35 / 48
inside.hokiesports.com
33
2017
(in numerical order)
2
Tyree Rodgers
(6-1, 173, r-Fr.)
3
Greg Stroman
(6-0, 180, Sr.)
26
Jovonn Quillen
(6-0, 176, So.)
27
Shawn Payne
(6-3, 192, r-Jr.)
31
Brandon Facyson
(6-2, 197, Sr.)
36
Adonis Alexander
(6-3, 193, Jr.)
39
Tyrone Thornton
(5-9, 193, R-So.)
42
Elisha Boyd
(6-2, 185, r-Jr.)
Cornerbacks
Stroman may actually rate as the Hokies’
best corner. In 2016, according to STATS, LLC.,
he only allowed a reception on 30 percent of
the throws that came his way, and he recorded
a interception or a pass breakup on 42 percent
of throws at him, both of which led the ACC.
He led Tech’s corners with three interceptions.
Granted, he missed three games, but the
third-team All-ACC choice is not someone
whom opponents need to test.
“Greg had a really good year,” Foster said.
“He was having a great year before he got hurt.
He was all-league. I’m expecting him to get
fully healthy this summer and have a great fall.”
The Hokies’ staff worked a lot of younger
players at the cornerback positions to build
depth for this season and to find starters
for the future. The group included guys like
Jovonn Quillen, Tyree Rodgers and Caleb
Farley.
Quillen played as a true freshman this past
fall, seeing action in 11 games—most of that
coming on special teams. He worked mainly
at free safety, though, before the staff decided
to try him at cornerback.
“Jovonn’s working at it,” Foster said. “He’s
got the abilities and the tools that you’re
looking for. We played him at safety last year,
and we moved him to corner this spring. He
has the tools. He’s very raw, but very talented.”
In the same recruiting class as Quillen,
Rodgers, in contrast, took a redshirt season
in 2016. He and Quillen resemble each other
in that both possess a lot of skills, but need
more reps to refine their technique and learn
the position.
“I like Tyree’s future and potential,” Foster
said. ”All those kids are hard-working kids.
They’re all competitive. They all have good
skillsets. I feel like we’ve helped ourselves at
those spots.
“I like our depth, which we didn’t have
any last year. I’m not saying those guys are
ready yet, those younger guys, but they’re
in much better position of understanding
the expectations and how important those
positions are in our defense. There is a
premium on corners, as far as what we
ask them to do, and now they have that
understanding of what we want.”
Farley is the question mark of the group
only in the sense that his future may be on
offense. The staff worked him at corner for a
little more than half of spring practice before
moving him to receiver for the final handful
of practices.
Farley made a couple of nice catches and a
nice run in the Maroon-Orange Spring Game,
leaving many to speculate that his position
had been decided. Head coach Justin Fuente
admitted to leaning one way, but wanted
to discuss things with Farley first before
revealing his decision.
Foster wants him at cornerback, obviously,
but understands the situation.
“I was doing cartwheels and somersaults
on the inside when he came on our side of
the ball,” Foster said. “I was watching him
grow and develop. I’m sure the offensive guys
[coaches] are doing the same thing right now.
He’s just a young guy who has a lot of abilities,
a tremendous skillset and loves the game of
football. Whichever side of the ball he plays on,
he’s going to compete and work to be the best.”
Overall, the Hokies appear in good shape at
cornerback, with a nice blend of experience,
talent and youth. Hopefully, a young player
or two emerges to give the group quality
depth in the event of multiple injuries at
these two spots.