I apologize for the inexcusable hiatus. I am going to attribute it to "writer's block", but that's really just another way to say that I was being lazy and couldn't think of anything significant to talk about. However, Virginia Tech football is in the middle of spring practice and that's got to count for something. I get updates from beamerball.com courtesy of an unidentified brother-in-law, and I like what I've been hearing. Ju Ju Clayton (great name) is looking to be the slight leader in the race to be dubbed backup quarterback. He put forth an excellent effort in the latest scrimmage completing a lot of passes, but Marcus Davis also played well despite his offensive line having protection issues. QB coach Mike O'Cain and offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring will put their heads together today to try and determine a pecking order (although I feel like I've already heard that several times this Spring). I still think Beamer is nuts for sticking with Bryan Stinespring for yet another season and I have to believe that if the offense continues to stumble this year with all of the returning players that this would be Stiney's last hurrah.
Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor has modified his throwing motion to get rid of a hitch that he had in past games. The hitch only slowed his throwing motion down by a little bit, but in football even a split second can be the difference between a successful pass and a forced fumble. So far, Taylor has been adjusting well to the new motion but his accuracy still has plenty of room for improvement. O'Cain has praised the way he has run the offense, however.
Right now we are looking to have four excellent options at tight end when fall practice starts up. Greg Boone, Andre Smith, and the recently healed Sam Wheeler are all players who can make acrobatic catches and make the appropriate block. Two years ago, Sam Wheeler (a local boy from Blacksburg) caught everyone by surprise with some stellar offensive play, but an injury last year kept Wheeler on the sidelines for all of the '08 season. He's back now and ready to reclaim a starting spot. Chris Drager is also getting in the equation with an outstanding effort this spring. Drager might be our best blocking tight end. I think we can expect to see a lot of two tight end formations this fall because of our talent at that position. We also have one of the best fullbacks in the ACC in Kenny Jefferson. Jefferson is a do-it-all fullback who can block, catch, and run.
Darren Evans continues to look like an All-ACC player at running back and will get the majority of the snaps at that position when the season starts. He really seems to show a desire to own that starting job and show what he can do... I love what he's about. Josh Oglesby has played well and will also receive some snaps, but the player to watch is Ryan Williams. Williams has the ability to break your ankles, burst through your tackle, or take one all the way to the house in the blink of an eye. He's a special player and will return punts and kickoffs this year. He'll also see a few snaps per game at running back, although RB coach Billy Hite wants to see him improve his blocking before committing him to too many snaps.
Our wide receiver corps has a crucial year of experience under their belts and I think you will see them be more productive this year. Danny Coale is a true possession receiver who runs crisp routes and catches anything that is thrown close to him. Dyrell Roberts is still our speed guy and he gets better with each practice. Jarret Boykin continues to look like an excellent option and Brandon Dillard is back from injury to give our receiving group even more experience. There are also some young guys who are being given a chance to make a name for themselves. Xavier Boyce, Tony Gregory, Prince Parker, and Patrick Terry are all guys who could force their way onto the field this season if they continue to produce in the scrimmages. Boyce is especially intriguing because the guy is a beast... he's 6'4" and 223 lbs.
And finally, the offensive line is looking like it could be improved from a year ago. The two losses on the line (Nick Marshman and John Shuman) were not catastrophic and there is plenty of talent coming up. Jaymes Brooks went down with a high ankle sprain this week, but he'll be back in the fall and had been playing very well. Ed Wang continues to improve, as does Blake DeChristopher. Nick Becton and Will Alvarez are both pushing for playing time and Beau Warren looks like a very competent center. Greg Nosal and Andrew Lanier have also been pushing for playing time. Starting guard Sergio Render should also be back from shoulder surgery in the fall. The offensive line underperformed in 2008, but there is a lot of hope for this group in 2009.
There's quite a bit to be excited about this spring on the offensive side of the ball, and the more reps they have against our talented defense, the better they will be in the fall. If your nipples are getting hard, I can totally relate.
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