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1. Football Athlete of the Year
Football :: Jack Tyler :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11
Jack Tyler | R-Senior | Oakton, Virginia The Virginia Tech football team featured an outstanding defense this past season, one that ranked in the top 11 nationally in five different categories, including fourth in total defense …
2. Group of longtime athletics department employees decides to retire
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11
Billy Hite, who worked 33 years as Tech’s running backs coach and played a large role in developing the Hokies’ tradition of excellence in the backfield, is retiring after 36 years at the school. The laugh is unmistakable; that deep…
3. Beamer still searching for Tech's 2014 field-goal kicker
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Following the spring game, Tech coach Frank Beamer was asked if he felt comfortable playing a true freshman at kicker. “Did Shayne Graham play as a true freshman?” he jokingly asked. When informed that Graham played as a true fresh…
4. Defensive backfield loaded with talent and depth
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Perhaps no group on the Hokies’ roster possesses more depth than the defensive backfield – and not just in terms of bodies, but talent. It’s almost an embarrassment of riches. But defensive backs coach Torrian Gray isn’t about…
5. Whips linebackers solid this spring, await return of Vandyke
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Tech’s coaching staff worked more nickel defense, with five defensive backs, this spring than in previous spring practices, but the coaches have no plans on reducing the role of the whip linebacker position. With solid players return…
6. Linebackers' progress eases concerns about departures of Tyler and Edwards
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster lost two valuable cogs to his defense when Jack Tyler and Tariq Edwards departed after basically three years of terrific play. How good were those two? Well, they combined for 59 career starts, 4…
7. Offensive line moving in right direction under new line coach
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Normally, coaches are teachers, and the players serve as their students, but this spring, Stacy Searels found himself doing as much learning as his players. Hired in late January to be the offensive line coach, Searels used the NCAA-a…
8. Tight ends a strong part of Tech's offense coming out of spring ball
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring has spent the past two years working around injuries to players at his position. Two years ago, Randall Dunn and Eric Martin battled an array of injuries that limited them and their production. Last…
9. First-team defensive line solid, but Hokies need for depth to emerge
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Outside of the quarterback position, no group of players received more scrutiny this season than Tech’s defensive linemen, as line coach Charley Wiles began the process of finding replacements for James Gayle, J.R. Collins, Derrick H…
10. Receiving group this spring a nice blend of veterans and younger players
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Tech’s struggles in the running game a year ago have been well documented, but some of those issues came about because of the Hokies’ inability to make big plays in the passing game. Last season, the Hokies hit on just three pass…
11. Coleman, Williams lead contingent of running backs this spring
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Following signing day this past February, a day in which Virginia Tech’s coaching staff signed two of the best tailback prospects in the country, Tech fans found themselves wondering how things would shake out at the tailback positio…
12. Uncertainty remains at football's most important position
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
Tech’s 2014 spring practice ended with the annual Maroon-White game held April 26, so what do fans now know about the quarterback position heading into the fall? Well, not too much. “We’re so far away from being ready to play a…
13. Defense owns the day
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
There was little scoring in the annual Maroon-White game, as both defenses controlled the line of scrimmage and left fans optimistic that the Hokies have reloaded on that side of the ball heading into the fall At the conclusion of l…
14. Graduation day important for former Tech great
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
This is a table former Tech football standout Kevin Jones has designed as part of his senior thesis at Virginia Tech. The former All-American will graduate on May 16 after leaving school early 10 years ago to pursue an NFL career. On Ma…
15. Takeaways from yet another important spring football practice
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10
To get a feeling of what Tech football coach Frank Beamer thought of his team’s spring, consider his comments following the annual Maroon-White game that concluded spring practice. “We’re going to go through some growing pains …
16. Hokies own first quarter
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9
Tech’s four quarters of preparation for the upcoming 2014 football season began with winter workouts in the strength and conditioning program, and the Hokies got off to a good start Wyatt Teller finished among the top five in four lif…
17. Spring Q&A with quarterback Mark Leal
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9
After backing up Logan Thomas for the past three years, Mark Leal has enjoyed the competition for the No. 1 spot at quarterback this spring. After backing up Logan Thomas for four years, Mark Leal is excited about the possibilities …
18. Athletics department ready to begin construction on new indoor practice facility
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9
Artist renderings of the practice facility Expect to see backhoes and bulldozers, cranes and precast concrete, and construction workers galore this summer next to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. The Virginia Tech athletics departm…
19. Tech football staff looking for answers- and may not find all of them this spring
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9
Dadi Nicolas’ athleticism has the Tech staff comparing him to former great Corey Moore. Nicolas and Luther Maddy are the only experienced pieces returning along the Hokies’ defensive front. Four months remain before Virginia Tech o…
20. Tech "D" looking to reload this spring
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8
Defensive coordinator Bud Foster is hoping several young players progress this spring, as he and his staff look to replace several starters, particularly along the defensive front Der’Woun Greene is one of many young players who will…
21. In the Coastal Division, Hokies aren't the only contenders answering questions this spring
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8
Mark Leal is one of several candidates vying to replace Logan Thomas at quarterback this spring. Although Virginia Tech’s 2014 spring football game isn’t until Saturday, April 26, we’re going to learn a whole bunch about this year…
22. Five intriguing names to watch, as Tech kicks off spring practice
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8
Click on the football schedule on hokiesports.com, and it says that the Hokies’ open the 2014 season on Aug. 30 against William & Mary. Yet ask any Tech football coach and he will tell you that the season kicks off on March 26 …
23. News & Notes
Football :: News & Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8
Hokies land transfer QB Michael Brewer, a quarterback from Lake Travis, Texas, will be transferring to Virginia Tech after spending the previous three years at Texas Tech. He plans to graduate from Texas Tech in May and then t…
24. Recruiting Profiles
Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7
JAYLEN BRADSHAW 6-1, 180, WR Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Smith High School Also considered: Old Dominion Stats: Caught 65 passes for 1,102 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior (led Class 6A in receiving yards) … Hauled in 35 passes for 7…
25. Hokies' staff loads up on offense with 2014 recruiting haul
Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7
Marshawn Williams rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a senior at Phoebus High School in Hampton, Va., and is one of many playmakers recruited by Tech’s staff in the 2014 football recruiting class. (Photo courtesy of The Daily Press…
26. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7
Beamer names Searels new offensive line coach Tech football coach Frank Beamer named Stacy Searels as the team’s new offensive line coach shortly after previous offensive line coach Jeff Grimes departed for the same position a…
27. Settling in with San Diego
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
After several injury-plagued seasons, former Tech receiver Eddie Royal bounced back with a big 2013 season in his second year with the San Diego Chargers Eddie Royal had one of the best seasons of his career as a receiver for the San Di…
28. Ready for spring
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
The few members of the 2013 recruiting class who took redshirt years this past fall feel better for the experience, but can’t wait for spring practice Needing depth on the offensive line, Tech’s coaching staff moved Wyatt Teller to…
29. Season-ending depth chart
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
Here is a look at the depth chart for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays on special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackles came …
30. Same old Coles
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
The oldest player on Tech’s team didn’t quite have the senior season he wanted, but D.J. Coles handled the situation with a maturity expected from one his age The Hokies will miss the leadership of D.J. Coles, who mentored a young r…
31. Former Tech players remember fondly first trip to El Paso
Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
Most members of the 1946 squad have passed away, but the few who remain take pride in being the school’s first bowl team and remember well the program’s original trip to the Sun Bowl The 1946 Tech football team was the first in scho…
32. Sun Bowl not bright for Hokies
Football :: Sun Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
A second-quarter injury sent Logan Thomas to the sidelines, and the Hokies’ defense couldn’t contain a strong UCLA offense, as Tech ended the season with a 42-12 defeat Playing in his last collegiate game, Jack Tyler was credited w…
33. Year of transition ends on sour note, but staff continues building for the long-run success
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
Mark Leal had a rough go of it in the Sun Bowl in place of an injured Logan Thomas, but he’s the leader for the starting job at quarterback heading into spring practice. Well crew, another season is over, and this one didn’t e…
34. Considering the circumstances, 8-5 was not a bad season for Tech
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
In November of 1994, the former editor of the athletics department publication, Chris Colston, came up with a unique headline for the issue that capped the 1994 regular season. It said, “8-3 ain’t bad.” Nineteen years later,…
35. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6
Tech adds Purdue to football schedule Virginia Tech and Purdue have agreed to play a home-and-home football series that begins in 2015. The Hokies will travel to West Lafayette, Ind., for a Sept. 19, 2015 game against the Boilerm…
36. Former receiver one of the early walk-on success stories at Tech
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5
Michael Stuewe worked his way into being a success story at Tech, and not surprisingly, he is now successful in his management position at Travel Centers of America Michael Stuewe started his career as a walk-on, but went on to become a…
37. Family, friends more important than fame, football for Thomas
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5
Despite the ups and downs, quarterback Logan Thomas has enjoyed his time at Tech and credits his family and friends – many of whom are outside of sports – for helping him along the way A three-year starter at quarterback, Logan Thom…
38. Tech to head out West for its 21st straight bowl game
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5
Tech head football coach Frank Beamer will be guiding the Hokies to their 21st consecutive bowl and is one of only four coaches to have taken teams to 20 or more straight bowl games. Since 1993, Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer…
39. Success should be the mark of Jim Weaver’s legacy
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5
We’re four months into the academic year, which means four months into college sports’ playing seasons, and already, it’s been a bit of a bizarre fall/early winter in Blacksburg. Consider the following: the football team won si…
40. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5
Longtime Tech supporter passes away Sonny Merryman, Jr., a longtime supporter of Virginia Tech athletics and the person for whom the Merryman Center on Tech’s campus is named, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the age 89. Merr…
41. Rolling with his role
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4
Tyrel Wilson hasn’t gotten a lot of attention in his career for his role on Tech’s defensive line, but he has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and unselfish attitude Tyrel Wilson doesn’t have a lo…
42. Football still in his blood
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4
Former Tech kicker and punter Jack Simczak has retired and moved to South Carolina with his wife, but he hasn’t quite given up the game he loves Jack Simczak (43) was a record-setting punter and placekickerfor the Hokies in the late 1…
43. After wrestling with decision, Miller makes his mark in football
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4
Offensive lineman Andrew Miller gave up a potentially great career in wrestling to go to the mat in football – a decision that has turned out well for both him and the Hokies The Hokies dropped a tough one to Duke, but Andrew Miller d…
44. Battle At Bristol Set
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4
Tech and Tennessee will play a football game at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2016 and will attempt to break college football’s all-time single-game attendance mark Amid confetti and fireworks, officials at Bristol Motor Speedway anno…
45. Tyler’s emergence as defensive leader proves history has way of repeating itself
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4
Jack Tyler has followed a similar path to that of Cody Grimm, coming to Tech as a walk-on and developing into an all-conference performer. This is a tale that seemingly has been written before, and now it appears again. It’s a stor…
46. Stanford shows his potential with big game versus BC
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4
For a young man coming off the game of his life and playing not terribly far from his hometown across the border in Canada, Josh Stanford wasn’t in a particularly cheery mood. The Canadian had just set career highs in receptions and y…
47. Still Standing
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3
Back living and working in his hometown of Franklin, Va., Ashley Lee vividly remembers the NCAA record he broke 30 years ago – one that still stands today Ashley Lee’s 182 interception return yards against Vanderbilt in 1983 still s…
48. Athletics department gets approval on indoor practice facility
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3
It took Tech AD Jim Weaver 15 years, but he’s finally going to see a new indoor practice facility get built. The Virginia Tech athletics department received some much-anticipated good news on Sept. 9, as a building and grounds comm…
49. Faith and football come into focus for Collins
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3
A rededication to faith has enabled Tech defensive end J.R. Collins to turn his game and his life in a positive direction J.R. Collins played the best game of his career with his two-sack, seven-hurry performance in the Hokies’ win ov…
50. Hokies’ 2013 toughness a byproduct of grueling offseason
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3
Andrew Miller and his teammates worked harder in the offseason than ever before, lifting four days a week and running every day in preparation for the 2013 season. From the time he trotted onto the field for his first practice at Virgin…
51. Facyson and Fuller creating excitement now and for the future
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3
Coming into the season, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff expected many freshmen to contribute this fall, but they probably didn’t expect any of them to contribute in the secondary, where four starters were returning. Yet here we…
52. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3
Davis named an ACC Legend Andre Davis, a former Tech receiver in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was selected to be a member of the 2013 Class of Legends by the Atlantic Coast Conference. The legends will be honored Dec. 6, the night be…
53. Former Tech receiver Myron Richardson is living up to the university’s motto
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Myron Richardson caught a game-high five passes for 69 yards to help the Hokies upset then-No. 9 West Virginia 12-10 in 1989. Just about all Americans can probably remember their whereabouts on the day of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorist…
54. Hokies in the NFL
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Here is a look at all former Tech players playing in the NFL as of opening day (Sept. 8): ARIZONA CARDINALS 87 Jeff King – King is entering his seventh season in the NFL and his third with the Cardinals after being drafted by the C…
55. Offseason change of address sees Tapp joining favorite childhood team
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Darryl Tapp suffered some tough years in Philadelphia, butcouldn’t be happier to be with the Redskins. (Photo courtesyof the Washington Redskins) Earlier this summer, Darryl Tapp and his family flew to Seattle to visit with some of hi…
56. New Chaplain Joins Tech Team
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Dave Gittings was tabbed as the Hokies’ team chaplain after Johnny Shelton left for a position with the Baltimore Ravens this summer Dave Gittings came to Tech from Georgia, where he worked as a a multi-area director with the South Ce…
57. Benedict A Rare Breed
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Tech offensive lineman Brent Benedict has dealt with some serious issues in his life, including the death of his brother, but the young man knows how to keep things light off the field Brent Benedict missed nearly two seasons while reco…
58. Bigger - And Better
Football :: IHS Extra: New Video Scoreboards :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Large, new high-definition video scoreboards in both Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum should enhance fans’ experiences while generating more revenue from advertising The new high-definition video scoreboard at Lane Stadium is larger …
59. Weaver touches on array of topics as 2013-14 seasons begin
Football :: IHS Extra: Q&A with Jim Weaver :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Tech AD Jim Weaver was busy over the past year, dealing with issues such as football scheduling andextending the department’s multi-media rightscontract with IMG College. Virginia Tech is coming off arguably its best year of competi…
60. Misdirection, options key to Tech’s offensive philosophy
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Hopefully, the ability of Tech’s offense to do multiple things will lead to more big plays, like this 77-yard touchdown run by Trey Edmunds against Alabama. Back in January, Virginia Tech introduced Scot Loeffler as the team’s new…
61. Despite loss, Hokies get off to a solid start to 2013 season
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
When Demitri Knowles caught the opening kickoff from Alabama kicker Cade Foster, the green flagged dropped on the 13-week race that is the 2013 football season. Unfortunately, 60 minutes worth of game time later, the Hokies stumbled ac…
62. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2
Tech Hall of Famer passes away Jack Prater, a former Tech football player, assistant coach and director of the Hokie Club, passed away on Aug. 27 in Christiansburg at the age of 82 after a long bout with dementia and Alzheimer’s. …
63. First year over, Hughes excited to improve on his numbers
Football :: Special Teams Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
A.J. Hughes admitted that he was nervous for the season opener against Georgia Tech last September. It marked his first collegiate game after winning the starting job as the punter for the Hokies. His first punt went for a mere 32 …
64. Knowles hopes he and receivers sprint to success in 2013
Football :: Receivers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
Demitri Knowles arrived in the United States from the Bahamas with the reputation of being an outstanding track athlete who just happened to play football, and even when he received a scholarship to play football for Virginia Tech, h…
65. Exum confident about returning to form following knee injury
Football :: Defensive Backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
Last October, Virginia Tech cornerback Antone Exum and Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins battled each other for much of the afternoon down at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Then they battled each other again in late March/early Apri…
66. Learning year behind him, Vandyke excited for bigger things in 2013
Football :: Whips Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
It turned out to be a rather eventful summer for Ronny Vandyke. He spent 11 days in the Dominican Republic as part of a summer school course, he went home for a few days to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday and he saw his good f…
67. After a difficult 2012 season, Edwards ready for some better luck
Football :: Linebackers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
…
68. Collins ready to put past behind him and lead a loaded defensive line
Football :: Defensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
For the first time since high school, J.R. Collins did not spend the majority of his summer preparing for a football season. But don’t misinterpret that statement. He still worked. Collins spent the first part of the summer in Lo…
69. After moving to tight end, McCray excited about 2013 season
Football :: Tight Ends Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
Zack McCray has been at Tech for three years and made small contributions on the field for the Hokies in each of the past two seasons. But this spring, he started from scratch. McCray, a former SuperPrep and Parade All-American o…
70. Miller the leader of a young, unproven offensive line
Football :: Offensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
At the Hokies’ team meeting on July 9, one that centered on the lifting schedules and academics for the second summer session, Andrew Miller and Brent Benedict showed up in old school tank tops, short shorts and aviator sunglasses.…
71. Edmunds and Coleman in the spotlight at tailback
Football :: Running Backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
It’s safe to say that Trey Edmunds puts his priorities in the proper order. When asked in mid-July what Edmunds hoped to get done during the second summer school session at Tech, he responded without hesitation – and his respon…
72. With 2012 behind him, Thomas ready to lead Hokies to big season
Football :: Quarterbacks Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
Toward the end of a rather busy summer for Tech quarterback Logan Thomas, he gave a brief assessment of his golf game, arguably his second greatest passion besides football. Like most non-professional golfers, he said he hadn’t g…
73. In a rush to be good
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
James Gayle’s lack of experience with football and lack of weight as a teenager weren’t big issues for him to overcome on his way to becoming a two-time All-ACC player at Tech Gaze at him on the street, and you’d never guess t…
74. Questions plentiful as Tech readies for 2013 football season kickoff
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
Tech offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler wants the Hokies to have a balanced attack this season, and having a fifth-year senior quarterback will help. Like you, I’m excited about the start of another college football season, and t…
75. Tech defense looking to be great from the start in 2013
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1
Shortly after the Hokies’ 48-34 defeat to North Carolina last October, defensive coordinator Bud Foster walked into the postgame media session – willingly – to face media hounds who were all ready to tree him after his defense gav…
76. Football Athlete of the Year
Football :: Logan Thomas :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11
LOGAN THOMAS | R-Junior | Lynchburg, Va Quarterbacking an offense that lacked experience this past season, Logan Thomas’ numbers weren’t quite as great as his phenomenal sophomore campaign. However, he still managed to shoehorn …
77. Tech's top ten of the past year
Football :: 2012-13 Edition :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11
Here are the top 10 moments of the 2012-13 academic year as compiled by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. Ziegler, Kruzliak claim national titles Alexander Ziegler and Tomas Kruzli…
78. The 2012-13 athletics year ranks as one of the best ever for Tech
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11
The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships marked the end of the 2012-13 sports year for Virginia Tech athletics, and it rounded out arguably the greatest athletics year in the history of the university. That may seem like…
79. Kickers' experience showed this spring
Football :: spring Football Review: Special Teams :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
There wasn’t too much to report on the kicking positions coming out of spring practice, as the Hokies returned both kicker Cody Journell and punter A.J. Hughes from last season’s team. Journell and Brooks Abbott, who was the backup …
80. Young players made moves in the secondary this spring
Football :: spring Football Review: Defensive Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Torrian Gray came out of spring practice with pretty much the same thoughts as the Hokies’ other assistant coaches. He got what he expected from certain players, he liked what he saw from some of his younger guys, and he’s concerne…
81. Vandyke solidifies grip on whip linebacker spot
Football :: spring Football Review: Whips :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Last season, defensive coordinator Bud Foster played nickel defense early in the season, but he readily admitted that his unit’s fortunes changed when he went back to his base defense, which included a whip linebacker. Whips coach C…
82. Foster looking for consistency from young linebackers behind Tyler and Edwards
Football :: Spring Football Review: Linebackers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster doubles as the linebackers coach, and one of his main goals for the spring was getting Tariq Edwards back to form. As most know, Edwards basically missed last season because of a leg injury. Yes, …
83. Defensive ends shined this spring, but depth at tackle is a major concern
Football :: Spring Football Review: Defensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
A year ago, thanks largely to a very good defensive line, the Hokies finished second in the ACC with 35 sacks. Given that all four starters return and given their performance this spring, the Hokies should finish near the top i…
84. Malleck led the way at tight end after a strong spring
Football :: Spring Football Review: Tight Ends :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
To get a feel for how the tight ends progressed over the course of spring practice, one only needs to look at the box score of the Hokies’ spring game. The Hokies’ tight ends combined to catch nine passes for 125 yards and a …
85. Tech's offensive line still a work in progress heading into summer workouts
Football :: Spring Football Review: Offensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Coming out of spring practice, Tech’s offensive line remains in a bit of flux, as new line coach Jeff Grimes spent the 15 practices getting to know his players and finding out what they do best. Grimes did not come out of this…
86. Young receiver group put in the work, but there is still more to do
Football :: Spring Football Review: Wide Receivers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Last January, Tech head coach Frank Beamer hired a younger guy to coach the receivers in Aaron Moorehead. Youth, though, was going to be served with this group anyway. Tech’s depth chart at the receiver position features exac…
87. Coleman and Holmes were strong at tailback this spring, but Edmunds opened some eyes
Football :: Spring Football Review: Running Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
The Tech running backs received arguably more scrutiny this spring than any other position, as the Hokies tried to get their running game back on track. A year ago, J.C. Coleman led all Tech tailbacks with just 492 yards, while q…
88. Thomas and Leal showed improvement this spring
Football :: Spring Football Review: Quarterbacks :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Spring game performance aside – when he threw three interceptions – Logan Thomas progressed over the course of 15 practices, as he moved into the role of conductor of the new offense installed by new coordinator Scot Loeffler. Tho…
89. Interception returns headlined spring game
Football :: IHS Extra: Maroon & White Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Der’Woun Greene and Donovan Riley returned interceptions for touchdowns to lead the White team past the Orange Like several other former Tech players now working in the NFL, Kam Chancellor, Jayron Hosley and Brandon Flowers returned t…
90. ACC taking right steps to preserve conference's future
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Virginia Tech’s teams and fans will get to continue enjoying ACC competition after the league’s recent grant of rights deal locked in every conference member for the next 14 years. In late April, the ACC announced that each of the c…
91. Lots to take away about the Hokies following important spring practice
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
The Maroon-White game wrapped up Tech’s 2013 spring practice, which was arguably the most important in head coach Frank Beamer’s tenure. Coming off a 7-6 campaign that was a bit of a struggle throughout, he hired a new offensive co…
92. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10
Two Tech players selected in NFL Draft Tech football players Corey Fuller and Vinston Painter were selected in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft held April 25-27 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Fuller, a receiver from …
93. Moorehead excited about coaching and the potential of his young receivers
Football :: IHS Extra: New receivers coach excited about his job :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
New receivers coach Aaron Moorehead wants to see his receivers play more relaxed, and he feels that will translate into more big plays next season There has been a lot of excitement on Tech’s practice fields this spring, a newfound en…
94. Tech names football practice fields after former player
Football :: IHS Extra: Tech honors former player :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
The school honors former tight end Steve Johnson after his generous contributions to the football program Some past players just bring forth great memories. Tech fans remember Chris Kinzer’s kick against NC State, Corey Moore’s g…
95. More than 60 players earn honors in recent strength and conditioning testing
Football :: IHS Extra: Football strength & conditioning results :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
Defensive end James Gayle is one of the Hokies’ strongest athletes, as evidenced by his 550-pound squat in recent testing. On March 27, the Virginia Tech football team participated in the first of its 15 spring practices. Before tha…
96. New Beginnings
Football :: IHS Extra: Q&A with Scot Loeffler :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
New coordinator Scot Loeffler begins the process of turning around Tech’s fortunes on offense Scot Loeffler brings a lot of experience to Tech after stops at Michigan, Central Michigan, the NFL’s Detroit Lions, Florida, Temple and A…
97. Spring a perfect time to find answers to many questions for Hokies
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
J.C. Coleman led all Tech tailbacks in rushing last year with 492 yards and is one of several vying for the top job this spring. Well, gang, it’s time for the annual spring-cleaning edition of the Kroger Roth Report. Lots to get to,…
98. Tech running backs use spring to put past behind them
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
By everyone’s standards, J.C. Coleman ranks as one of the good guys on Tech’s football team, someone who, yes, carries a football, but also a big smile and a bigger heart. Yet when the conversation turns toward the Hokies’ rushing…
99. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9
Tech to use online system for 2013 football seat changes and parking choices For the first time, Virginia Tech football season ticket holders will be required to make changes to their seat locations and to pick their parking locations e…
100. Tech "D" ready for spring
Football :: IHS Extra: Q&A with Bud Foster :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8
The Hokies return a lot of starters and hope to carry over their stellar play from the end of last season to this spring Dadi Nicolas showed flashes of his athletic ability last fall, and the Tech coaching staff wants to see more of it …
101. Five to watch, as Hokies gear up for 2013 spring practice
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8
For those tired of the doldrums of winter, for those tired of the varying degrees of cold, for those tired of words like “wind chill” and “jet stream,” take heart. The first day of spring is March 20. The lone exception is…
102. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8
Tech to use online system for 2013 football seat changes and parking choices For the first time, Virginia Tech football season ticket holders will be required to make changes to their seat locations and to pick their parking locations e…
103. Recruiting Profiles
Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7
KYLE CHUNG 6-4, 280, OL Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Ponte Vedra High School Also considered: Arkansas, Miami, Clemson Top honors: Rated a 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Listed as the No. 29 tight end prospect nationally…
104. Tech staff brings in top-25 recruiting class for the second straight year
Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7
Bucky Hodges, a quarterback from Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Va., was one of the top in-state prospects tosign with Tech and a part of the Hokies’ top-25 recruiting class. It’s been a busy six weeks for the man in charge of…
105. Beamer shakes up staff
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7
Longtime head coach brings aboard three new assistant coaches From left to right: Jeff Grimes, Frank Beamer, Scot Loeffler, Aaron Moorehead. Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer has taken conservative approaches with the Tech prog…
106. Intelligence and toughness are two of many things new offensive coordinator wants to see out of Tech's offense
Football :: Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7
Scot Loeffler has both NFL and college experience and plans on the Hokies having a balanced, pro-style offense in the years to come. Those are two words you hear frequently coming from Scot Loeffler, Virginia Tech’s new offensive co…
107. Staff changes made with focus to improve Tech offense's consistency, particularly in the running game
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7
Tech coach Frank Beamer sat on the stage at the Schott Media Center in the south end zone of Lane Stadium. His three new coaching hires flanked him, all sitting there with a throng of media anxiously awaiting to toss them questions…
108. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7
Custis, Houseright named ACC Legends Former Tech men’s basketball player Ace Custis and women’s basketball standout Michelle Houseright were named part of the 2013 ACC Legends class, as announced by ACC commissioner John Swofford. E…
109. Wilson flipped out versus the Saints
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
The former Tech tailback accomplished something never done before in the NFL – and celebrated by doing backflips Courtesy of AP Images David Wilson has long been known for his ability to do backflips, once doing eight in a row at…
110. Redshirt year ends for Tech freshmen
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
Members of the 2012 recruiting class who redshirted this past fall are anxious to put their talents on display during spring practice in March In the weeks leading up to the Russell Athletic Bowl held in Orlando, most of Virginia Tech…
111. Virginia Tech's season-ending depth chart
Football :: Football :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
Here is a look at the depth chart for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays on special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackles came …
112. Walking on to success
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
A humble attitude, a great work ethic and an undeniable determination were just a few of the traits that former walk-ons and running backs Joey Phillips and Martin Scales shared in their Tech careers Joey Phillips and Martin Scales s…
113. Tech picks off bowl victory
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
Antone Exum’s interception caps a great week for him and sets up a touchdown that enables the Hokies to rally past Rutgers for an overtime win in the Russell Athletic Bowl Last-minute Christmas shopping for the Virginia Tech footbal…
114. After slow start, Foster and Tech defense come up big in second half of 2012
Football :: Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
As he exited Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., in October, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster knew something was amiss with his 2012 Hokies’ defense. Tech had just been gashed for 533 total yards by the Tar Heels, incl…
115. Tech defense saves best for last with dominating performance against Rutgers
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
Several days after Tech’s 13-10 overtime victory over Rutgers in the Russell Athletic Bowl, as most were rushing to purchase champagne to ring in the New Year, a friend submitted an email somewhat stating the obvious. “Other t…
116. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6
Former World Series champions headline “Baseball Night in Blacksburg” Former Tech baseball standouts and former Major League Baseball World Series champions Franklin Stubbs and Brad Clontz will be the guests of honor for the V…
117. Former Tech tailback Darren Evans trying to take advantage of Tennessee Titans' opportunity
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Darren Evans played football at Virginia Tech for three seasons, even setting a single-game rushing record his redshirt freshman season, and he later graduated with a degree in sociology. So he never expected to be perfecting hi…
118. Keeping Tabs from Kentucky
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Former Tech linebacker Kent Henry still keeps up with the Hokies even though he lives these days in the Bluegrass State, where he was born and raised Kent Henry (58) took advantage of an opportunity early in his career and became a th…
119. Quieting the Competition
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Nick Becton is quiet off the field, but the left tackle’s play this season has spoken quite loudly to Tech’s opponents Occasionally, one who works in the journalism world comes across an athlete who is as quiet as Lane Stadium i…
120. High Voltage
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Antone Exum has been a lightning rod for his critics this season, but his confidence in himself enabled him to become an All-ACC cornerback Some players are just lightning rods for attention. Of those, a certain few bring it upon them…
121. With 20th straight bowl bid, Tech puts itself in a rare club
Football :: Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
On Dec. 28, Virginia Tech’s football team is going to take the field at Orlando’s Citrus Bowl in front of who knows how many fans for a weekday afternoon drive-time bowl game against Rutgers. It’s not the bowl many fans were h…
122. Christmas means a little more this season for Cole
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Tis the season to put up Christmas trees, hang stockings, put up Christmas decorations and lights, and buy and wrap gifts. It’s also a time to reflect on the holiday and its meaning, and also to count one’s blessings. Michael …
123. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Three Hokies earn All-ACC recognition James Gayle, Jack Tyler and Antone Exum all earned All-ACC honors after the regular season in voting conducted by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, a group of media members who cove…
124. Hokie Club News
Football :: Hokie Club :: Brian Thornburg :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5
Retaining the Rivalry's Prize In the regular-season finale, Virginia Tech beat in-state rival Virginia for the ninth straight time, downing the Cavaliers 17-14 on Cody Journell’s last-second field goal and keeping the Commonwealth C…
125. Flowers on his way to becoming one of NFL's best defensive backs
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
Former Tech defensive back Brandon Flowers has shown the Kansas City Chiefs his talents in his five years there, including this interception against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 7. (Photo courtesy of Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs)…
126. BIG year for a BIG man
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
After four long years, Tech offensive tackle Vinston Painter is living up to his potential on the field and off He stands 6-foot-6 and weighs a rather sturdy 310 pounds. He possesses unworldly athleticism, and to put that in persp…
127. Former Hokie QB will forever remain in the Tech record book
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
Only his closest friends know this, and it rarely comes up in conversations these days given the high-powered aerial shows that dominate college football today. But Billy Holsclaw years ago etched his name in the Virginia Tech record b…
128. Tackling Adversity
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
Bruce Taylor hasn’t let past obstacles get in his way of being a great player for Tech and well respected in the community for his efforts with Special Olympics It practically takes more than an atlas to find the town of Riceboro,…
129. Lots for an AD to consider when it comes to nonconference scheduling
Football :: Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
When Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver was forced to find additional nonconference football games starting next year, there were plenty of factors to consider – the financial implication of a new series, finding an attractive opponent fo…
130. Recent hurricane puts football into perspective for one Tech player
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
Sometimes it takes a natural disaster of epic proportions to put the sport of football into its proper perspective. A few weeks ago, on the night of Oct. 29, most Tech fans fretted about the Hokies’ upcoming game against Miami, consid…
131. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4
McCray to move to tight end Zack McCray, a highly touted recruit out of the 2010 football recruiting class, agreed to a position change shortly after the Hokies’ loss to Miami in Florida. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound redshirt sophomore, wi…
132. Family, farming and football have always been the loves of former Tech DB Paul Davis, who excelled under Bill Dooley in the late 1970s
Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3
Most folks retire from a profession and then start to take it easy. Paul Davis retired, hopped on a tractor and went to work. The former Tech defensive back retired after working 28 years as an agriculture extension agent, but he wo…
133. Overcoming Obstacles
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow has overcome hurdles on and off the field and is trying to make the most of his final season at Tech The ball came straight toward him, an inflated piece of stitched swine skin wobbling end over end. Here he was,…
134. October News and Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3
Tech football leads nation in graduates The Virginia Tech football program continues to get things done off the field, as the program leads all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools with 15 players who have graduated already. O…
135. Bowl victory and finance degree made former Tech receiver Steve Sanders' career a big success
Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Like nearly every college football player, former Tech wide receiver Steve Sanders wanted to play in the NFL. In fact, he planned for it, majoring in finance at Tech because he wanted to be able to manage his own money. But like so m…
136. Complete list of Hokies in the Pros
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Here is a look at all former Tech players playing in the NFL as of opening day (Sept. 5): ARIZONA CARDINALS 87 Jeff King – The former Tech tight end caught 27 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with Ariz…
137. After a tumultuous 2011, former VT receiver Josh Morgan returns home and is ready to turn some heads
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Josh Morgan’s 2011 season in San Francisco had more twists and turns than Lombard Street. It was more torturous than a night at Alcatraz. Morgan, the former Tech receiver who departed Blacksburg after the 2007 season, suffered a bro…
138. Superstar NFL agent offers insight to 2012 football squad
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Classes didn’t start at Virginia Tech until Aug. 27. But members of the football team got an education on an array of topics weeks before the university’s official start date of classes. In an effort to be proactive, Tech head coach…
139. Numbers Game
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
A few stories behind the jersey numbers of certain Tech football players Have you ever wondered why some players choose a particular jersey number? Why, for instance, does J.R. Collins have the number of a running back, or why Marcus Da…
140. Football band of brothers
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Football at Tech is part of a family tradition for Corey and Kyle Fuller Corey Fuller Most people in southwest Virginia grow up as Virginia Tech fans and most remember their first experiences at Lane Stadium. They remember the crispne…
141. Roth and Burnop honored, surprised at halftime of Georgia Tech game
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Commemorative print to be used as a way of raising money for an endowment in the names of their two loved ones who passed away this summer Bill Roth and Mike Burnop are best known to Virginia Tech fans for using their voices to call the…
142. Working Overtime in the Opener
Football :: Football Season Opener :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
Virginia Tech gets big plays from unlikely sources and uses a Cody Journell field goal beat Georgia Tech in overtime If Tech fans needed any more evidence of the zaniness that was the first overtime game ever at Lane Stadium, then co…
143. Steger in the middle of changes both in college football and at Tech
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
This past summer, the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee met in Washington, D.C., and approved massive and dramatic changes to the process of how college football will crown a national champion. As we know now, starting in 2014, ther…
144. Tyler tackling anything in his way toward being a great one
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2
For the average Tech fan, sitting in the overcast that was Labor Day evening, it would be hard to imagine that tackling machine Jack Tyler, the anchor of the Hokies’ defense and the crux of its lunch-pail mentality, nearly wound up str…
145. Branthover anxious to take over as Hokies' punter
Football :: Special Teams Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Tech head coach Frank Beamer spent a lot of time this past spring watching his kickers – and for good reason. A year ago, the Hokies used three punters who combined to rank 108th out of 120 teams nationally in net punting, and a…
146. Bonner ready to continue tremendous play this spring in Tech's secondary
Football :: Defensive Backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
On a sweltering July afternoon, several of Tech’s skill players participated in passing drills (voluntary, of course) directed by quarterbacks Logan Thomas and Mark Leal. At the end of the session, Darius Redman, a backup tight end …
147. Tweedy hoping to stay healthy and continue solid play from the end of last season
Football :: Whips Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Alonzo Tweedy was starting to show his potential early last season. He recorded eight tackles in Tech’s win over Miami and added six more in the Hokies’ victory over Wake Forest. Then, he got the starting nod at whip linebacker for …
148. Tyler gives Hokies tested depth at mike linebacker
Football :: Linebackers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Jack Tyler spent the first summer session working an internship with a real estate company in Northern Virginia, learning how to manage properties as part of the requirements for a degree in residential property management. Tyler …
149. Gayle, Collins anchor what should be a loaded defensive line
Football :: Defensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
During a short interview in July, James Gayle made the observation that the Hokies faced a difficult schedule this upcoming season, one of the toughest schedules in the ACC. When asked if he was one who analyzed the schedules when the…
150. Wang one of several new faces on 2012 offensive line
Football :: Offensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
David Wang wasn’t in training for the Olympics this summer, but he certainly ran enough to give that impression. Uncharacteristic of an offensive lineman, Wang ran extra sprints during the Hokies’ offseason conditioning sessions a…
151. Dunn hopes patience pays off with playing time at tight end
Football :: Tight Ends Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Coming off a terrific spring in which he won a spring award – the Frank O. Moseley Award as the offensive player who exhibited the most hustle during offseason and spring workouts – Randall Dunn is challenging Eric Martin for the sta…
152. Coles and company ready to replace two greats at receiver spots
Football :: Wide Receivers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
For the second straight season, a returning wide receiver – a talented one key to the Hokies’ fortunes – is coming back from a major injury. Last year, Dyrell Roberts was coming back from emergency surgery for compartment sy…
153. Holmes ready to assume mantle as Tech's next great running back
Football :: Running backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Soft-spoken Michael Holmes is quickly becoming one of the more popular players on Tech’s squad, as evidenced by the ribbing he gets from his teammates, even the lesser known ones. For example, he occasionally gets grief from Scott…
154. Leal biding his time behind Tech's star QB
Football :: Quarterbacks Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
There is a longstanding joke in football that the most popular player on a team is the backup quarterback. In Blacksburg, though, Tech fans, coaches and current players like their starter quite nicely, as Logan Thomas returns to the …
155. Pitch Perfect
Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Entering their 25th season broadcasting football games, Bill Roth and Mike Burnop have called nearly 300 contests and captured the hearts of Hokie Nation When you sit at a table with Bill Roth and Mike Burnop, you better get your sto…
156. Tech freshmen hope to earn playing time in 2012
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Two years ago, Tech head coach Frank Beamer and his staff played just two true freshmen – a couple of guys named Derrick Hopkins and Kyle Fuller. A year ago, seven played, including a couple of projected 2012 starters in Luther Maddy …
157. New and Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Five to be inducted into Tech Sports Hall of Fame Former Tech receiver André Davis and former women’s basketball great Amy Wetzel Doolan are two of five individuals to be inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. T…
158. Hokie Club News
Football :: From the Hokie Club :: Brian Thornburg :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1
Olympic Sports Athletic Performance Center to give Hokies a lift Tech opened a $1 million dollar training center this summer specifically for its Olympic sports. The Student-Athlete Experience Having our new facility has allowed us …
159. Football Athlete of the Year
Football :: David Wilson :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11
David Wilson | Junior | Danville, Va. Logan Thomas easily could have been the choice for the football athlete of the year, but it’s hard to ignore the accomplishments of David Wilson, who broke records on his way to being named the …
160. Tech's Top 10 of the Past Year
Football :: 2011-2012 Edition :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11
Here are the top 10 moments of the 2011-12 school year as compiled by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. Thomas rallies Tech past Miami In a football game that featured 73 points a…
161. Uncertainty of playoff format fueling anxiety in college athletics this summer
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11
Normally, in the summertime, the buzzwords are “sun,” “sand,” “beach,” and “water.” But sitting in Jim Weaver’s office recently, the two of us came up with four others – “uncertainty,” “access,” “fairn…
162. Kicking situation unsettled coming out of spring
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer coaches most of the Hokies’ special teams, and he gave a telling remark about the state of the kicking positions following the attempt of the Maroon-White game on April 21. “I think a l…
163. Staff's moves in the secondary leave them feeling positive coming out of spring
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Detrick Bonner The secondary spent much of the spring in the spotlight because of all the juggling of positions that took place before practice started. Coming out of spring practice, defensive backs coach Torrian Gray expressed optimis…
164. Seniors hold down the top spots at whip, with the young guys coming on
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
The performances by his players this spring had whip linebackers coach Cornell Brown in a good mood. “Maybe they’ll let us play a little bit this year,” Brown joked. The whip linebackers certainly saw little action in 2011,…
165. Hokies didn't lose a beat with Tyler and Williams in lineup
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Jack Tyler Spring practice provided defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who doubles as the linebackers coach, an opportunity to get some younger guys plenty of reps, as starters Bruce Taylor (Lisfranc) and Tariq Edwards (leg) missed the s…
166. Experienced and deep defensive line drew notice with play this spring
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Luther Maddy Tech’s defensive line made its presence felt this spring, recording sacks at a breakneck pace. The unit recorded at least seven sacks in every scrimmage, though to be fair, the officials blew the play dead quickly any tim…
167. Martin and Dunn lead the pack at the tight end position
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Tech’s tight end position features a lot of players. It features a lot of athletic ability. It features a lot of potential. But at the moment, it doesn’t quite feature that one player, or two players, with the ability to do everyth…
168. Youngsters get much-needed work with all the injuries at the WR spots
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Dyrell Roberts Tech receivers coach Kevin Sherman planned on giving his younger receivers plenty of reps during spring practice. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much of a choice. The offense went the entire spring without the services…
169. Offensive line progresses toward the end of spring ball
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
David Wang In the first scrimmage of the spring, Virginia Tech’s offense gave up 11 sacks, and concern about the offensive line – already at a high level among Hokie Nation – rocketed. But offensive line coach Curt Newsome knew h…
170. Holmes and Coleman shine as Tech looks to replace Wilson
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Michael Holmes Tech fans went into spring practice anxious to see who would replace David Wilson, who broke the school’s single-season rushing record en route to the ACC’s player of the year honor last fall. Michael Holmes did no…
171. Thomas spent much of spring getting used to inexperienced teammates
Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
The bad news about Tech’s offense heading into spring practice was the lack of experience at most of the positions. The good news was that the position with the most experience happened to be the quarterback position. Loga…
172. Lightning strikes down 2012 Maroon-White game
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10
Maybe this goes on at most college towns, but there is a recurring joke concerning spring games. In Blacksburg, when someone asks who won the game, the responder usually replies, “The Hokies.” But this year, the winner donned …
173. Special visitor unveils Hokie helmet for Military Appreciation Day
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9
Tech also is selling camouflage hats, with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior project Officially, the Virginia Tech football program plans on celebrating Military Appreciation Day on Sept. 22 in conjunction with its game agains…
174. A few defensive backs take a different approach to gain an advantage
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9
Some college football players are willing to do just about anything to gain that extra edge on the field, even if it means skirting the rules. But a few of Tech’s defensive backs took a novel – and totally legal – approach to the…
175. Search for Consistency
Football :: Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9
Rebuilding the offensive line and finding consistency in the red zone are two of many tasks for offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring this spring Nick Becton will be counted on heavily this spring, as the offensive line needs to rep…
176. Building on Success
Football :: Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8
Defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s unit played well in 2011, and he wants to build upon that in spring practice Tech’s defense finished seventh nationally in scoring defense (17.6 ppg), 10th nationally in total defense (304.6…
177. Lane Stadium reseating process set to start April 17
Football :: Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8
The brochure announcing the Lane Stadium reseating plan and explaining it in great detail has been mailed. The Dec. 31 deadline for upgrading contributions to the Hokie Club has passed. So, too, has the March 2 deadline for returning sea…
178. Five to watch, as spring practice set to answer questions about 2012 squad
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8
On March 28, the Virginia Tech football squad opens spring practice, which serves as college football’s version of March Madness – only the games are intrasquad scrimmages. That doesn’t make spring football any less interesting…
179. Recruiting Profiles
Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7
WOODY BARON 6-2, 258, DL Nashville, Tenn. Brentwood Academy Also considered: Vanderbilt Stats: Recorded 40 tackles, including 15 for a loss, and eight sacks his senior season despite being slowed with a knee injury … Finished wi…
180. Large 2012 recruiting haul features many of the state's best prospects
Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7
Trey Edmunds had a great year at Dan River High School in Ringgold, Va., and is one of seven All-Americans in Tech’s 2012 recruiting class.(Photo courtesy of Lee Luther, Jr., Media General News Service) View the full 2012 Football R…
181. In Joel Caleb, Hokies land a top prospect - and a top person
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7
Several weeks ago, Virginia Tech football recruit Joel Caleb was sitting in his high school, deliberating between his three finalists – Ohio State, West Virginia and Virginia Tech – when the school’s principal, Dr. Deborah Marks, w…
182. Athletics is a common bond in the Edmunds family
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7
When he hits the football field or the basketball court, Trey Edmunds is usually the best athlete in that particular sport. When he sits down at the dinner table at night … well … that’s another story. “We’ve had some …
183. Chancellor quickly making a name for himself in the Pacific Northwest
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
At this point a year ago, Kam Chancellor had just concluded a rookie season in the NFL in which he played in every game, but like most first-year players, suffered through some ups and downs. A year later, he found himself on th…
184. Redshirts ready to start own winning tradition
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
Kris Harley minces no words when asked to summarize this past fall, when he redshirted as a true freshman on the Virginia Tech football team. In fact, his opinion is probably the overwhelming consensus among his classmates who redshirted…
185. Season-ending depth chart
Football :: Football :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
Here is a look at the depth chart for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays from special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackl…
186. Career in journalism not a long shot for Tech long snapper
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
From radio to writing to TV, Collin Carroll isn’t limiting himself when it comes to his future following football He swore he set his alarm clock, that little contraption next to his bed that wakes him each morning at a designated tim…
187. OT Heartbreak
Football :: Sugar Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
Sugar Bowl not sweet for Hokies, who fall to Michigan 23-20 in overtime The Virginia Tech football team wanted to end its 2011 season on a sweet note following its invitation to the Sugar Bowl. But after a wild, zany affair against M…
188. Gazing into the future - Beamer has the Hokies' program built for the long term
Football :: 25 Years with Frank Beamer :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
This is the sixth and final piece in a series of stories this past season that looked back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. This particular story takes a look at Beamer’s future and …
189. Hokies' program in terrific shape now and for the future despite bitter taste of Sugar Bowl loss
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
One year ago in this very space, I suggested that we should not judge Virginia Tech’s football team, or its season, by a 40-12 loss to Stanford in the Orange Bowl game. “The biggest danger here is to form an opinion from a single sn…
190. In a bowl season filled with points and yards, Tech's defense transcends the norm
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6
Twenty-four hours after the Sugar Bowl, your editor sat in his recliner and watched West Virginia destroy Clemson, wondering if the Clemson police department really had to wait 24 hours to begin that search for the Tigers’ defense. …
191. Getting the Last Laugh
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5
As serious as he is on the field, Blake DeChristopher doesn’t take life too seriously off it It’s late at night, and Curt Newsome, tired from another 15-hour grind of watching film, going to practice, watching more film and calling …
192. November off week affords small group of players another opportunity to share their faith
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5
In early November, the Virginia Tech football team enjoyed a bye week in which head coach Frank Beamer gave his team several days off to heal, relax and catch up on some schoolwork. Collin Carrol But a small group of players decided to…
193. Athletics department to replace outdoor club seats at Lane
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5
Nearly every football stadium in the country features some form of outdoor club seating, and Virginia Tech’s Lane stadium is no different in that regard. However, the Virginia Tech athletics department wants to make sure that those …
194. Michael Vick's play and success put Tech on the national map
Football :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5
This is the fifth in a series of stories that look back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with a look at arguably the best player to play under Beamer – a young man named …
195. Tech's Sugar Bowl bid a validation of the Hokies' program and what it stands for under Beamer
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5
As he rode up Interstate 77 in the front seat of one of his team’s buses, chugging up Fancy Gap Mountain toward his hometown, Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer worked on his coaches’ poll ballot. Beamer was trying to put the bad …
196. Going Green
Football :: Football Locker Room Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4
Tech’s new football locker room becomes the second building on campus – and the first athletics department facility – to meet new environmental certification standards Every “first” deserves to be celebrated, and the Virgi…
197. Reasons plentiful for reseating of Lane Stadium
Football :: Lane Stadium Reseating Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4
Lane Stadium’s beautiful west side came with a price tag of more than $52 million. The Hahn Hurst basketball practice facility cost roughly $21 million. The new football locker room was $18 million. And the scholarship bill remains on …
198. A Coach's Journey
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4
Trivia question: Name the former Virginia Tech alum who has coached under guys such as Foge Fazio, Bruce Arians, Bill Snyder, David Cutcliffe and Charlie Weis at various stops in a coaching career spanning more than three decades. The a…
199. Duane Brown has started for Houston since the beginning and hopes to stay with the Texans for the long term
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4
Former Tech offensive tackle Duane Brown looked forward to the NFL Draft following his senior season in 2007. And after the Houston Texans took him in the first round of the 2008 draft, he looked forward to his first NFL game. But reali…
200. Racing for Records
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4
Using different styles, receivers Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale have rewritten the Virginia Tech record book, but neither of them really gives that a lot of thought On the surface, they are as different as black and white. Yet deeper…
201. Hokies hope past November successes continue
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4
November, as you know, is the big month for both politicians and football teams. Both work hard, scheming to defeat foes all year, but sans a November victory, there’s not much salvation other than the conciliatory ‘we put up a go…
202. Chasing an Opportunity
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3
Tariq Edwards is on a path to greatness as a linebacker at Tech and a lot of credit goes to stepdad and former Hokie Bo Campbell Cheraw, S.C., is a blip of town that sits in Chesterfield County, tucked away in the northeast corner o…
203. Following several stops in the NFL, former Tech receiver Bryan Still is making his mark at home
Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3
If someone gave Bryan Still a laptop and told him to write up the perfect ending to a collegiate career, he’d find the assignment a rather easy one. He’d just type the ending to his own career. Bryan Still hauled in this 54-yard to…
204. Sugar Bowl win over Texas the start of Tech's rise to prominence
Football :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3
This is the third in a series of stories that look back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with a look at the magical 1995 season – one that started horribly, but ended as …
205. ACC additions of Pittsburgh and Syracuse beneficial to everyone
Football :: Kroger Roth Report :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3
As many of you know, I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and grew up on Eastern basketball. My buddies and I would hop down to the old Civic Arena on the 41B to watch the Eastern Eight tournament and get excited for doubleheaders feat…
206. Ten years later, Welch remembers 9/11 and his past
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
Sept. 11, 2011, marked the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center that killed more than 3,000 people, and a nation honored those who paid the ultimate price that day. Americans also felt for …
207. Donor honors Foster by endowing scholarship in his name
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
From left to right: Bud Foster, James Gayle, John Montague and John Moody posed for a photo before one of the Hokies’ fall scrimmages. Montague endowed a scholarship in Foster’s name and Gayle was the inaugural recipient. John Monta…
208. Back in the game
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
After playing at Tech and having a seven-year career in the NFL, former cornerback Tyronne Drakeford is coaching in the high school ranks After an injury-plagued senior season at Tech, Tyronne Drakeford enjoyed a slightly better yea…
209. After a turbulent couple of years, Hall comfortable with the Redskins
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
Photo of Hall courtesy of the Washington Redskins The 2011 Pro Bowl panned out rather nicely for former Tech cornerback DeAngelo Hall. In addition to the bonus his contract called for in just making the game, Hall mined some serious go…
210. Leading from the front
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
Greg Nosal shuns the spotlight, but excels as an offensive lineman with a work ethic and a disciplined approach instilled by his father, a lifelong Navy man Greg Nosal Greg Nosal shares living quarters with teammates Andrew Lanier, C…
211. Elmassian hire important in Tech's rise to dominance
Football :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
This is the second in a series of stories that looks back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with arguably Beamer’s best decision at Tech. Phil Elmassian When asked by a …
212. Tech honors Beamer with special presentation
Football :: 25 Years with Frank Beamer :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
The kickoff of the Appalachian State football game not only kicked off the 2011 season, but also kicked off Frank Beamer’s 25th season as the head man in charge of Tech’s football program. To commemorate this silver anniversary sea…
213. Wilson's bold prediction rings true; Hokies end opening-game woes
Football :: Football Season Opener :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2
Earlier in the week before Tech’s season opener against Appalachian State, Tech running backs coach Shane Beamer went over the first few plays that the offensive staff wanted to call in the game. David Wilson, taking over at the tailb…
214. Kroger Roth Report: Despite some large losses of talent, head coach Frank Beamer's 25th Tech team will look like many of his past squads
Football :: :: Bill Roth :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
You don’t have to spend much time watching the 2011 Virginia Tech football team practice to understand why there’s so much optimism surrounding this ball club. Yes, the Hokies suffered some tremendous personnel losses from their 201…
215. Tech's receiving group gets stronger with Roberts' return
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Tech’s football players run 110-yard sprints often over the summer as part of their conditioning in the Hokies’ strength and conditioning program, and while most guys hate running those drills, at least one was gleeful to be doing so…
216. Gouveia-Winslow hopes strong end to 2010 and strong spring leads to 2011 success
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow made one of the biggest plays of the season a year ago, and yet hardly anyone ever talks about it. In the first quarter of the ACC title game against Florida State, Gouveia-Winslow intercepted a tipped pass of FSU …
217. Drager back to his original spot and hoping to be a playmaker
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Not many student-athletes at the elite Division I level can go from being a starter on the defensive line one season to a starter at tight end the next season. “I like to tell people that I’m not a defensive end or a tight end. I’…
218. Kickers are not proven, but possess the talent to keep tradition going
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Perhaps no positions on Tech’s squad over the years have been as consistent as the kicking and punting spots, and head coach Frank Beamer hopes that trend continues. Coming out of spring practice, Beamer told people that redshirt soph…
219. Oglesby excited for the opportunity to show his talent
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Josh Oglesby readily admits that he’s a big fan of Twitter, and he would be the first to admit that his volume of “tweeting” has increased over the summer. But that tends to happen when some of your best friends, guys like Tyrod Ta…
220. Thomas assumes the helm for the Hokies
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
As if Logan Thomas didn’t have enough to worry about in replacing the all-time winningest quarterback in Virginia Tech history, he also faces the inevitable comparisons to a guy who recently won a Heisman Trophy and a national champion…
221. Miller ready to hold his own on a talented and experienced offensive line
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
This past winter, Andrew Miller spent his free time trying to pin wrestler David Marone, a two-time NCAA qualifier at the heavyweight classification, in practices This spring, Miller pinned down the starting center job during spring foo…
222. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Drager applying for Rhodes Scholarship Tech tight end Chris Drager confirmed at Tech’s Football Media Day that he was submitting his application for the Rhodes Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship allows students to take postgradu…
223. Edwards ready to step into a playmaking role at backer
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Tech fans remember vividly the days when Xavier Adibi patrolled the field at the backer position. Tall, strong and fast, Adibi made plays from sideline to sideline and earned All-America honors following a senior season in which he recor…
224. Lots of things have changed over 25 years, but Frank Beamer isn't one of them
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
Tech’s new running backs coach remembers when times weren’t this good for Virginia Tech’s football program. He remembers when a rude fan called the Beamer home one time, and his sister answered, dealing with a tirade that left her …
225. Blacksburg Brotherhood
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
The Hopkins brothers 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 The picture frame resembled most any other in any other typical family …
226. Baughman makes bold move during his brief time at Tech
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS This is the first in a series of stories that looks back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. To begin, we look back at the circumstances that led to his hiring –…
227. Gayle hoping big offseason and spring practice carries over into this fall
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
With the exception of a couple of weeks once the spring semester ended, James Gayle was in Blacksburg the entire summer, working out and taking classes. “Sometimes, I feel I need a break from school, but not with football,” he said…
228. Fuller one of many excellent players in what should be a good 2011 secondary
Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1
For years, Kyle Fuller was in the shadow of his older brother, Vinnie, who enjoyed a terrific career at Tech and now plays for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Now, Fuller, the projected starter at field corner, sits in the shadow of J…
229. After two years of waiting, Journell ready for his chance as Tech's kicker
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11
Cody Journell could think of many ways to build up leg strength over the course of this summer. But hiking over a mountain in the dead of night on a major highway didn’t really come to mind. Part of his summer vacation consisted of …
230. AWESOME ATMOSPHERE - An outside company critiques Tech's game day operation and fan experience, and the athletics department receives high marks
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10
Quiz Tech fans about their experiences at Lane Stadium, and one would be hard pressed to find much in the way of negativity. Question them about their experiences at Cassell Coliseum, particularly for big ACC games – the Duke game th…
231. A position-by-position look at the depth of the 2011 football squad
Football :: Football Spring Depth :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10
Thomas terrific this spring and set to be the Hokies’ signal caller in 2011 Mark Leal2011 SPRING DEPTH CHART Quarterbacks 3 Logan Thomas (6-6, 245, r-Soph.) 12 Ju-Ju Clayton (6-1, 220, r-Jr.) 6 Mark Leal (6-0, 199, r-Fr.) 16 …
232. The future appears bright, as the Hokies wrap up 2011 spring practice
Football :: Football Spring Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10
Cornerback Jayron Hosley was a leader and a playmaker this spring, including this punt return for a touchdown in the Maroon-White game. On the surface, the annual Maroon-White game can best be described as an ordinary scrimmage, or for …
233. BACK TO BASICS - The Hokies' defense again features a lot of youth, and coordinator Bud Foster is focused on a couple of spots
Football :: Defensive Coordinator Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9
Antone Exum got a lot of playing time as a redshirt freshman, and he should be the starter at rover heading into the 2011 season. Tech’s defense finished eighth in the ACC in total defense and fourth in scoring defense last season, so…
234. MOVING FORWARD - Staff changes and replacing Tyrod Taylor are just two of many much-discussed topics this spring
Football :: Offensive Coordinator Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9
Tech coaches like Logan Thomas’ size, arm strength and leadership ability, and he is the frontrunner to replace Tyrod Taylor heading into next fall. Virginia Tech’s coaching staff underwent a transformation in the offseason, on the …
235. The spotlight's on Thomas as Hokies prepare for life without Taylor
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9
Logan Thomas’ week off for Spring Break roughly a month ago was anything but a week at the beach. He spent most of it in his hometown of Lynchburg, actually most of it at his home while his untrustworthy car sat in a repair shop with …
236. Recruiting Profiles
Football :: Football Extra Recruiting Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7
Dewayne Alford 6-3, 225, DE - Nansemond River HS - Suffolk, Va. Stats: Had 90 tackles, including 12 for a loss, and five sacks as a senior … Recorded 61 tackles and six sacks as a junior. Top honors: A second-team All-Tidewater …
237. Five All-Americans headline Hokies' 2011 football recruiting haul
Football :: Football Extra Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7
Courtesy of Rivals.com Kyshoen Jarrett, a cornerback from Pennsylvania, was one of five All-Americans who signed with the Hokies on Signing Day. Last spring, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff went into the critical spring recruiting peri…
238. FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL RECRUITING
Football :: Football Extra Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7
(as told by Jim Cavanaugh, Tech’s whips and rovers coach who also doubles as the Hokies’ recruiting coordinator) 1. THE NCAA PLACES STRICT LIMITATIONS ON COACHES. Chris Hall (right) was a very good quarterback at Dinwiddie High …
239. Harper learning and staying patient while on Baltimore's practice squad
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
Photo courtesy of Phil Hoffman/Baltimore RavensJustin Harper, who played three games for the Ravens in 2009, hopes his future is still with the organization after three years mostly on the practice squad. For a guy who’s played in jus…
240. Season-Ending Depth Chart
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
Here is the depth chart for the entire 2010 season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays from special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackles came fro…
241. Restoring a Lost Treasure
Football :: Football Extra :: Kevin & Olivia Lightle :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
Kevin Lightle (left) and his older brother, Bruce, pose next to the Miles Stadium sign that Kevin Lightle found in a fallout shelter over at Burruss Hall in the mid-1970s. It was the last night of the New Virginians’ fall concert of 1…
242. Redshirt year over, Tech freshmen eager to begin competing for playing time
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
Nick Acree used the redshirt year to get himself into great shape and the upcoming spring practice will be the next step in his development as a player. Nick Acree was the rage this past August in Tech preseason practices largely becaus…
243. MAKING THE RIGHT MOVES - Eddie Whitley's love of chess has helped him line up the pieces to Tech's defense as the free safety
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
Eddie Whitley's love of chess has helped him line up the pieces to Tech's defense as the free safety. Eddie Whitley has never played in the Sugar Bowl, but he certainly remembers his first trip to the French Quarter. He wasn’t there …
244. Stanford's second half too much for Tech in Orange Bowl
Football :: Orange Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
Virginia Tech and Stanford spent a week staying in hotels right on the beach in South Florida while conducting preparations for the Orange Bowl. But after the game, the Hokies were the ones feeling beach bummed. Stanford opened the s…
245. Tech defense looking for improvement after up-and-down 2010 season
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Ro…
246. A DEFINITION IN TOUGHNESS - Former Tech player Gene Breen ranks as one of the toughest players of his era
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Gene Breen Former Virginia Tech football coach Frank Moseley, a fearsome taskmaster, loved tough …
247. Former Tech receiver Josh Morgan finds San Francisco to his liking
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5
Former Tech receiver Josh Morgan grew up idolizing Jerry Rice and now he plays for the same team that Rice once played for - the San Francisco 49ers. When Josh Morgan was growing up as a young kid in Washington, D.C., he idolized Jerry …
248. UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Football team chaplain Johnny Shelton is helping Tech's student-athletes build solid foundations for their futures
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Team chaplain Johnny Shelton When Andre Smith got to Virginia Tech, he expected to go to his clas…
249. LUNCH PAIL LEADER - John Graves' impact at Tech goes well beyond the numbers
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } "It showed me that I needed to pick my game up another notch. I needed to work that much harder. H…
250. CROWNING GLORY - Behind Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech claims its fourth ACC title in the past seven years
Football :: ACC Championship Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5
@font-face {"Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Tyrod Taylor and Jarrett Boykin celebrate a touchdown at the ACC Champio…
251. Hokies with one more step to make history
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5
Tech head coach Frank Beamer teased his team. They wanted him to dance following the Hokies’ victory over North Carolina. They implored him to get down after the win at Miami. They beseeched him to boogie after the dismantling of Vir…
252. Nov. 18, 1995 - TECH 36, UVA 29
Football :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4
HOW THE HOKIES DID IT By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 13, No. 12 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller was a key player in the Hokies’ 1995 rally past UVa, throwing a touchdown pass to Jermaine…
253. King continues steady play for the Carolina Panthers
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4
Jeff King Most Tech fans remember the day that Jeff King committed to come to Virginia Tech and the excitement that a relative local boy – King went to Pulaski County High, just 30 minutes or so from the Tech campus – created with t…
254. HERO'S WELCOME - Corey Moore, one of Tech's greatest defensive players ever, returned to Blacksburg for a football game for the first time in 11 years - much to the delight of Hokie fans
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4
Corey Moore was often harassing quarterbacks, and particularly ones from Clemson, as seen here when he pressured Brandon Streeter in a 1998 game at Clemson. He brought more attention to Virginia Tech and to the school’s football progr…
255. CONTINUING A TREND - A work ethic developed at a young age has enabled Chris Hazley to become the latest in a long line of great Tech kickers
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4
Chris Hazley Motivation comes in many forms. Money motivates many people. For others, titles serve as the motivating force. Fear is often a motivator. So, too, is envy. Simple self-betterment often looms as a motivator. One Tech footb…
256. Fifteen years later and Holmes' historic catch still a topic of conversation
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4
Jermaine Holmes made one of the biggest plays in Tech history when he hauled in this touchdown catch in the final minute to help the Hokies rally past UVa. He wasn’t named to any All-America squads. For that matter, he never even e…
257. Oct. 7, 1989 - Tech 'D' gets an 'A'
Football :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } 12-10, Hokies - Tech win over West Virginia was no fluke By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 7, No. 7 edition …
258. TUNNEL EXPERIENCE INDESCRIBABLE
Football :: Football Extra :: Rachel Perreault :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3
Tech players struggle to describe the feelings as they run out of the Avery Tunnel before a game. Exciting. Unique. Electric. Surreal. After thinking and fumbling over the decision for one word to describe the feeling and experience of …
259. Former player Ro Waldron transitioned from playing and coaching to business
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3
Ro Waldron Often, what one learns while in the coaching profession actually serves one well in the workforce. So after years of selling 17- and 18-year-old kids on attending his schools as a football coach, Ronayne “Ro” Waldron fou…
260. ROCK SOLID - Rock Carmichael lost his father suddenly more than two years ago, but has honored him by becoming a strong man on and off the field
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3
Rock Carmichael He often hears that voice, one that no one else hears. It comes across as a tiny whisper that reverberates loudly within his mind. He remembers the day his father first asked him that question. He came to Virginia Tech …
261. HOKIE HEARTBREAK - Tech rallied from 17 points down, but can't find closure in a season-opening loss to Boise State
Football :: Boise State vs. Virginia Tech Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
A crowd of 86,587 fans came to FedExField to watch Boise State take on the Hokies in the Allstate Kickoff in the Capital. This was one season opener that won’t be soon forgotten. Unfortunately, the Hokies would like to forget it. Te…
262. Tapp now working on the East Coast
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Darryl Tapp spent four years in Seattle, but was traded to Philadelphia last March. At this point last season, Darryl Tapp worked for the Seattle Seahawks, made wedding plans in his spare time and looked forward to his fourth season pla…
263. ON GUARD - Former Tech player Todd Meade protects Vice President Joe Biden as a member of the U.S. Secret Service
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Former Tech Player Todd Meade As a former offensive lineman at Virginia Tech in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Todd Meade knows quite a bit about protection. Back then, he worked with several others in protecting a valuable commodity i…
264. DAVON MORGAN IS RETURNING TO THE TOP - WITH SOME HELP FROM THE PAST
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Rachel Perreault :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Davon Morgan Watching senior leader Davon Morgan practice and play, there is never a dull or down moment. A student of the game, Morgan learns from his coaches and teammates while keeping the energy level high as often as possible. Many…
265. Tech group delivers and receives following visit to Roanoke Rescue Mission
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Several members of the football team had dinner at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Kory Gough (bottom) listened to the stories of those sitting at his table, as he and his teammates delivered a message of hope. Without question, football…
266. Evans takes time for children at VICCC
Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Darren Evans with children at VICCC. Darren Evans certainly enjoyed a busy summer, though it did not entail vacations, beaches or anything else resembling relaxation. It consisted, more or less, of working a part-time job and workin…
267. LOCKER ROOM FACILITY IS STUNNING
Football :: Football Locker Room :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
The Hokies’ $18 million, 41,900-square foot locker room facility should rank among the best in the nation. 1. The second floor of the locker room facility features a 2,900-square foot balcony off of the lounge area that looks out …
268. PUTTING IN HIS TIME - Life has tested Steven Friday on the field and off, but he's finally become a starter in his final season at Tech
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Steven Friday If you take a glance at Steven Friday on the street or perhaps see him at a local restaurant, you won’t find any gray hair on display. His hearing is just fine, thank you. And judging from the haste in which he pursues…
269. Nike puts Hokies in black
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
Tyrod Taylor sporting the Nike Black Uniforms For the first time in more than 100 years, the Virginia Tech Hokies wore black when they suited up in the Nike Pro Combat System of Dress for the Boise State game at FedExField on Labor Day …
270. Hokies again find themselves in a familiar position
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2
This issue of Inside Hokie Sports marks the first following Labor Day, that time on the calendar when all youngsters bid adieu to summer vacations and return to bells ringing, lockers slamming and friends rushing into their various class…
271. A position-by-postion look at the 2010 Football squad
Football :: Football Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1
Quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor Tech’s QB situation in good hands with Taylor Tech head coach Frank Beamer referred to him as his security blanket. Quarterbacks coach Mike O’Cain called him “low maintenance.” That should give Tec…
272. GOAL-ORIENTED - Tyrod Taylor set lofty goals for himself at a young age, and as he gets ready to start his senior season at Virginia Tech, he's nearly accomplished them all
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1
The booklet sits at his folks’ home in Hampton, Virginia, slightly worn and weathered, a sure victim of time. It wasn’t a fancy piece to begin with; certainly not a work with a perfect binding, color graphics and high-gloss paper.…
273. Seniors key to continuing Tech's stellar defensive play
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1
Roughly a week or so after a celebration of his 51st birthday, Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster bid farewell to another laidback summer filled with fishing, wake surfing and ray catching at his ho…
274. Athlete of the Year - Queen Harrison
Football :: Sport-by-sport Athletes of the year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11
QUEEN HARRISON - Overall Athlete of the Year Senior, Hurdler, Women's Track and Field, Richmond, Virginia Queen Harrison For all her crowning glory during her first three years at Virginia Tech – from school records to ACC champio…
275. Boise State has the Hokies' full attention and justifiably so
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11
The magazine sits cockeyed on a couch in a co-worker’s messy office, and the first thing that jumps out is the photo of Tech’s sensational tailback, Ryan Williams, on the cover. Closer inspection reveals Sporting News’ preseason t…
276. A look at the current depth of Hokie football
Football :: Spring Football Review and Depth Chart :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10
Thomas and Clayton to continue battle for backup job Logan Thomas The situation surrounding Tech’s quarterback position was interesting this spring. First of all, there is no question as to who starts, given that Tyrod Taylor r…
277. NEW FACES TAKE CENTER STAGE - A group of young and inexperienced players shine as the Hokies conclude spring practice with the Maroon-White game
Football :: Spring Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10
Tony Gregory capped a terrific spring by running for a game-high 37 yards and scoring a touchdown in the Maroon-White game. Perhaps the only person frustrated with what transpired during Virginia Tech’s annual Maroon-White game that c…
278. Several young players take advantage of opportunities this spring
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10
The Maroon-White game wrapped up Virginia Tech’s 2010 spring practice, and springtime this year was the time of opportunity, particularly on defense. Tech’s defense saw standouts such as Nekos Brown, Cordarrow Thompson and NFL draft…
279. 25 years ago - March 26, 1985
Football :: Celebrating a Silver Anniversary :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9
In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of Virginia Tech athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we want to celebrat…
280. SORTING THROUGH THE PIECES - Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has been taking a close look at a lot of younger players this spring
Football :: Football Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9
Bud Foster Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s unit went into spring practice a year ago with some question marks, and yet that unit developed into one that finished in the top 12 nationally in four defensive categories (pass effi…
281. For the Hokies to get in their kicks in 2010, the kickers need to be up to the task
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9
Field goals and field position. As most Tech fans know, their beloved Hokies have won many games over the years because of their excellence in these two elements of the sport. But in a teleconference before the start of spring practic…
282. 2010 RECRUITING CLASS PROFILES
Football :: Recruiting Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7
Here are the profiles for the members of the recruiting class, with the exception of DeAntre Rhodes, who was portrayed last year: Nick Acree 6-5, 295, DT Fork Union; King WIlliam, Va. Stats: Did not play this past season afte…
283. Tech staff replenishes the lines with 2010 recruiting class
Football :: Recruiting Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7
Photo courtesy of The Lynchburg News & AdvanceZack McCray (86), one of the Hokies’ top recruits, excelled as a tight end and defensive end at Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Va., and should help the program on defense in the fut…
284. Hokies need to keep doing what they've been doing
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7
Moments after a thrilling, though not aesthetically pleasing, basketball victory over Clemson, a reporter lobbed a question toward Malcolm Delaney, asking him if he would expect to have the lead at half…
285. Beamer and former Hokies to speak at Breakfast of Champions
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7
Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer and some former players will be speaking at the Breakfast of Champions on April 24 at 9 a.m. – the morning before the spring game. This event, held in the South End Zone West Club Room, is an annua…
286. Independence Bowl, what a week!
Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
December 18, 1984In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of Virginia Tech athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we…
287. After two seasons with the Redskins, Montgomery hopes to remain there
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
Photo courtesy of the Washington RedskinsFormer Tech center Will Montgomery played in every game for Washington this past season and hopes to stay with the Redskins.Versatility is good in any profession. It’s a necessity in the NFL. …
288. Season Ending Depth Chart
Football :: Season Ending Depth Chart :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
Here the depth chart for the 2009 season. The number of plays does NOT include the bowl game (coaches have not graded the film yet), but the stats are for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, whi…
289. 2009 recruiting class hopes future is now
Football :: Redshirt Freshmen Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
Logan ThomasIt was a rather odd autumn for Logan Thomas. One of the most talented prospects out of Tech’s 2009 recruiting class and arguably the most sought after, Thomas arrived in Blacksburg in July fully anticipating on playing thi…
290. BUSTIN' LOOSE IN HIS OWN WAY - Though he is the son of legendary musician Chuck Brown, Nekos Brown is shy - but he's not bashful about putting his football gig ahead of his love for music
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
Keep what you got Until you get what You need y’all You got to give a lot Just to get what You need sometimes y’all Gimme the bridge now I feel like bustin’ loose Bustin’ loose Gimme the bridge now I fee…
291. Rocky Top No Match for Tech
Football :: Chick-fil-A Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
Cody Grimm had seven tackles – three for a loss – and a sack to earn the game’s defensive MVP honors. New Year’s Eve in Atlanta features the annual ritual of dropping of an oversized replica of a peach to commemorate the New Ye…
292. Hokies look good heading into next season - and into the future
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6
The sounds of hammering, the crackling of welding and the sights of heavy construction equipment behind the Jamerson Athletics Center are a constant reminder of the investment being made in the Virginia Tech football program, as workers …
293. That's "Outland," spelled B-I-G
Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5
Dec. 11, 1984 Jack Williams, Tech’s sports information director, tells the story of how D.J. Dozier, the super running back from Tidewater who chose to play football at Penn State, was making his official visit to Virginia Tech. …
294. Anderson works his way into more playing time with the Panthers
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5
Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.James Anderson, a former Tech whip linebacker who played for the Hokies from 2002-05, is having a career season with the Carolina Panthers. When James Anderson stepped onto the field at Giants S…
295. LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE - Melendez Byrd initially didn't plan on getting into education, but he went on to receive three degrees from Virginia Tech and now he enjoys educating others
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5
Melendez Byrd It says quite a bit about a young man’s character when he struggles to meet the SAT requirements to get into a college and yet graduates, goes on to get his master’s and doctoral degrees and becomes a department head…
296. A Country Boy Can Survive - Sergio Render
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5
Sergio Render grew up in rural Georgia, and his passion for the outdoors, along with a loving aunt and uncle, guided him from a troubling path. Practically every morning in late autumn, the alarm clock goes off at 5 o’clock, vibrating…
297. Strong regular season has put the Hokies where they want to be heading into the bowl
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5
Ever the model of consistency, the Virginia Tech football team stayed true to its postgame rituals following a victory. A season-ending stomping of rival Virginia wasn’t going to change that. Head coach Frank Beamer lauded his team’…
298. Bowl-bound! Independence for Tech
Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4
In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of Virginia Tech athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we want to celebrat…
299. COOL KAT - Former Tech defensive tackle Jim Baron began his professional football career with the AFL's Nashville Kats and ultimately became one of that league's all-time greats
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4
Jim Baron If you put together a list of former Virginia Tech football players who have fared well in professional football over the past decade, you’d probably miss a certain defensive tackle who helped anchor Tech’s defensive line …
300. Return to Jacksonville has put a smile back on Wilford's face
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4
Ernest Wilford is back with his old team in Jacksonville, but is playing a new position - tight end. On Feb. 29, 2008, Ernest Wilford’s life could not have been any better. The former Tech wide receiver was coming off a solid season …
301. Tech Hall of Famer helping his grandson tackle a tough foe
Football :: Beyond the Playing Field :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4
Photos courtesy of the Cox FamilyVincent Dale Cox, the 6-year-old grandson of former Tech great Carroll Dale, is battling a rare blood disorder and needs a bone marrow transplant, and his grandfather is doing everything he can to help …
302. BODY OF WORK - Cordarrow Thompson has faced a bulked-up list of challenges since arriving at Tech, but shedding weight was easily his biggest
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4
Cordarrow Thompson His mother cooked his favorites and heaped the food on his plate, as any good mother does. And like a good son, he cleaned his plate, leaving no morsel or crumb to be scraped into the garbage bin or down the hatch o…
303. Bowden strikes a perfect chord in his final season
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4
Let’s say this about Brent Bowden – he’s certainly no dummy. On the contrary, he’s a rather astute individual. He came to Tech to pursue his dreams, which included playing football and getting his degree, among other things. In …
304. FINDING HIS CALLING - Former Tech tailback James Barber now devotes his life to teaching and ministering to others
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3
James Barber Long before the likes of Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones, another tailback showed a propensity for getting into the end zone. These days, though, you have to go all the way out to Oklahoma to find him. James Barber, who sta…
305. Sorensen's stellar special teams play keeps him in the NFL
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3
Photo courtesy of John Reid/The Cleveland BrownsNick Sorensen has played for four NFL teams, but is in his third year with the Cleveland Browns. Nick Sorensen has traveled all over the world, visiting such places as China, Japan, Ital…
306. SUNNY SIDE UP - Cody Grimm's lighthearted attitude makes him popular off the field and helps him thrive on it
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3
When things are flying around on the field, Cody Grimm never seems to get rattled, and that demeanor has enabled him to become one of the Hokies' more productive players. The idea itself was simply ingenious. The execution absolute…
307. Celebrating a Silver Anniversary
Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of Virginia Tech athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we want to celebrat…
308. Dolphins snap up former Tech center Grove in the offseason
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
Jake Grove spent five years in Oakland, but has changed addresses this summer, moving to Miami to play for the Dolphins. Former Tech center Jake Grove may have spent the past five seasons in the NFL. He may have moved locales over the…
309. Padro Phillips, The Wind-Up Man
Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
Former defensive tackle Padro Phillips got the crowd involved during his playing days at Tech and has gone on to make a career out of helping others. Padro PhillipsFor all the high school teachers out there who often wonder whether they…
310. Richard Graham - behind the facemask
Football :: Football Q&A :: Matt Kovatch :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
It’s been said before. When an offensive lineman messes up, it’s glaringly obvious. But when he successfully does his job, you never even notice he’s there. That’s why it’s the most unheralded position on the football field. So…
311. Andre Smith - One Fine Catch
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
The lure of Tech’s bucolic surroundings helped the Hokies hook Andre Smith, and he has used his outdoor hobbies to escape from a difficult past and become a solid contributor on the field. He might be the last person one would exp…
312. Hokies fall in season opener - and hope history repeats itself
Football :: Football Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
Ryan Williams was a bright spot for the Hokies, rushing for 71 yards and scoring two touchdowns against Alabama.For those distraught over the Hokies’ season-opening 34-24 loss to the No. 5 Crimson Tide of Alabama, they need only to loo…
313. After long wait, Waldron anxious to give Hokies a leg up on competition
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
The last time he kicked a field goal in an actual game, he hadn’t even graduated from high school. He hadn’t even gone to his senior prom. He barely had his driver’s license. Heck, the last time he kicked a field goal in a game,…
314. Six to be inducted into the Tech Sports Hall of Fame
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2
Six to be inducted into the Tech Sports Hall of Fame A former head coach and former student-athletes from five different sports make up the 2009 class selected for the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. The six inductees include: …
315. Taking a look at each position on the team
Football :: Position-by-Position Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1
Taylor anchors the QB spot as a returning starter Tyrod Taylor For the first time in several years, there is an established pecking order at the quarterback position, and a lot of the Hokies’ hopes for the 2009 season hinge on th…
316. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS - Kam Chancellor survived childhood in a rough Norfolk neighborhood and wants to help young kids there do the same
Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1
Kam Chancellor wants to play in the NFL and then use his salary to rebuild an old Boys and Girls Club in a rugged area of his hometown. The shabby building sits on the corner of a crime-infested neighborhood known as Park Place in the…
317. Celebrating a Silver Anniversary
Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1
In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of VT athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we want to celebrate the silve…
318. Five Football Players to Watch in 2009
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1
The polls show Barack Obama’s popularity gravitating toward Earth, the nation skeptical on health care reform, and people generally apathetic on Sonia Sotomayor. But for those with no interest in politics (or with a general disdain fo…
319. News & Notes
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1
Tech to meet Boise State at FedEx Field Virginia Tech’s 2010 football schedule incurred some changes recently, as the Hokies took advantage of another opportunity to play at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Tech will be playing Bois…
320. Marcel Lomnicky is Virginia Tech's Athlete of the Year
Football :: Athlete of the Year :: Matt Kovatch :: Vol. 1 Iss. 11
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - Marcel Lomnicky (men's track and field) Nitra, Slovakia Freshman - Thrower Marcel Lomnicky has recorded a career’s worth of accomplishments in less than six months. The freshman from Slovakia enrolle…
321. REMEMBERING THE PAST - More than six decades later, the 1947 Sun Bowl team remembers its historic accomplishment - one that many have forgotten
Football :: Sun Bowl Reunion :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
The 1947 Sun Bowl team was the first Tech team to go to a bowl game and the first team from the state to do so as well. Over the course of the decades, the memories have faded, becoming blurred images that only come into some semblance …
322. Waldron comes out of spring in the lead to replace Dustin Keys
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 SPECIAL TEAMS SPRING DEPTH CHART Kickers 1 Matt Waldron (5-11, 190, r-Sr.) 48 Justin Myer (6-0, 198, Soph.) 15 Chris Hazley (6-1, 194, r-Jr.) 4 Tim Pisano (5-9, 181, r-Soph.) 23 Scott Demler (5-11, 184, r-Fr.) Punters…
323. Whips and rovers in good shape heading into the fall
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 WHIPS AND ROVERS SPRING DEPTH CHART Whip linebackers 26 Cody Grimm (5-11, 202, r-Sr.) 43 Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (6-2, 206, r-Fr.) 28 Alonzo Tweedy (6-2, 181, r-Fr.) Rovers 24 Dorian Porch (5-11, 212, r-Sr.) 2 Davon M…
324. The post-Macho era begins for Tech's defensive backfield
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SPRING DEPTH CHART Field corners 21 Rashad Carmichael (5-10, 192, r-Jr.) 9 Cris Hill (5-11, 185, r-Soph.) 4 Germond Oatneal (5-11, 182, Soph.) Boundary corners 22 Stephan Virgil (5-11, 189, Sr.) …
325. Tech linebackers are young, but showed their talent this spring
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 LINEBACKERS SPRING DEPTH CHART Mike linebackers 52 Barquell Rivers (6-0, 230, r-Soph.) 51 Bruce Taylor (6-2, 251, r-Fr.) 94 Mark Muncey (5-11, 227, r-Sr.) Backers 46 Jake Johnson (6-1, 229, Soph.) 38 Quillie Odom …
326. The defensive tackle spots are in good shape, but the Hokies are hoping some ends emerge
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 DEFENSIVE LINE SPRING DEPTH CHART Stud 47 Nekos Brown (6-2, 252, Sr.) 82 Steven Friday (6-4, 229, r-Jr.) End 91 John Graves (6-3, 275, r-Jr.) 55 Isaiah Hamlette (6-4, 242, r-Fr.) 33 Chris Drager (6-3, 240, r-Soph.) …
327. A big, fast and talented receiving group continues to improve
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 RECEIVERS SPRING DEPTH CHART Split ends 81 Jarrett Boykin (6-2, 213, Soph.) 29 Xavier Boyce (6-4, 223, r-Fr.) 7 Marcus Davis (6-4, 231, r-Fr.) 35 Austin Fuller (6-2, 207, r-Fr.) 87 Prince Parker (6-5, 235, r-Jr.) Fl…
328. Tight end position may be the offense's deepest coming out of spring - even with Drager switch
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 TIGHT ENDS SPRING DEPTH CHART 8 Greg Boone (6-3, 287, r-Sr.) 18 Sam Wheeler (6-3, 258, r-Sr.) 85 Rob Stanton (6-4, 244, r-Jr.) 89 Eric Martin (6-2, 250, Fr.) Offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring doubles as the tight ends c…
329. Tech's young offensive linemen enjoy terrific spring practices
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 OFFENSIVE LINE SPRING DEPTH CHART Left tackles 77 Ed Wang (6-5, 301, r-Sr.) 54 Nick Becton (6-5, 292, r-Fr.) Left guards 75 Greg Nosal (6-6, 285, r-Soph.) 76 William Alvarez (6-4, 326, r-Soph.) 74 Jim Brown (6-3, 3…
330. Tech stable full of talented tailbacks
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 RUNNING BACKS SPRING DEPTH CHART Tailbacks 32 Darren Evans (6-0, 213, r-Soph.) 34 Ryan Williams (5-9, 205, r-Fr.) 25 Josh Oglesby (5-11, 207, r-Soph.) 27 Zac Evans (5-10, 191, Fr.) Fullbacks 42 Kenny Jefferson (5…
331. Taylor continues to improve as quarterback, while Clayton comes out of spring as No. 2
Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
2009 QUARTERBACKS SPRING DEPTH CHART 5 Tyrod Taylor (6-1, 216, Jr.) 12 Ju-Ju Clayton (6-0, 215, r-Fr.) 7 Marcus Davis (6-4, 231, r-Fr.) 16 Jeff Beyer (6-4, 225, r-Sr.) Most people focused on the battle for the No. 2 job a…
332. Young standouts shine in Maroon-White game as Tech wraps up spring practice
Football :: Spring Football Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
More than 40,000 Tech fans attended the game and left excited about the upcoming 2009 season. Normally, spring games simply serve as tailgating practice for avid college football fans; an excuse to eat and drink with little expectatio…
333. Young players create excitement with their improvement and overall play this spring
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10
Normally, the Maroon-White game that marks the conclusion of Tech’s spring football practice lacks entertainment value. The same thing applies to the majority of the practices as well. After all, Tech’s coaching staff uses the spr…
334. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster and his staff are anxious to see how new pieces fare this spring
Football :: Spring Football :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9
The Tech football team began practice on April 1. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster sat down and answered some questions about his unit days before spring ball began. Q: So in looking at the depth chart, how are things going to s…
335. Practice time heavily regulated by the NCAA
Football :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9
Coaches and studentathletes have to make efficient use of practice time because the NCAA only allots 20 hours per week. Allen Iverson once made it rather clear that he was not a fan of practice. If he still played in college, he wo…
336. Hokies have some answers to questions in place, but spring practice will answer the rest
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9
Tech head coach Frank Beamer recently spent 22 minutes on a teleconference, fielding questions from media hounds the way Macho Harris fields punts. Of course, Beamer doesn’t quite return the answers as briskly as Macho returned tho…
337. Three Tech student-athletes receive postgraduate scholarships from ACC
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9
Three Tech student-athletes receive postgraduate scholarships from ACC Three Virginia Tech student-athletes were one of 42 ACC student-athletes to be named recipients of postgraduate scholarships, as announced by the league in early Mar…
338. Team chaplain combining with a higher power to impact Tech's football program
Football :: Administration Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8
Johnny Shelton, Tech’s football team chaplain, delivered a prayer before the Hokies took the field in every game this past season. Roughly 25 years ago, Frank Beamer, then a young sprite of a coach at Murray State, recruited a parti…
339. 2009 football schedule filled with exciting match-ups
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8
In mid-February, the ACC finally released the football schedules for each team for the upcoming season, and the Hokies’ slate features attractive non-conference match-ups against Alabama and Nebraska and two Thursday night appearances …
340. 2009 Recruiting Class Profiles
Football :: Recruiting Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7
Here are the profiles for the members of the recruiting class, with the exception of D.J. Coles, who was portrayed last year: Telvion Clark 6-1, 220, LB Granby High; Norfolk, Va. Stats: Tallied 123 tackles, eight sacks, five forced fu…
341. A well-balanced recruiting class has Tech staff optimistic about program's future
Football :: Football Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7
James Gayle, a defensive end from Hampton, Va., is a member of the Hokies’ 2009 recruiting haul. Photo courtesy of The Daily Press Not long after Florida played Oklahoma in the BCS national championship game, David Wilson received…
342. Tech student-athletes remain active in local communities
Football :: Student Life :: :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7
This past fall, members of the men’s basketball team read to children at local elementary schools. Practice, class, rehabilitating injuries, film review, training room, study hall and tutoring sessions – it’s all in a day’s wo…
343. Dixon living the life
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7
Dixon living the life Carlos DixonFormer Tech basketball player Carlos Dixon spent last season playing in Korea. This season, though, he decided to take his talents to South America. Dixon is averaging 12.3 points per game for Quilme…
344. New Year's Resolutions
Football :: New Years Resolution :: Matt Kovatch :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
My New Year’s Resolution is … To have my best year ever academically and baseball-wise. Also, to win the ACC Championship. - Rhett Ballard, Baseball To learn how to dance. - Martha Blakely, Women’s Tennis To become an a…
345. Royal enjoys a banner rookie season in Denver
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
…
346. Suggs embarks on a different type of professional career
Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
Photo courtesy of The Plain DealerIt’s advice parents often give their children once they graduate from college and start searching for a job – you have to start at the bottom and work your way toward the top. Certainly, Lee Suggs c…
347. Season Ending Depth Chart
Football :: Season-ending Depth Chart :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
Here is the season-ending depth chart. The number of plays is through the ACC title game (the coaches have not graded the film from the bowl game), but the stats are for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from…
348. Large group of redshirts ready to continue Tech's winning tradition
Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
Ryan Williams received rave reviews for his work this fall and should see some time at tailback in 2009. Shortly after an Orange Bowl practice on Dec. 30, members of Tech’s scout team – a group that consisted mainly of freshmen wh…
349. Dustin Pickle's dream of running out of the Lane Stadium tunnel and playing for the Hokies became a reality
Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
No. 35, Dustin Pickle Most home improvement shows these days deal with ways to spice up a bland living room or bedroom. They can focus on ways to spruce up worn decks or sidewalks, or even narrow things down to something as simple as …
350. Hokie's 2008 Season Happy Ending
Football :: Orange Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
Darren Evans was named the Orange Bowl MVP after rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown in the Hokies’ 20-7 win over Cincinnati. It was the celebration you would have expected. As the final seconds ticked off the digital scoreboard a…
351. The final destination was great, but the 2008 journey should always be remembered
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
Tech fans will certainly remember this bowl game. You’ll remember the opponent. You’ll probably remember the score. You’ll remember Darren Evans, who was unbreakable; Tech’s defense, which was unbendable; and Tyrod Taylor, who w…
352. Palmer to headline baseball team's fundraiser
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6
Tech baseball’s second annual ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg’ will take place on Feb. 7 and the featured speaker will be Hall of Fame pitcher and Baltimore Orioles legend Jim Palmer. The event, sponsored by Bull and Bones Brewhaus …
353. Tapp back in the starting lineup and playing well in Seattle
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
“That’s just the way I am. I knew I had to do something to validate them inserting me back in the starting lineup. So you push even harder. That’s what I did.” – Darryl Tapp on earning his way back into the Seattle starting l…
354. Behind the Lens: Hokie sports through the eyes of Virginia Tech's photographer
Football :: Administration Feature :: Matt Kovatch :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
Nearly every photo you see in a Virginia Tech game program, on hokiesports.com or in this very magazine comes from Virginia Tech photography coordinator Dave Knachel. Now a 27-year veteran of capturing the excitement of Hokie sports, K…
355. Five more inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame
Football :: Hall of Fame :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
Dr. James Robertson Dr. James I. Robertson is a well-respected history professor, an authority on the Civil War, and in all, a rather shrewd gentleman. He also displays a keen fondness for telling jokes during his public speaking enga…
356. Tech football coaches tackle their jobs with passion
Football :: A Week in a Football Coach’s Life :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
After a long week of preparing for an opponent, Frank Beamer likes nothing more than celebrating with his players and staff after a victory. Ever wonder what exactly a football coach does during the week? Ever wonder what it’s actua…
357. Another freshly squeezed championship
Football :: ACC Title Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
The Hokies are headed back to the Orange Bowl after knocking off BC to claim the ACC title for the second straight year Darren Evans recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season, piling up 114 yards in Tech's 30-12 win over …
358. Harris named first-team All-ACC; seven others honored
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
Orion Martin has gone from walk-on to scholarship player to starter in his four-plus years at Tech. He can add All-ACC player to that list. Martin, a defensive end from Martinsville, Va., was one of eight Hokies to receive All-ACC reco…
359. ACC championship obviously worth celebrating, but the biggest game of the season lies ahead for the Hokies
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5
Following Tech’s precise dismantling of BC in the ACC title game, league commissioner John Swofford stood tall in the Hokies’ noisy locker room and gave the commonplace congratulatory speech to the winning team. Then he delivered a …
360. Graham giving to Cincy on the field and off it
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4
Shayne GrahamCourtesy of Cincinnati Bengals Shayne Graham works two jobs these days. With one, he gets paid extremely well. With the other, he gets handsomely rewarded. As most Tech fans know, Graham is still kicking it in the N…
361. What it's like to be... Tech's head equipment manager
Football :: Football Feature :: Matt Kovatch :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4
Lester Karlin In addition to all of the new faces on the football field this season for the Hokies, another new thing has really stood out – what those players have been wearing. First, the team unveiled its new jerseys for the seas…
362. Following their uncle's path, the Martin brothers share childhood memories and grown-up dreams
Football :: Football Feature: Family Tradition :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4
He sort of stole an old Hokie Huddler from 1988 out of his parents’ house. The paper looked slightly faded and the edges were slightly frayed. The article was about his uncle, with a black-and-white photo of him playing, a man w…
363. Holt draws praise for play in tough situation
Football :: Football Game Recaps :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4
With Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon out, Cory Holt, a redshirt senior from Lexington, N.C., made the most of an opportunity, throwing a touchdown pass in the Hokies’ 30-20 defeat at Florida State. Cory Holt never participated in the …
364. Despite injury, Lewis has plenty to add to Hokies' cause
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4
On a cold, blustery afternoon, Tech’s football team worked out in Rector Field House, and along the sideline stood a young man on crutches dressed in a sweatsuit – and wearing a helmet, of all things. To be sure, it was an odd sight…
365. Hokies picked to finish sixth in ACC preseason poll
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4
The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team was picked to finish sixth in the ACC in voting by 40 media members at the league’s annual basketball media day held Oct. 26th in Atlanta. All 40 of those media members picked North Carolina to…
366. The First Ladies of Football - Behind the scenes with Tech's right-hand (wo)men
Football :: Administration Feature :: Matt Kovatch :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3
With 10 football coaches, a handful of graduate assistants and over a hundred players, you can imagine that there are a lot of logistical needs to be taken care of around the Virginia Tech football offices. Well, most of those needs are …
367. Prioleau proving NFL longevity can be attained
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3
Pierson Prioleau Courtesy of Jacksonvile Jaguars It’s seems odd referring to Pierson Prioleau as an old man – after all, he just turned 31 years old. But he stands as the oldest and longest-tenured of all the former Hokies actively…
368. HOKIE HUMOR - Ryan Shuman works hard on the field, but keeps it light off it
Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3
The smile came slowly across Cody Grimm’s face. He was sitting at Tech’s weekly press conference, answering the same old tired, mundane questions about the upcoming week’s opponent when he finally received something worth actually…
369. Five straight wins leaves Hokies in prime position heading into second half of '08
Football :: Football Game Recaps :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3
Darren Evans scored two touchdowns in Tech's 35-30 win at Nebraska. Like most Tech football fans, Tyrod Taylor glanced at the Hokies’ 2008 football schedule before the season even kicked off. Unlike most, he fully expected his tea…
370. Tincher honored, getting ready to head to Japan
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3
At some point, the awards and accolades may stop rolling in for Angela Tincher. Maybe. The latest one came courtesy of the Tech athletics department. On the same day in which the softball pitcher and her family stood at midfield before…
371. Fuller working himself into prominent role with Titans
Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
Vincent Fuller There are many things that signify the impending kickoff to a football season. For starters, the magazines start rolling out their season previews. The various conferences start announcing their media kickoff funct…
372. Hokies stepping up to keep the weight down
Football :: Big Guys Slimming Down :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
Greg Boone After watching Georgia’s talented and speedy defensive ends sprint past some of his offensive linemen in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Tech offensive line coach Curt Newsome got a first-hand glimpse of a rather ‘big’ problem …
373. Q&A with back-up quarterback Cory Holt
Football :: Cory Holt Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
Q: What was your reaction when the coaches approached you about moving back to quarterback following a stint at receiver? CH: They told me the first day of practice and they said they didn’t know what the situation with Sean [Glennon]…
374. FAMILY TIES - For the Marshmans, the beauty of family is beyond skin deep
Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
Marshman family (left to right): Bernadette, Janet, Elliott, Nick, Sonya, Alexandra, Patrick (Alexandra’s husband), and Frank (sitting). Nick Marshman remembers the day vividly. He had been at Virginia Tech for just four months, …
375. Hokies sputter down the stretch in season-opening loss to ECU
Football :: ECU Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
Ike Whitaker The 2008 Virginia Tech football squad opened the season at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, right in the heart of NASCAR country and only minutes away from cavernous Lowe’s Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most po…
376. Five selected to Tech Sports Hall of Fame
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
Members of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame selection committee announced that five more former Tech standouts were selected for induction to the Hall of Fame. Those five will be inducted officially at a dinner on the Tech campus on…
377. Young Hokies learn tough lesson in season opener, but should get better as season continues
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2
As we compile this issue of the magazine, the students have been back a week, backpacks heavy with textbooks and notebooks. The classes started, the syllabi got handed out, professors updated Blackboard and young men and women began a ra…
378. Bowden headlines unknown special teams group
Football :: Football Preview: Special Teams :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
A year ago, Tech head coach Frank Beamer went into fall practices not quite knowing about his team’s kicking situation. Suffice it to say, things worked out fine. After all, Brent Bowden averaged 42.5 yards per punt and Jud Dunlevy ma…
379. Chancellor's new role to solidify Tech secondary
Football :: Football Preview: Defensive Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
Kam Chancellor was one of the few Tech football players who actually went home for the first summer session. The prevailing thought might be that he went home and spent some time relaxing, recharging before coming back to Blacksburg for…
380. Younger Martin taking on more of a leadership role from whip LB spot
Football :: Football Preview: Whips & Rovers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
Cam Martin is trying to shed his image. No, not the one in which he is a tremendous football player. No one wants that part of him to disappear. And no, not the one in which he provides leadership. This year’s defense needs that. In…
381. Two seniors with huge shoes to fill, but finally glad to see their time come
Football :: Football Preview: Linebackers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
Every year, players come and players go. Most fans realize this, too. They know that college football is a cyclical entity. Yet even though they know this and fully understand it, they feel a sense of anguish when certain players – gr…
382. Worilds expecting big things from d-line in spite of personnel losses
Football :: Football Preview: Defensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
On a sweltering July afternoon, a large contingent of football players gathered on the practice field outside the Merryman Center to run a series of sprints as the ‘conditioning’ part of strength and conditioning. It was a brutal ta…
383. Dillard's injury leaves Hokies young and inexperienced at WR
Football :: Football Preview: Receivers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
In analyzing the Hokies’ 2008 wide receiving group, one could start by astutely pointing out that the team lost four talented wideouts from last season’s group, three of whom rank in the top 10 in virtually every career receiving cat…
384. Boone ready for prominent role at tight end
Football :: Football Preview: Tight Ends :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
Greg Boone is starting to get really serious about football. He’s always been serious, but he decided to take that up to another level shortly after spring practice. Boone, a redshirt junior from Chesapeake, Va., has battled weight i…
385. Hokies with rare experience and depth on the o-line this season
Football :: Football Preview: Offensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
On most occasions – actually, on just about every occasion – watching an offensive lineman run sprints is a rather painful experience. In fact, most don’t run. Instead, they lumber. But Ed Wang has been proving to people that he …
386. Lewis is back and a key part among a large contingent at tailback
Football :: Football Preview: Running Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
That Kenny Lewis Jr., came back sooner than expected from his serious shoulder injury comes as no surprise. That he came back at least two months beforehand defies all logic. Lewis suffered from a torn labrum that ultimately required s…
387. Both quarterbacks ready to lead the team in 2008
Football :: Football Preview: Quarterbacks :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
A lot of coaches around the nation are searching for a top-notch starting quarterback at this time of the year. At Tech, the coaches find themselves in the rare situation of having to decide between two top-notch signal-callers. Down …
388. Tech AD provides answers on a wide array of topics
Football :: Jim Weaver Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
Virginia Tech is entering its fifth season in the ACC and there is a lot of going on within the athletics program. We sat down with Jim Weaver, director of athletics, as part of our annual Q&A to get his thoughts on a wide range of topic…
389. Last call for battle-tested veteran
Football :: Sean Glennon Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
After helping lead the Hokies to the ACC title last season, Sean Glennon’s hoping his atypical career ends this season in crowning fashion The two-bedroom apartment resembled that of the typical college student, a slightly unkempt …
390. Taylor, Younger lead way in testing
Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
As expected, defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor and fullback Kenny Younger paced the football team’s testing in the strength and conditioning program in late July, with Younger earning Excalibur Award honors – the top honor in the str…
391. A young Tech team could well be back in the ACC title hunt again
Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1
Following the Hokies’ first practice in preparation for the 2008 season, Macho Harris met with a small throng of media members to discuss the opening day’s events and then engaged in a serious conversation with a gentleman whom few r…
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