Showing posts with label Current Players. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current Players. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Spring Game Depth Chart
Beamerball has the spring depth chart up. Gets me all giddy inside. Check it out.
Brian Saunders
Saunders, our backup Punter for the past three years, has his eye set on challenging Bowden for the starting spot this year. Nathan Warters at the Lynchburg News-Advance has a new article out on him. Here is an exerpt:
“He’s made good progress. The thing with Brian is he’s still got good potential,” Beamer said. “At times he kicks the ball extremely well. He needs to consistently kick it well. I think the more he does it, the more he will. He hasn’t been out there in front of people many times. The more he does that, the better he’ll get.”
Saunders has noticed more height and distance on his punts, and he no longer pulls his kicks to the left thanks to a slight change he made to his mechanics. He was dropping the ball on the inside of his kicking foot, which caused him to lose power.
“He’s made good progress. The thing with Brian is he’s still got good potential,” Beamer said. “At times he kicks the ball extremely well. He needs to consistently kick it well. I think the more he does it, the more he will. He hasn’t been out there in front of people many times. The more he does that, the better he’ll get.”
Saunders has noticed more height and distance on his punts, and he no longer pulls his kicks to the left thanks to a slight change he made to his mechanics. He was dropping the ball on the inside of his kicking foot, which caused him to lose power.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Ryan Williams
Williams really impressed at the last scrimmage because of his moves (obviously) and his blocking. Kyle Tucker at the Virginian Pilot has a new article out on Williams and his adjustments to real life play. Here is a portion:
And that's what made Saturday's scrimmage, the Hokies' second of spring practice, so sweet for the rising redshirt freshman.
On one play, Williams blocked a defensive tackle's path to quarterback Ju Ju Clayton, then noticed a second defensive tackle bearing down on the passer. Williams launched himself at Kwamaine Battle, blasting the 283-pounder off his feet.
And that's what made Saturday's scrimmage, the Hokies' second of spring practice, so sweet for the rising redshirt freshman.
On one play, Williams blocked a defensive tackle's path to quarterback Ju Ju Clayton, then noticed a second defensive tackle bearing down on the passer. Williams launched himself at Kwamaine Battle, blasting the 283-pounder off his feet.
Who will be our PK this year?
Looks like Waldron has the job locked up, unless Journell can come in a really impress. Randy King at the Roanoke Times has an update, which also includes some OL talk and some tidbits. Here is a portion:
"It's good to hear coming from the main guy," said Waldron, who connected from 47 and 35 yards in last Wednesday's mini-scrimmage and hit a 32-yarder in the first full scrimmage on April 10.
"I've missed like one or two during team period in practice. There are a lot of good kickers here, plus we've got a couple more coming in the fall. So there's a lot of time and a lot of kicks left. It's not an easy job to get into. I've got a long ways to go, but I'm very, very happy right now."
"It's good to hear coming from the main guy," said Waldron, who connected from 47 and 35 yards in last Wednesday's mini-scrimmage and hit a 32-yarder in the first full scrimmage on April 10.
"I've missed like one or two during team period in practice. There are a lot of good kickers here, plus we've got a couple more coming in the fall. So there's a lot of time and a lot of kicks left. It's not an easy job to get into. I've got a long ways to go, but I'm very, very happy right now."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Demetrius Taylor
Taylor has been posturing for a position since his redshirt freshman year, first at LB, then at DE, and now at DT where he's found a permanent home. I think he kinda digs DT and I like him to make a significant contribution this year. Kyle Tucker at the The Virginian Pilot has an update on him.
ESPN Blog Update
HD at ESPN has a new update on Darren Evans with some quotes from Hite, Ryan Williams, Frank Beamer and DE himself. Here is an exerpt:
Evans, though, is the most productive of the group, a quiet leader who, like the entire program, is shouldering higher expectations this fall. The difference this spring, though, is that Evans hasn't gotten a lot of reps, and that's because the staff already knows what he can do.
"It's a lot different from last year," Evans said. "I was really learning a lot last year, now it's kind of a review. This year, I know the expectations are high, but I know that a lot of people are excited about Ryan Williams, so that kind of cools it off for me. He probably has the bigger expectations because he's so much of a hit around here."
Evans, though, is the most productive of the group, a quiet leader who, like the entire program, is shouldering higher expectations this fall. The difference this spring, though, is that Evans hasn't gotten a lot of reps, and that's because the staff already knows what he can do.
"It's a lot different from last year," Evans said. "I was really learning a lot last year, now it's kind of a review. This year, I know the expectations are high, but I know that a lot of people are excited about Ryan Williams, so that kind of cools it off for me. He probably has the bigger expectations because he's so much of a hit around here."
Ryan Williams
Williams has been lighting it up during Spring Practice from all reports I've read. Here is another sweet article from the Darryl Slater at the Richmond Times-Dispatch with some quotes and good info. Enjoy a tidbit:
He frequently wondered, "Why am I on the scout team?" He believed he had more to offer.
He found solace in the words of Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and defensive line coach Charley Wiles. Williams enjoyed hearing them shout at their starters after he wiggled free for a gain. After practices, Foster and Wiles told Williams, "Can't wait until you play next year."
He frequently wondered, "Why am I on the scout team?" He believed he had more to offer.
He found solace in the words of Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and defensive line coach Charley Wiles. Williams enjoyed hearing them shout at their starters after he wiggled free for a gain. After practices, Foster and Wiles told Williams, "Can't wait until you play next year."
Ju-Ju Clayton Wins The Backup QB Job
Many, many links on this so I will consolidate:
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, with some quotes from Davis and some odds and ends along with it.
From Kyle Tucker at the Virginian Pilot, another with quotes from Davis, some from Beamer, and more odds and ends
From Randy King at the Roanoke Times, with quotes from Ju-Ju and O'Cain, definitely different than the first two.
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, with some quotes from Davis and some odds and ends along with it.
From Kyle Tucker at the Virginian Pilot, another with quotes from Davis, some from Beamer, and more odds and ends
From Randy King at the Roanoke Times, with quotes from Ju-Ju and O'Cain, definitely different than the first two.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Cris Hill
Darryl Slater from the Richmond Times-Dispatch has a new update on Hill, who is currently battling with Carmichael and Whitley for the FC spot. I have always liked Hill's athleticism, and I'm really hoping he improves his awareness and aggressiveness. I've heard that Gray and Foster feel the same way.
At any rate, a decent interview and article for your pleasure today.
At any rate, a decent interview and article for your pleasure today.
Quarterbacks
More on the QB situation from Nathan Warters at the Lynchburg News-Advance. Nothing incredibly new, but some good soundbytes.
Yesterday's Scrimmage Review
Our friends at Vt.Fanfoc.us have a new update on the Scrimmage yesterday. It includes Beamer's thoughts on the video-tape (Youtube-gate? Beamer-gate? Justsaynotothefirstamendment-gate?), and some other coaches' perspective. Anyway, here's an exerpt from Newsome:
BeamerBall.com: On one hand you seem very excited about Nick Becton, then, you turn around and say he's making too many mistakes. Can you get him ready in time for fall?
Curt Newsome: Okay, he's a true freshman who hasn't been playing football that long. I think we can get him ready to help in the fall because he has a lot of tools. But, it's a hard place to play. It just is. We're putting in a lot of stuff, they're trying to learn the offense and we're throwing a lot at him. I really like what he's all about and I'm very positive about his future.
BeamerBall.com: With Greg Nosal and Vinston Painter at guard, and Michael Via at center, you guys are very tall across the middle. Do you talk about that being a problem for Tyrod Taylor (short QB). Do you talk about that as a staff?
Curt Newsome: We've adjusted some sets. We've changed some splits and done some other things because it was a bit of an issue. I don't think it's a big issue. We've talked about it as a staff. Sure, we talk about just about everything. We just have to be firm with our protection on the inside, set a firm pocket, and if those inside three set a firm pocket, we won't have a problem throwing the football. You have a problem throwing the football when somebody is in your face. And, that's a problem no matter how tall you are.
BeamerBall.com: On one hand you seem very excited about Nick Becton, then, you turn around and say he's making too many mistakes. Can you get him ready in time for fall?
Curt Newsome: Okay, he's a true freshman who hasn't been playing football that long. I think we can get him ready to help in the fall because he has a lot of tools. But, it's a hard place to play. It just is. We're putting in a lot of stuff, they're trying to learn the offense and we're throwing a lot at him. I really like what he's all about and I'm very positive about his future.
BeamerBall.com: With Greg Nosal and Vinston Painter at guard, and Michael Via at center, you guys are very tall across the middle. Do you talk about that being a problem for Tyrod Taylor (short QB). Do you talk about that as a staff?
Curt Newsome: We've adjusted some sets. We've changed some splits and done some other things because it was a bit of an issue. I don't think it's a big issue. We've talked about it as a staff. Sure, we talk about just about everything. We just have to be firm with our protection on the inside, set a firm pocket, and if those inside three set a firm pocket, we won't have a problem throwing the football. You have a problem throwing the football when somebody is in your face. And, that's a problem no matter how tall you are.
ESPN Blog Updates
HD has another update, this time about new Boundry Corner Stephan Virgil. Check it out.
Offensive Line Experience
The Wall Street Journal (of all papers) has a good article breaking down the chances of winning it all via offensive line play. Virginia Tech football fans should know best that weak O-Line play means more three and outs than not.
Of all the "contenders" this year, VT and Notre Dame have the most experience on the offensive line, with 100 starts between the members. Our opening day opponent's OL, Alabama, has one of the worst numbers, at only 50 starts between them. Good news for Bud's D. Check it out, it's well written and a good read.
Of all the "contenders" this year, VT and Notre Dame have the most experience on the offensive line, with 100 starts between the members. Our opening day opponent's OL, Alabama, has one of the worst numbers, at only 50 starts between them. Good news for Bud's D. Check it out, it's well written and a good read.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
10 Best Individual Performances in VT Football History
The Bleacher Report has a new update on the 10 best individual performances in VT Football History. Their rundown:
Non-Players
(1) The Coaches in the '99 Syracuse game (63-0)
(2) The Lane Stadium Crowd v. Miami (Nov. 1, 2003)
Players
(3) Sean Glennon in GT Uni
(4) DE v. MD
(5) Brandon Ore's back-to-back 200 yd games
(6) Mike Imoh v. UNC
(7) Bryan Randall v. GT
(8) Druck v. UVa
(9) Andre Davis v. WVU
(10) Bryan Still v. UT
(11) Corey Moore v. Clemson
(12) Vick v. FSU
Non-Players
(1) The Coaches in the '99 Syracuse game (63-0)
(2) The Lane Stadium Crowd v. Miami (Nov. 1, 2003)
Players
(3) Sean Glennon in GT Uni
(4) DE v. MD
(5) Brandon Ore's back-to-back 200 yd games
(6) Mike Imoh v. UNC
(7) Bryan Randall v. GT
(8) Druck v. UVa
(9) Andre Davis v. WVU
(10) Bryan Still v. UT
(11) Corey Moore v. Clemson
(12) Vick v. FSU
Jake Johnson
Randy King again folks, this time with an interview with Jake Johnson. Johnson was one of my favorite recruits of 2009, and despite the fact he cut his hair (bad idea there Sampson) he may be my favorite defensive player this year. An exerpt:
Before arriving on campus last June for second-session summer classes, Johnson already had achieved semi-cult hero status inside Hokie Nation from a picture that had circulated on the Internet from his 2007 summer-camp visit to Tech.
Johnson worked out that day in a sleeveless T-shirt that flaunted his bulging biceps. His long blonde locks and wild-eyed expression in the photo instantly infatuated the program's staunchest pilgrims.
"Somebody e-mailed the picture to me and I was like, 'man, I look pretty crazy.' I thought it was pretty cool, really," Johnson said laughing.
Before arriving on campus last June for second-session summer classes, Johnson already had achieved semi-cult hero status inside Hokie Nation from a picture that had circulated on the Internet from his 2007 summer-camp visit to Tech.
Johnson worked out that day in a sleeveless T-shirt that flaunted his bulging biceps. His long blonde locks and wild-eyed expression in the photo instantly infatuated the program's staunchest pilgrims.
"Somebody e-mailed the picture to me and I was like, 'man, I look pretty crazy.' I thought it was pretty cool, really," Johnson said laughing.
Bruce Taylor
Taylor, by all accounts, is really looking good at the MIKE linebacker position. Randy King has an update on him. Here is an exerpt:
"I've really been impressed with Bruce Taylor," said Foster, a man who is not easily impressed.
"We moved Bruce from linebacker to end last fall and now we need him at linebacker. I was pleased with how he played all fall last season at defensive end, and I have been pleased by the way he's picked things up at linebacker now.
"I really like Bruce Taylor's football IQ. He's got a good football mentality, he's a big body and if he can continue to get faster, he can play the backer spot, too."
"I've really been impressed with Bruce Taylor," said Foster, a man who is not easily impressed.
"We moved Bruce from linebacker to end last fall and now we need him at linebacker. I was pleased with how he played all fall last season at defensive end, and I have been pleased by the way he's picked things up at linebacker now.
"I really like Bruce Taylor's football IQ. He's got a good football mentality, he's a big body and if he can continue to get faster, he can play the backer spot, too."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
More Friday Scrimmage Observations
More from our man Randy King! Since his call-out here at the Hokie Rant, King has been "on fire" with his updates, averaging nearly one per day... up from his average of one per month before the shot in the dark.
Anyway, here is my favorite part- Beamer has the time to go to Augusta this weekend. I barely have the time to keep up with Hokie News and info, and the man running the show has time for a weekend in GA. He must really trust his coordinators.
Whenever the head coach's position opens up at Tech, I hope that Weaver gives some serious consideration to my resume.
For all seriousness- here is an exerpt from King's Observations:
-- Tony Gregory, a freshman who entered Tech early in January, turned some heads at wide receiver. Gregory had two catches for 61 yards, including a 44-yard TD reception from Ju-Ju Clayton.
Gregory, who entered spring as the No. 5 flanker, played running back last fall at First Colonial High.
"For only five practices, his first at receiver, he's been doing well," Coale said. "He let it loose a little bit today."
Anyway, here is my favorite part- Beamer has the time to go to Augusta this weekend. I barely have the time to keep up with Hokie News and info, and the man running the show has time for a weekend in GA. He must really trust his coordinators.
Whenever the head coach's position opens up at Tech, I hope that Weaver gives some serious consideration to my resume.
For all seriousness- here is an exerpt from King's Observations:
-- Tony Gregory, a freshman who entered Tech early in January, turned some heads at wide receiver. Gregory had two catches for 61 yards, including a 44-yard TD reception from Ju-Ju Clayton.
Gregory, who entered spring as the No. 5 flanker, played running back last fall at First Colonial High.
"For only five practices, his first at receiver, he's been doing well," Coale said. "He let it loose a little bit today."
More on Friday's Scrimmage
From Planet Blacksburg, they include some great soundbytes and some good info. Enjoy and here is an exerpt (talking about Ju-Ju's performance):
Clayton was the first of the two vying for the backup role to take snaps. Unfortunately for him, it was against the first team defense.
"I need a lot more reps to be where I want to be. My first series was shaky but as the scrimmage went along, I got more comfortable." In Clayton's first series he was met in the backfield by defensive end John Graves on one play and threw an interception to Kam Chancellor on another. He did indeed settle down though and settled down nicely for the remainder of the scrimmage. Clayton completed five of twelve passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also displayed good pocket presence and a great patience in checking down his receivers as well.
Clayton was the first of the two vying for the backup role to take snaps. Unfortunately for him, it was against the first team defense.
"I need a lot more reps to be where I want to be. My first series was shaky but as the scrimmage went along, I got more comfortable." In Clayton's first series he was met in the backfield by defensive end John Graves on one play and threw an interception to Kam Chancellor on another. He did indeed settle down though and settled down nicely for the remainder of the scrimmage. Clayton completed five of twelve passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also displayed good pocket presence and a great patience in checking down his receivers as well.
Ryan Williams
Randy King has earned his paycheck again, this time with an excellent interview with RW. I'm even grinning just thinking about it. HA.
Here's a play-by-play of the scrimmage from Beamerball Blog.
Here's two recounts from Norm Wood at the Daily Press, notes on the scrimmage, plus an article.
Here's a play-by-play of the scrimmage from Beamerball Blog.
Here's two recounts from Norm Wood at the Daily Press, notes on the scrimmage, plus an article.
Friday, April 10, 2009
More on "The Hitch"
Darryl Slater at The Richmond Times-Dispatch has more to report on Tyrod's hitch. Some actual quotes from Tyrod are included. Enjoy, and here is an exerpt:
Sure enough, Taylor's delivery had deviated from the proper technique he previously used. Instead of bringing the ball back and keeping it higher than his shoulder, with his arm at a right angle, Taylor dropped the ball below shoulder level, with his arm straight, then lifted it above his shoulder. He isn't sure why he did this. Maybe it had to do with him bulking up when he got to Tech, he said.
"It didn't look like it messed with my accuracy," Taylor said. "I think it was just a slower release, maybe giving a defense time to break on the ball."
Taylor completed 57.2 percent of his passes as a sophomore last season and 53.7 percent as a freshman. Sean Glennon, a senior last season, split time with Taylor the past two years, when he completed 60.2 and 60.9 percent.
Sure enough, Taylor's delivery had deviated from the proper technique he previously used. Instead of bringing the ball back and keeping it higher than his shoulder, with his arm at a right angle, Taylor dropped the ball below shoulder level, with his arm straight, then lifted it above his shoulder. He isn't sure why he did this. Maybe it had to do with him bulking up when he got to Tech, he said.
"It didn't look like it messed with my accuracy," Taylor said. "I think it was just a slower release, maybe giving a defense time to break on the ball."
Taylor completed 57.2 percent of his passes as a sophomore last season and 53.7 percent as a freshman. Sean Glennon, a senior last season, split time with Taylor the past two years, when he completed 60.2 and 60.9 percent.
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