. Minutillo, a for- combined 5-21-3. group of young men than the first one,” he said. “We ward, started 11 games and played in 18, and was Working in its favor, though, is that Tech plays actually were recruiting both of them, our ‘10 class second on the team with five goals and also added five straight at Thompson Field to open the season, and our ‘11 class, at the same time. So we are very an assist. Clemens, a midfielder, was right behind and with a young squad, that has to help. comfortable with what these kids are going to add him with four goals and one assist in 18 games, five “We want to be at home as much as possible, in to the table. of those starts. front of our fans, but I think, as you get older, it gets “We’re optimistic. I think the ship is still mov- Junior midfielder Robert Alberti was another easier to go on the road,” Brizendine said. “But re- ing in the right direction. We had some setbacks Hokie with a four-goal, one-assist season, playing ally, anytime you leave your home against an ACC last year. It’s difficult to bring in 20 new kids at one in all 19 matches and starting 12 of them. However, opponent, it’s going to be challenging. time, so we tried to stagger it over a couple of years, Tech will have to replace almost half of its points “I think, because of our experience, especially in and I think we are getting closer to that, and you’ll lost from last season (42 of 78), with the biggest loss the back line, with guys like Shupp specifically and see a difference in both the quality of play on the being Clarke Bentley’s six goals and three assists. his kind of leadership, it’s going to be easier for us. I field as well as results.” “We always hope someone steps up and becomes expect better results away from our place. Not wanting to single anyone out, and because he a 10-goal guy, but right now, I don’t see anyone at “We’re going to take our lumps every once in a while hasn’t spent too much time with them, Brizendine that point,” Brizendine said. “That doesn’t mean because these young guys are still learning to play at is reserved on any expectations for his newcomers, someone can’t emerge. Again, Mikey Minutillo and this level. But again, I think it’s a very good group, and but isn’t shy about highlighting a couple of sopho- David Clemens, we expect big things from them. I think they are going to adapt quickly.” mores who excelled in their first seasons with the “As we look at it, it’s going to be scoring by com- program. mittee. There will be more guys with five or six For the complete men’s soccer roster, please check: “There are a couple of kids that are going to start goals, but you never know. Being a goal scorer is an www.hokiesports.com/msoccer/players/ and some that are going to add depth – be the 11-12- interesting thing. You get hot and your confidence

inside.hokiesports.com 41 season preview | women’s soccer

New coach. New roster. same expectations

Kelly Conheeney tied a school record with 12 assists a year ago and will need to be a scorer again in 2011.

The Tech women’s soccer program is thinking NCAAs once again by Marc Mullen

This year’s Virginia Tech women’s soccer Jukich, Julian Johnson, Robin Chidester – efforts from a year ago or step into roles lost seniors have a chance to leave their mark on they helped establish the tradition during by departures. the program as arguably the greatest class by their time here. They experienced a lot here “This season is going to be a test for us. posting one last season with at least 10 wins as a player. They came in here when Virginia There is no question,” Adair said. “We’ve lost and one that culminates with another berth Tech hadn’t made the tournament. They had some impact players, and we need to fill those into the NCAA Championships. a couple near misses, when we thought we spots. We have a number of quality players A winning tradition is now the norm, with should have been among the 64 that made the coming in as freshmen and then we have some last year marking the fourth straight season tournament. They had those experiences and sophomores that can step into those roles and with an overall record of .500 or better, they kind of felt that, so they were able to build fill those voids.” including the past three seasons with at least on that and grow. Sophomore Dayle Colpitts is one who does 10 wins. In short, a national presence has been “The program then grew along with that. not need to step into a role, but one who will be established, with the Hokies advancing into So, these seniors haven’t had that feeling, and looked upon to improve on her rookie success. the postseason three straight years as well. it’s important for us to recognize what we’ve Named to the 2010 ACC All-Freshmen team as And the new leader is not about to let that done well and why we were in the tournament a goalkeeper, Colpitts started all 21 games in end on his watch. and continue to build on that and try to instill net for the Hokies last year and posted a 1.74 “That’s one of the things that I am going that into our younger kids. That is definitely an goals allowed average, with four shutouts. to talk about with the seniors,” said first-year expectation for us now. We want to make the “Dayle is going to be a key component for head coach Charles Adair, who took over for NCAA tournament and go from there.” our team, as she was last year,” Adair said. “I Kelly Cagle following Cagle’s resignation last But for those seniors – Rachel Beaumont, think gaining a year of college experience as spring. “They have an opportunity to be the Katie Cramp, Katie Kooiman, Brittany Michels a freshman will help her in leading from the first group that’s gone through this program and Brittany Popko – to etch their names as back. She’s been training hard this offseason, having made the tournament all four years. the winningest class, they will need to rely on so she’ll be fit and ready to go, and she’ll “The kids that have left – Jen Harvey, Emily a number of underclassmen to repeat their continue to build and help us in the transition

42 Inside Hokie Sports season preview | women’s soccer of having to fill a void at center back after losing and Marika Gray – who combined for 17 goals some more consistent minutes out of her and kind Kelly Lynch.” and 13 assists in 2010 is another. The cupboard, of get her into the flow as well. Lynch was a huge part of the Hokies’ success though, isn’t bare. “There’s also a kid that hasn’t had played a over the prior four seasons and ended her career Junior midfielder Kelly Conheeney returns minute yet, Shannon Mayrose. She’s had to sit with the most career starts (84) and tied for the as the top point scorer, as she added a school- out the past two seasons because of knee injuries. most games played (86) of any player ever at Tech. record tying 12 assists to five goals for 22 points. She is one that we recruited a couple of years ago She also helped the team to 28 shutouts in her Sophomore Jazmine Reeves, who was also named to be an impact in the center forward for us, so time on the field. to the 2010 ACC All-Freshmen team, tallied five hopefully she’s able to get through some of her However, the Hokies do return three goals and added one assist. health issues and play.” experienced defenders from last year’s squad in Adair believes, though, that there are a number There will be a different look when the Hokies Michels (21 starts in 2010 and 52 career starts), of other underclassmen – sophomores Ashley take the field this fall, with not only nine new and juniors Kelsey Mitchell (21 and 44) and Julia Manning, Katie DeTuro and Shannon Mayrose to freshmen joining the squad, but also with Adair Goldsworthy (20 and 27) and each will have a shot name a few – who could emerge as go-to scorers. and two new assistants on the sidelines leading at replacing Lynch. Or their experience will be “We will definitely miss Marika. She was a Tech. valued if the role is taken over by a newcomer. four-year starter and a dynamic left-winger who “I think change is going to be important for “Those are three of our back four, so we have struck fear in opponents,” Adair said. “So we have us and how the kids handle that. I think they’ve some experience and some versatility,” Adair said. to see who might be the danger person this year. handled it well so far through the spring,” Adair “I know that Kelsey Mitchell has the ability to step Jazmine Reeves stands out right away, as does said. “Adding Pete Pososki and Erin Lycan – the inside and become a center back. She doesn’t have Kelly Conheeney. two new assistants here – has been important, as much experience there, but she could help fill “Other players that can step in and do the and I think the kids have responded well to them. that role. job are definitely Ashley Manning, who scored “And I think just getting our freshmen into the “But we do have some freshmen coming in who three of the biggest goals for us probably all year mix as well … I think some of the kids that are are quality players at the position. Jodie Zelenky last year, Maryland and BC game-winners, and coming in have an opportunity to play and shine is one that we will look at, and Helen Butler has against JMU, she tied the game for us and those and impact us. How we integrate that and blend played there as well. We just have to find the were three huge wins for us. Getting her more our team is going to create our success, and I am right combination that’s going to compliment our consistent time and more time on the field will be looking forward to it.” whole back four.” important and hopefully she can take advantage Finding the combination that works in the back of that. For the complete women’s soccer line with some seasoned vets is one thing, but “Katie DeTuro is one who scored a couple of roster, please check: www.hokiesports.com/wsoccer/players/ replacing three seniors – Harvey, Kelsey Billups big goals for us as a freshman, so hopefully we get

inside.hokiesports.com 43 44 Inside Hokie Sports season preview | cross country

Cross country squads optimistic about opportunities in 2011 by Marc Mullen

Sammy Dow and Will Mulherin will be the leaders on their respective teams this fall.

The Virginia Tech women’s cross country we are shooting for – an ACC Championship. 36th to 57th at the 2010 ACC Championships team has been there just once – five years ago And if we are able to do that, we’re certainly and 18th to 55th at the regional meet. Kvar- – while the men’s team hasn’t advanced to the at a level that is going to qualify for the NCAA tunas actually earned All-Region honors last NCAA Cross Country Championships in more Championships. You just got to be able to do it year. Thomas envisions all their contributions than two decades. Yet those are achievable on that day.” to be even greater this season now that they goals for both those Hokie squads entering the One of the top runners for the Hokies on the have a full season under their belts, including a 2011 campaign. women’s side will be Sammy Dow, who led Tech full track season. The women return an entire squad that with a 32nd-place finish at the ACC Champion- “Paige Kvartunas finished 18th at the re- placed fifth out of 37 teams at last year’s NCAA ships and will be looked to as a front-runner gional as a freshman, which is an outstanding Southeast Regional, just outside of moving on and provide leadership to the young squad. finish, and she has the chance to be a front- to the national event. The men, who didn’t fare “Sammy Dow will be in her senior cross runner. We certainly need to develop one or as well but were still 14th out of 34 teams, re- country season, so she’s been through three two of those,” Thomas said. “Five out of our top turn most of their lineup and will add a couple ACC and three regional championships and she seven runners were freshmen, and it’s tough of familiar faces. was a national qualifier for us in the steeple- coming in as a freshman and competing right “That is always the goal – to be in the top chase [track] last year,” Thomas said. “So she away at an ACC level and also adjusting to a three of the ACC and getting to nationals, and is probably the most experienced of the group. slightly new distance – going from 5K to 6K. with how (the women) finished the cross coun- If we are to be successful, she’s going to have to “So to finish the season fifth in the region, try season last fall and gaining another year of contribute a lot. Her and those returning fresh- one spot away from making the NCAA Champi- experience, that’s the next step up,” Tech head men are going to be key to having a chance to onships was a really solid finish for them. And cross country coach Ben Thomas said. move up in the ACC and get over the hump and they continued to get experience through the In regards to the men, he said “We knew we get to nationals as a team.” track season, so now, they kind of know what were going to take some lumps last year, but Those freshmen are a quartet – Paige Kvar- to expect coming back for their second year.” this was our best shot to have a chance to win tunas, Courtney Dobbs, Madalyn Nuckols and At the ACC meet, six Hokies finished within in the next few years and that’s certainly what Taylor Crosson – who placed anywhere from 26 places of each other, led by Dow’s finish,

inside.hokiesports.com 45 season preview | cross country and were within 45 seconds, while at the regionals a higher level, and that’s what we did. ners last year will also have a positive impact on the – taking Kvartunas’ effort out – five Hokies were “So, we redshirted those three. They’ll all be future of Tech cross country as well, pointing to a 15 seconds apart, finishing between 38th and 57th. back for two more seasons of cross country, and we strong incoming class. And that pack is instrumental in accomplishing also redshirted Jared Berman, who was 10th at the “We actually have, on paper, our best freshmen Thomas’ goal. US Juniors in the steeplechase after his freshman class ever coming in,” he said. “So that’s exciting, “We do have a really nice tight pack. The hope is year. He’s gotten healthy and he’s back. So those and another reason we redshirted those other guys, that, after a year, we’re able to move the whole pack guys coming back, with what we have returning, to have a Will Mulherin, a Michael Hammond up together,” Thomas said. “We don’t have to move should really bolster our position from last year.” around a couple more years to hopefully get the up too far, and then we are right there for being an Also among the ACC team title talk with Tech’s freshmen going this year and be even stronger next NCAA qualifier at regionals and hopefully being a version of the “Big Three” is the mention of Mul- year.” top three at ACCs.” herin’s opportunity at an ACC individual title. Those newcomers added to the redshirt return- Glancing over the men’s roster from 2010, a cou- “He’s beaten everyone in the conference at some ers and four other runners that placed in the top ple names pop out as missing in the likes of juniors point during the year, whether it’s cross country, 100 at last year’s regionals – senior Chris Walizer Michael Hammond and Will Mulherin. The pair indoor or outdoor track. He’s raced all these guys (59) and juniors Joseph Murray (74), Jason Cu- was instrumental in leading the Hokies to a third- before and at some point has beaten them,” Thom- sack (91) and Tuhut Degfae (96, and Leoule’s twin place finish at the 2008 ACC Championships, fin- as said. “He’s just never done it over 8K cross coun- brother) – and the men’s goal of making the NCAAs ishing 15th and 20th, respectively. Then, in 2009, try and won the title, but that is certainly a goal of could be a reality. Mulherin became just the fourth Tech male to earn his and something he is shooting for. “There’s some depth that we have coming back All-ACC in cross country with a seventh-place fin- “Michael hopes to make big improvements in and we are certainly excited about that because ish cross country. He redshirted last year and he cer- you’re going to need that. It’s never going to go However, it was Thomas’ decision to hold those tainly has the capability of being a big-time run- perfect,” Thomas said. “You need a team that, even two runners out last year, and combine them with ner. And we are hoping Leoule Degfae, in his first on a good day, you’re still among the best in the University of Tennessee transfer Leoule Degfae to season for us, can come out and be right there with conference and you can’t do that without a lot of make a serious run over the next few seasons at an those guys. depth. That’s something we feel like we are getting ACC title and NCAA appearance. “And that’s what it takes. You’ve got to have that going on the men’s side.” “We had a really solid transfer coming in in Le- top three, not just a top one or two. But if you have oule Degfae, and he had to sit out last year, so I three guys really banging at the front and some really wanted him, Will and Michael to have two depth behind them, that gives you a chance to win For the complete cross country roster, please check: years together in cross country,” Thomas said. “I an ACC title.” www.hokiesports.com/cc/players/ think that’s our best shot to elevate our program to Thomas believes that redshirting those two run-

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