Sneak Preview. Sneak Preview

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2 Sneak Preview Sneak Preview The Hokies in Preseason Publications As of June 23, Street & Smith s had the Hokies ranked the highest heading into the season at 10th. Sophomore Michael Vick was named to the magazine s All-America team as an honorable mention selection at quarterback. Vick also was selected as a first-team All-America quarterback by Collegefootballnews.com. Blue Ribbon has the Hokies at No. 11 following their 11-1 season last year. Michael Vick also made its list as the firstteam All-America QB and goes into the season as the Blue Ribbon Offensive Player of the Year. Vick also made Football News 2000 Preseason All-America Team as the second-team signal caller. Lindy s has the Hokies as a team ranked 11th in the nation in its preseason publication. It also ranks several Hokies and groups in its rankings. Michael Vick led the way as the first-team QB and was tabbed the National Offensive Player of the Year. The following is a list of the Hokies who were ranked nationally: Player Pos. Rank Michael Vick... QB... 1 Matt Lehr... OL... 5 André Davis... WR... 6 Offensive Backfield... 6 Offensive Line... 7 Dave Kadela... OT David Pugh... DT Ben Taylor... ILB Cory Bird... Safety In the BIG EAST, Vick, Davis, Kadela, Lehr, Pugh and Taylor were chosen for the first team while Derek Carter (TE), Josh Redding (OL) and Bird were named to the second team. The Sporting News has the Hokies at No. 13 heading into the season and also ranked several players and groups among the best in the nation. Michael Vick was named a firstteam All-American while Dave Kadela was chosen for the second team. The following is a list of the Hokies who were ranked nationally: Player Pos. Rank Michael Vick... QB... 1 Dave Kadela... OT... 3 (7th in the Outland) Matt Lehr... OG... 5 Offensive Line... 5 André Davis... WR... 8 (6th in the Biletnikoff) Offensive Backfield... 8 Jarrett Ferguson... FB Cory Bird... SS The publication listed Coach Frank Beamer and his staff as the best coach and staff in the BIG EAST, respectively. TSN also listed Vick, Anthony Lambo (OL), Kadela and Lehr as first-team All-BIG EAST selections while Davis, Josh Redding (OL) and Bird were named to the second team. Athlon, which picked the Hokies 16th, had two Tech players on its All-America squads. Michael Vick made the first team as the QB while wide receiver André Davis made the third team. The publication also named Vick, Josh Redding, Nick Sorensen and Cory Bird to its All-BIG EAST first-team squad. Rivals.com, the title sponsor of the Hula Bowl, the official all-star game of NCAA Football, selected a preseason All- BIG EAST team, which included several Hokies. On the first-team offense, Michael Vick was chosen as the QB and Offensive Player of the Year, while Dave Kadela (OL) and Browning Wynn (TE) made the squad. André Davis (WR) and Matt Lehr (OL) made the second team. On defense, Cory Bird made the second team as a linebacker.

3 2000 Outlook Hokies Face New Challenges Riding an unprecedented seven-year string of success, capped by last year s appearance in the national championship game, the Virginia Tech football program has risen to a new level. Now comes another difficult task trying to stay there. Tech fielded one of its deepest and most experienced teams in The results were an 11-0 regular season and a trip to Nokia Sugar Bowl where the No. 2 Hokies fell to No. 1 Florida State. The season brought unparalleled exposure and respect to the Tech program. It also brought to a close the careers of 20 seniors, including seven who were starters on defense and five who formed the heart of Tech s kicking game. Those departures, coupled with the loss of key junior starters Ike Charlton and Shyrone Stith to the NFL, left the Hokies facing some strong challenges in preparing for the 2000 season. I feel good about this football team, but I can t ever remember having to fill so many positions both starting and backup, Head Coach Frank Beamer said. We spent the spring determining who our best players were and getting them on the field. Most of our players have experienced first-hand what it takes in terms of effort, dedication and focus to play at the highest level. Our challenge is to see if we can do that again with this team. We re going to attack the season the same way as 1999, but without the experience. Although the Hokies will head into David Pugh aims to take advantage of being a starter in the 2000 season with less experience, they still will have their share of talent. In redshirt sophomore quarterback Michael Vick, the Hokies have a truly special player who has the ability to take over a game with his play-making ability as both a passer and runner. The offensive line, where four starters return, has the experience and depth to be one of the Hokies best ever. And the receiving corps, led by record-setting redshirt junior André Davis, has great potential despite its youth. Even on defense, where the Hokies suffered their heaviest losses, there are a number of positives, beginning with senior rover Cory Bird. Bird, one of the team s unsung heroes last season, appears ready to take a leading role for a new wave of Tech defenders. There also will be plenty of the Hokies defensive trademark speed. Tech s two major position changes during the spring switching senior Nick Sorensen from free safety to outside linebacker and moving junior Ben Taylor from outside linebacker to an inside linebacker position were both made to add speed to their new positions. I think this is going to be a fast defensive team, Beamer said. We may not be particularly big, but we should be very athletic. The Tech staff successfully addressed Continued on next page 2000 Virginia Tech Football 25

4 2000 Outloook Continued from previous page several priorities during the spring, including solidifying the tailback and free safety positions and developing the team s young group of receivers. Others are still pending. Tech s place-kicking duties appear to be in solid hands with redshirt freshman Carter Warley, but several other special teams questions will have to be answered when practice resumes in August. The continued development of Tech s young defensive ends also will be a priority during preseason practice. We have had to fill a lot of shoes, admitted Beamer. But, I really believe we will rise to the challenge. Meeting challenges has helped bring the Tech program to a new level. Now, the Hokies are hoping it will help them stay there. The Offense With eight starters returning, led by spectacular quarterback Michael Vick, Tech s offensive unit figures to be the team s strong point for the 2000 season. But that doesn t mean offensive coordinator Rickey Bustle is standing still. We ve added a few new touches to our offense, Bustle said. We want to keep challenging our players. Just because you have a lot of players back doesn t guarantee you will be successful. We always want our players to keep striving to improve. Only three starters split end Ricky Hall, center Keith Short and tailback Shyrone Stith are missing from last year s offensive unit that led the Division I-A ranks in scoring with an average of 41.4 points a game. Filling the void left by Stith s early departure for the NFL draft was one of the main objectives of spring practice. The Hokies other offensive priorities were to Carter Warley is expected to take over the place-kicking duties. develop depth along the offensive line and at wide receiver and to keep bringing the offense along. The emergence of Lee Suggs and Wayne Ward during the spring, and the expected return of veteran André Kendrick, should eliminate any questions at tailback. The Hokies also were successful in developing more depth and bringing the offense along. By bringing the offense along I meant giving Michael Vick more responsibility, said Bustle. We had some new things we wanted to take a look at offensively. In order for the offense to continue moving forward, we needed to keep Michael moving along in terms of handling additional responsibilities. As for the overall progress of the offense, Bustle seems to be pleased. I think we will be ready to step up and do our part, Bustle said. If we maintain our work ethic and continue responding to challenges, I believe this offense can be as good as any we ve had. Offensive Line Tech s offensive line figures to be the deepest and most experienced unit on the 2000 team thanks to the return of four starters and the majority of its top reserves. Only centers Keith Short and Tim Schnecker and backup guard Daniel Nihipali are missing from last year s line that cleared the way for Tech to set a BIG EAST singleseason rushing record of 2,793 yards. Seniors Matt Lehr and Dave Kadela, who both earned All-BIG EAST honors last season, anchor the line. Lehr, a 6-2, 285-pound left guard, allowed just one sack last season and led the team in knockdown blocks. Kadela, a 6-6, 290-pound right tackle, saw action on 84 percent of Tech s offensive snaps in 99 and rates as the team s best overall pass protector. The Sporting News, in its preseason football edition, rated Kadela the No. 3 offensive tackle in the Division I-A ranks and Lehr the No. 5 offensive guard. The Hokies other two returning starters right guard Josh Redding and left tackle Anthony Lambo also have all-star potential and have both been named to All- BIG EAST teams selected by preseason publications. Redding, at 6-4, 306-pounds, has bench pressed a teamrecord 500 pounds and has the potential to be a dominate player. Lambo, the starter at left tackle, combines excellent athleticism and 4.9 speed with his 6-3, 291-pound frame. We have four proven starters back, offensive line coach Bryan Stinespring said. We are going to rely heavily on those guys for leadership. Stinespring s main objectives during spring practice were to solidify the center position and continue developing quality depth. The Hokies were successful on both fronts. Redshirt junior Steve DeMasi, who stepped in and Anthony Lambo is one of four returning starters on the OL. helped the Hokies win some big games last year, finished the spring No. 1 at center, but not before withstanding a strong challenge from redshirt freshman Jake Grove. DeMasi will match his experience against Grove s strong physical presence again in August in a battle that only figures to make both players better and the Hokies stronger at center. As for depth, Stinespring appears to have enough quality performers to keep the first wave rested. The Hokies should be particularly strong at tackle with Matt Wincek and Anthony Davis returning behind Kadela and Lambo. Both Wincek, a 6-5, 285- pound junior, and Davis, a 6-4, 318-pound sophomore, saw their share of action during the 1999 season. And both had productive springs. Wincek has matured into an outstanding player and gives the Hokies versatility with his ability to play either tackle position. Davis was Tech s most improved offensive player during spring practice and will keep the pressure on Lambo for the starting job. He has the size, strength and physical style of play that coaches love. I feel like I have four starters at tackle, said Virginia Tech Football

5 Josh Redding is one of Tech s strongest players. Stinespring, who will get added depth at the positions from redshirt sophomore Tim Selmon (6-5, 274) and senior Jeff Hartzog (6-3, 262). Stinespring doesn t have quite the same luxury at guard, although senior Joe Marchant, who was redshirted last season, and redshirt sophomore Luke Owens both have good ability and some experience. Marchant, in particular, figures to give the Hokies a boost after starting six games in The 6-3, 295- pounder has the ability to play any position along the offensive line if needed. Owens, who also has spent some time at center, is beginning to show the ability and toughness that Tech s coaches have been expecting from him. The 6-3, 295-pound Owens will work behind Redding at right guard along with redshirt freshman Jacob Gibson (6-3, 280) and 6-1, 269-pound walk-on Matt Findley. Joining Marchant behind Lehr at left guard will be redshirt freshman Anthony Nelson (6-3, 320) and true freshman Charles Hattan (6-1, 290). Transfer Ricky Hudson (6-3, 272) moved into the No. 3 center spot with his performance in spring practice. Stinespring will welcome a trio of promising freshmen in Jonathan Dunn, Robert Ramsey and Travis Conway. The Tight Ends All three members of last year s playing rotation at tight end are expected to be on hand when practice opens, including senior Derek Carter who did not participate in spring practice. Carter will rejoin rising juniors Browning Wynn (6-3, 228) and Bob Slowikowski (6-5, 253) to give Coach Danny Pearman an experienced group of performers. Last season, Pearman divided the reps during games between Carter, Wynn and Slowikowski, with each getting anywhere between snaps per game depending on the situation. Carter finished with seven catches for 132 yards, Wynn caught seven passes for 157 yards and Slowikowski caught three passes for 47 yards. Sixteen of those 17 receptions by the tight ends resulted in first downs for the Hokies. Despite starting 24 straight games at the position over the past two seasons, Carter (6-2, 261) will have to battle to regain a starting role. Wynn and Slowikowski will enter preseason workouts as co-starters after enjoying outstanding springs. Wynn was named the team s top offensive hustler of the spring and won Tech s Ironman competition during the summer. Slowikowski turned in his best spring performance since coming to Tech and became more consistent every practice. I think each of them brings something a little different to the game, said Pearman. We wanted to create some competition for the starting job and make sure everyone s working hard. We ve come a long way the past two years and I m going to let them battle it out. Prior to spring practice, Wynn enjoyed an outstanding Browning Wynn is one of three solid tight ends in Tech s offensive system. offseason, breaking four position records in strength and conditioning testing. He became the first football player to earn Elite athlete honors under Mike Gentry s new format. That s been Browning s trademark his work ethic, Pearman said. Not just on the field, but off it, too. The strength and conditioning program has made him a player and he works hard at it. He takes pride in everything he does. Joining the three veterans at the position are highly-touted Keith Willis, a 6-5, 234-pounder who redshirted last season, and walk-on Seth Noonkester (6-5, 255), another redshirt freshman. Willis showed good progress during the spring, while Noonkester was a pleasant surprise. The former high school quarterback exhibited good potential for the future. Pearman also will take a look at a pair of incoming freshmen Jared Mazzetta and Mike Jackson when practice opens. Quarterbacks After helping Virginia Tech to the national championship game in his first collegiate season, what will Michael Vick do for an encore? Tech offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rickey Bustle believes the answer to that question is continue to get better. Michael is a very special player with outstanding talent and physical skills, Bustle said. But we are still dealing with a young quarterback. He still has room to grow as a player. We are going to give him more responsibility and see how he responds. What Vick accomplished as a redshirt freshman was nothing short of phenomenal. Not only was he named the BIG EAST Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, he also won All-America honors, earned an ESPY as the nation s top college Continued on next page 2000 Virginia Tech Football 27

6 2000 Outlook Continued from previous page performer and finished third in the balloting for the Heisman Trophy. In 10 regular season games, Vick completed 90 of 152 passes for a school single-season record passing percentage of He led the Division I-A ranks in passing efficiency (180.37), setting a NCAA record for a freshman in the process. The left-hander threw for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns and was intercepted just five times. Vick finished third on the team in rushing with 585 yards and eight touchdowns on 108 carries. In Tech s Sugar Bowl game against Florida State, he accounted for 322 yards of total offense. Joining Vick at the quarterback position are redshirt senior Dave Meyer, redshirt sophomore Grant Noel and true freshman Jason Davis. Meyer gives the Hokies a veteran performer behind Vick. He has matured as a quarterback over the past two seasons and possesses excellent ability to go with his experience in the Tech system. Noel traveled with the team last fall but saw only brief action. He has shown the ability to make plays and good decisions but is still working to do both with more consistency. Davis entered Tech in January after playing his final season of high school football in the fall. The move allowed him to go through spring practice and start learning the Hokies offense system with no pressure. He should gain even more valuable experience as a redshirt this fall. The Running Backs A lot of attention was focused on the tailback spot last spring where Tech running backs coach Billy Hite found himself with some big shoes to fill. Gone was Shyrone Stith, who left Tech early for the NFL draft after rushing for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns during the Hokies 11-1 season. Absent was André Virginia Tech Football Kendrick, the team s secondleading rusher, who was ineligible to participate in spring practice. For Hite, however, the situation was far from bleak. Enter Lee Suggs. Enter Wayne Ward. Enter Keith Burnell and Doug Easlick. We have some outstanding prospects at tailback, Hite said. Shyrone was a great player for us, but when he left, it didn t leave the cupboard bare. With André sitting out, we got a chance to get our younger players a lot of reps during the spring. Those players pushed each other and it made them all better. Suggs, a former high school All-American, stole the spotlight during spring practice. The 6-0, 201- pound sophomore possesses a combination of speed, strength and competitiveness that makes him hard to stop. He played in nine games overall last year and turned in his two best rushing performances at the end of the season. Suggs was the top rusher in the Maroon-White spring game with 72 yards on 12 carries. I was really pleased with the success that Lee had in the spring, said Hite. He has really developed into an excellent back. Hite is equally as high on Ward, a rising junior who pushed Suggs during the second half of spring practice. Like Suggs, Ward has the size, speed and strength to be a punishing runner. He rates as the most physical tailback on the squad and the best blocker at the position. Also looking to earn some playing time at tailback are Burnell and Easlick. Redshirt sophomore Burnell another former high school All-American has improved in all areas and brings good talent to the table. Easlick, a redshirt freshman, has caught the eyes of the coaching staff with his toughness and hardnosed style of running. With Kendrick scheduled to return, Hite can expect some strong competition for playing time. Kendrick rushed for 645 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a junior, setting a school singleseason mark for yards per carry (6.3) along the way. I was pleased with the way our tailbacks stepped up during the spring, Hite said. There is going to be a big battle for playing time when preseason practice rolls around. Hite didn t have to worry about filling any shoes at fullback where a pair of proven Lee Suggs will battle for starting time at tailback. players Jarrett Ferguson and Cullen Hawkins return. Ferguson, a junior who started every game last season, has excelled as both a blocker and a runner. He became just the second Elite athlete with his work in the offseason strength and conditioning program. Hawkins, a senior, bounced back strong from a foot injury that sidelined him for most of the 1998 season. He turned in some big plays while sharing time with Ferguson. Also looking for time at fullback is junior Wayne Briggs. Briggs served as a reserve fullback for the last eight games last season and has put himself into contention with steady improvement during his career. Depth will be provided by a trio of redshirt freshmen Joe Wilson, Marvin Urquhart and Ryan Angelo. All three players bring different running and blocking styles to the position. We plan to continue working to get better each day at both tailback and fullback, Hite said. The competition should make us as strong as ever. The Wide Receivers Athletically, this could be one of the Hokies best overall receiving corps. There is enough talent here to help quarterback Michael Vick put plenty of excitement into Tech s passing game. For the most part, Tech s receivers for the 2000 season are big, fast and young. Five of the top seven players at the wide receiver positions are freshmen or sophomores. The other two are experienced juniors André Davis and Emmett Johnson, who enter the 2000 season No. 1 on the depth chart at flanker and split end, respectively. I think this can be a special group of receivers, receivers coach Tony Ball said. I am especially encouraged that we have two quality players and individuals in André and Emmett to serve as examples for our young receivers. With their leadership, I think this group will be conscientious about the game and will want to be successful. When you have those kind of ingredients good things happen. Lots of good things happened when the Hokies

7 got the ball to Davis last season. The 6-1, 200-pound speedster led the team with 35 catches for 962 yards and a school record 27.5 yards per catch. He tied a school season mark for touchdown receptions with nine. Davis added two more touchdowns on reverses and another on a fumble recovery to finish as Shawn Witten is expected to see more playing time this fall. the team s third-leading scorer with 72 points. Johnson, who shared time at split end with departing senior Ricky Hall in 1999, has not posted as impressive numbers as Davis, but he has shown steady improvement and definitely has the ability to be a threat in his own right. Last year, Johnson caught 10 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown. This season, the Hokies hope to take more advantage of his 6-3, 211- pound frame, 36-inch vertical jump and 4.4 speed. During spring practice, Ball got his young players a lot of repetitions to see who would mature the quickest. We were not looking for backups, Ball said. We were looking for people who could play. Players who could make an impact. The players who stepped up and answered that challenge were sophomore Shawn Witten and redshirt freshmen Ernest Wilford, Ron Moody and Andraé Harrison. Witten did everything the Hokies asked of him last season as a freshman, including working at both the split end and flanker positions and contributing on special teams. His aggressiveness, football savvy and desire to win make him a valuable asset and should translate into even more playing time this fall. Wilford may have been Ball s most impressive pupil during the spring even though he missed the majority of contact work with an ankle injury. While sidelined from the physical part of the game, he worked hard on the mental part, attending every meeting and spending hours on his own studying film. Wilford possesses the size (6-4, 205), athleticism (Atlantic 10 triple jump champion) and overall skills to become a special player. Ball is hoping that Wilford develops rapidly enough to be able to spell Davis at flanker without there being a drop-off in performance. Moody also made a big impression during the spring, moving into the No. 2 spot at split end behind Johnson. The invited walk-on from Chesapeake, Va., exhibited maturity to go with his receiving ability. Harrison, a high school All-American who was rated among the top 10 prep receivers in the country, started his Tech career slowly, but produced his best performances of the year during the last two weeks of spring practice. With continued progress in August, he also could play an important role at split end. Redshirt sophomore Terrell Parham, who caught nine passes for 98 yards as a top backup last season, hopes to join the mix for playing time when practice rolls around. Others who will get looks are senior Anthony Thibodeau, junior Mike Donahue, redshirt freshman walk-on Josh Tessar and highly-regarded freshmen Richard Johnson and Eric Green. The Defense When talking about the best defensive units in college football over the past five years, one name that has been a mainstay has been Virginia Tech. In fact, one of the reasons the Hokies played for the national championship last season was the stalwart play of the defense. The secret of their past accomplishments can be only be attributed to only one thing a solid work ethic. This season, that solid work ethic will be put to the test in order to keep the program at that level of success. With eight starters gone from last year s squad and two of the three returning starters changing positions during the spring, the defense has its work cut out for it this fall. Four All-Americans and six BIG EAST performers are gone from last year s defense that led the nation in scoring defense. Seven of the top 10 tacklers, along with the top two in interceptions, quarterback sacks and tackles for loss won t be back either. We graduated eight starters from last year s team who had years of experience and were very productive in our system. Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. However, we were able to play a lot of different guys the past two years. Hopefully, those guys will be ready to step up and assume the starting role. We have been spoiled by experience and depth the last couple of years. Now, we re trying to create that kind of depth again. The talent is here, but it will take some time to develop. During spring practice, most of the attention was placed on finding replacements at the safety position and both defensive end positions, along with building quality depth overall. The coaching staff believes it accomplished most of its goals during the spring, but the coaches know that the team has to continue improving and building depth during the preseason. We set our sights on going out every day during the spring and improving as a unit, Foster said. I saw a vast improvement during the last half of the spring. I was pleased with the work ethic, attitude and athletic ability, especially with our newcomers and younger players. This is the first time in a long time that the defense has been labeled a question mark. In my mind, it s not a question mark. We re going to have some growing pains this season. It s just going to be a matter of us performing as a unit when the lights are on. The Defensive Line The defensive line underwent a complete facelift during the spring, having to replace all four starting positions, build depth and develop chemistry among the group. Gone from last year are four senior starters who helped form one of the best defensive lines in Tech history. Defensive end Corey Moore, Tech s most honored football player, earned All- America distinction for the second-straight year and toured the country during the month of December, collecting almost every defensive honor imaginable. He set the single-season BIG EAST record with 17 quarterback sacks and finished with 60 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss. Opposite Moore at the other end, John Engelberger was equally impressive in his own rite, earning All-America honors. He finished with 53 tackles, including six tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks. Tackles Nathaniel Williams and Carl Continued on next page 2000 Virginia Tech Football 29

8 2000 Outlook Continued from previous page Bradley combined for 82 tackles, including three tackles for loss and four quarterback sacks. No one expects our defensive line to be very good this year, defensive line coach Charley Wiles said. The players are personally taking this as a challenge and feeding off of it. They worked very hard in the offseason and now are physically ready to begin preseason practice. I expect the level of effort and competition to be very high from start to finish. Scheduled to assume the starting honors at the tackle position are juniors Chad Beasley and David Pugh. Both have seen plenty of action over the past two seasons and should be ready to inherit the starting roles. Beasley played in every game last season and even received the starting nod three times. He also played an important role on special teams, seeing time on over 100 plays. Beasley finished with 39 tackles, including four for loss and had two quarterback sacks. He missed most of the spring with a pulled quadricep muscle, but will be ready for preseason camp in August. His absence during spring allowed other players more reps at the tackle positions, helping to build the needed depth. Pugh also played in every game last season, seeing action on almost 40 percent of Tech s defensive plays. He finished with 34 tackles and was fourth on the team in quarterback sacks (4), total tackles for loss (7) and quarterback hurries (7). Pugh also forced two fumbles and had three pass deflections. Adding depth and pushing for playing time at the tackle positions will be redshirt junior Dan Wilkinson and freshman Kevin Lewis. Wilkinson is expected to be the No. 2 tackle behind Pugh, and Lewis, who turned a lot of heads during the spring, should be the No. 2 tackle behind Beasley. The coaching staff is very excited about the improvement of walk-on Mark Costen during the spring. He will add depth this season and could possibly battle for playing time if he continues to improve. Junior college transfer Channing Reed enrolled at Tech this summer. If he proves himself during preseason fall practice, he could also challenge for playing time. Another candidate who could figure into playing time at one of the tackle positions is redshirt sophomore Thenus Franklin. Nathaniel Adibi and Lamar Cobb have emerged as the starters at the defensive end positions. Both enjoyed productive spring campaigns and should be ready to assume their new responsibilities when they arrive in August. Adibi, a redshirt freshman, sat out last season to build his strength, improve his speed and develop his skills. He was a muchheralded player from Phoebus High School in Hampton, Va., being listed among the best senior defensive lineman in the country by several publications. Cobb, a redshirt sophomore, received limited action last season at defensive end and on special teams. He played on the junior varsity team last year and showed improvement. Challenging Cobb at the one end position will be redshirt freshman Cols Colas, who worked hard during the spring and should see plenty of action this fall. Ron Cook, a redshirt junior, will add depth behind Adibi at the other end position. He saw playing time in seven games last season at defensive end and on special teams, recording nine tackles and two quarterback sacks. The depth chart could change if experienced senior Derrius Monroe returns from a suspension. Monroe played in all 12 games last year, finishing with 27 tackles and five quarterback hurries. Redshirt sophomore Ken Keister is also available to add depth. We had a very good spring, which should be a good start to our preseason camp, Wiles said. If we continue to improve, we will be a solid defensive line by the Georgia Tech game. We will be athletic and strong, but we will have to get bigger and stronger at the point of attack. Looking at this group as a whole, they could possibly be faster and more talented than the last group that came through. The key is whether they have the work ethic and commitment to get it done. The Linebackers Like the defensive line, the linebacker unit had to reload, finding starters and securing depth during spring practice. The coaching staff believes with the personnel changes that were made during the spring, the defense will gain speed and be closer to the point of attack. I was pleased with the linebackers during the spring, Foster said. They showed a lot of improvement. The move with Ben Taylor really paid off. He has a chance to be an outstanding player at the backer position. Lost from last year are All-American Jamel Smith and starting mike linebacker Michael Hawkes. Smith was the team s leading tackler last season, registering 89 stops and was second in tackles for loss with eight. Hawkes was sixth on the team in tackles with 69. He also finished with two tackles for loss, three quarterback sacks, was second on the team in Chad Beasley will step into a starting defensive tackle spot this season. interceptions with two and tied for the team lead in pass breakups with six. Nick Sorensen, last year s starter at free safety, made the move to the whip position in the spring and is slated to be the starter. He worked hard during the spring and is ready for a stellar senior season. Sorensen started every game at free safety last season, contributing 70 tackles, including two tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks. Nick adjusted to his move, becoming more comfortable by the time spring practice had finished, said Jim Cavanaugh, outside linebackers and strong safety coach. He s big, has good coverage skills and brings experience to the position. We re looking for Nick Sorensen to step up and be a leader on the defense this year. Foster said. He has been a proven performer and should provide even more value this season, playing the whip position where we can utilize his strengths. Also adding depth at the whip position and challenging for more playing time is Tee Butler. Returnee T.J. Jackson and Deon Provitt, who worked at the free safety Virginia Tech Football

9 position during the spring, will also get a look at the whip position. Butler was a backup last season, seeing time in six games, and also saw extensive time on special teams. He finished with 31 tackles, including four for loss. He broke several personal records during winter workouts and received Super Hokie honors in the weight room. Tee really has worked hard and is in great shape. Cavanaugh said. He s stronger and quicker and should be more comfortable in his position. He should make a major impact with our program and challenge for more playing time. Ben Taylor, who moved from the whip position to the backer position, is back as the starter at the position he played two years ago. He has good cover skills and is quick to the point of attack, which should be an added plus this season. Taylor was third on the team in tackles last season, totaling 71 stops. He also finished with five tackles for loss, one quarterback sack and tied for the team lead in pass breakups with six. Taylor gained more weight and strength during the offseason, which will aid him in his new position. I have high expectations for Ben and expect him to help lead the defense, Foster said. He has worked hard and become stronger. Ben understands the game very well, has good vision and is a good tackler. He s just a good football player. Also adding depth and competing for playing time at the backer position will be senior Benny Wolfe and redshirt freshman Vegas Robinson. Both are players who show promise. Wolfe, a demon on special teams, is hard-nosed and has a knack of being around the ball. He is tough, has excellent speed and is one of the team s stronger players. Wolfe saw action as a linebacker in seven contests and contributed 24 tackles, including one for loss. Robinson redshirted last season to build up his strength and develop his skills. He showed a lot of potential during spring workouts, feeling more comfortable with his responsibilities. He has good speed and strength and has shown the ability to make plays. The coaches believe he has a lot of promise and is very coachable, but lacks experience. The mike linebacker position will be anchored by junior Jake Houseright. He is a big linebacker who is physical and runs well. Houseright needs to stay away from the nagging injuries that have plagued him over his career. He injured his knee during preseason practice last fall, but came back to play an important backup role, finishing the season with 22 tackles. We are expecting Jake to stay healthy and take the next step this year, Foster said. He s a strong player, a big linebacker who runs well. We re hoping he will be a physical run stopper in the middle and solid in the passing game. Pressuring Houseright will be redshirt junior Brian Welch. He missed last year with a knee injury, but made tremendous progress in his rehabilitation. Welch enjoyed a fine spring campaign working his way back from the injury. He was an important reserve two years ago and was one of the Hokies most improved players before the injury ended his season. He s a solid, physical and smart player but needs to gain confidence back from the injury. Also competing for playing time at the mike linebacker position are redshirt sophomore Alex Markogiannakis and redshirt freshman Chris Buie. Markogiannakis is a walk-on who comes from a good high school program. He has good instincts and vision and is a tough football player. He made the travel squad last year but saw limited playing time. Buie redshirted last year and worked at the backer position before moving to the mike position in the spring. He is an athletic player who has tremendous strength and good movement and speed. Ben Taylor moves to the backer position, a spot he played two years ago. He needs to gain experience and continue learning the position. The Defensive Secondary The secondary is in the best shape of any position on the defense. During the spring, the biggest concerns were to find a starter at free safety, a backup at the boundary corner and develop depth at all four positions. I was very pleased with spring practice, defensive backs coach Lorenzo Ward said. We went into the spring looking for a starter at free safety and came out feeling good with the performances of Willie Pile and Billy Hardee. We still have to find a fourth cornerback to give us the needed personnel on each side and continue to work on developing depth. Overall, we have a chance to be as good, if not better, than last year in the secondary. Gone from last year s talented secondary are All- American Anthony Midget, starter Ike Charlton and Nick Sorensen, who was moved to the whip position. Midget, a third-team All-American, was a big hitter, finishing with 24 tackles, including a tackle for loss and led the team in interceptions with four. Charlton, a second-team all- BIG EAST performer, was seventh on the team in tackles with 51, including five tackles for loss. He scored two defensive touchdowns. Charlton left the team after his junior season to enter the NFL draft. Cory Bird, one of the most unheralded players on the defense last season, returns to claim the starting rover position. Bird, the defensive most valuable player in the spring game, started all 12 games last year, ranking second in tackles (74), third in quarterback sacks (6) and had 12 tackles for loss. He has worked hard in the weight room during the Continued on next page 2000 Virginia Tech Football 31

10 2000 Outlook Continued from previous page offseason, being honored for the fifth-straight year as a Super Iron Hokie. Cory had a very good year last season, Cavanaugh said. I believe that he played the best at the rover position of anyone since I have been here. He is solid in every area and is an excellent leader. Phillip Summers will add depth at the rover spot, backing up Bird. He saw action in all 12 games last year and was a starter on special teams. He finished with 14 tackles and had two quarterback sacks. He played a season-high 27 plays against Rutgers last season and returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown against Syracuse. Also trying to fit into the mix at the rover position are walk-on Chris Krebs and redshirt freshman Michael Crawford. Ronyell Whitaker will start at the field corner, and Larry Austin is the starter at the boundary corner. Both saw a lot of action last year and should solidify the positions for us this year. Ronyell Whitaker will anchor one of the corner spots. Ward said. Ronyell adds speed and quickness and even though Larry won t be as big and physical like Ike Charlton was, he will be an outstanding performer for us. Whitaker saw plenty of action as a backup last season at corner and was used on special teams. He should be ready to step up this season and take the starting role. Whitaker played in all 12 games, averaging 36 plays a game over the final seven contests. He finished with 29 total tackles, including two for loss and batted down four passes. Austin also saw plenty of time as a backup last season and should get the starting nod at the boundary corner. He played in all 12 contests and led the team in special teams plays, averaging 17 plays a game. Austin finished with 38 tackles, including one for loss and a quarterback sack. He also contributed a forced fumble, two pass breakups and returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown at Temple. We should be as good as we were last year at the corners with Ronyell and Larry, Ward said. Larry is a great cover man that got better every day in practice during the spring, and Ronyell also improved a lot and showed tremendous ability. Redshirt freshman Garnell Wilds will hold down the No. 2 spot at the field corner position behind Whitaker. He worked hard in the spring and showed a lot of improvement but needs experience. Junior Philip Hicks, a walk-on, will enter the preseason at the No. 2 spot at boundary corner behind Austin. He made the travel squad last season as a special teams member and received limited playing time at cornerback, finishing with 12 tackles. Newcomers Vincent Fuller and Eric Green will get a look at the cornerback positions when preseason Larry Austin wowed coaches during spring practice. camp begins in August. Redshirt sophomore Willie Pile is slated to be the starter at the free safety position. He saw limited action as a freshman last season playing in only three games. He finished with 12 tackles, including one for loss and a quarterback sack. Willie worked hard in the spring and came to the forefront, Ward said. He was probably the most improved player during the spring. He has good physical skills and loves to hit. Redshirt freshman Billy Hardee earned the No. 2 spot at free safety this spring. He was used at the safety position during fall practices last year while being redshirted. Billy gave 100 percent on every play during the spring, Ward said. He proved that he is ready to play the position this fall. Another player who could figure in at free safety is junior college transfer Kevin McCadam, who Ward labels as a big-time hitter with great recognition skills. Special Teams Plenty of time was devoted to this area during the spring and will be again in August and for good reason. Gone from last year s Tech team are four-time All- BIG EAST kicker Shayne Graham and three-time All- BIG EAST punter Jimmy Kibble. Also missing are starting holder Caleb Hurd, starting deep snappers Shane Beamer and Cliff Anders and return men Ricky Hall and Shyrone Stith. The Hokies do not return a single letterman at any of those positions. The heir apparent to Graham s place-kicking duties is redshirt freshman Carter Warley who has a strong leg and the potential to become an outstanding kicker. Warley showed excellent range and consistency during spring practice. Walk-on Jon Mollerup, who kicked for Tech s jayvee team in 1999, also showed potential during the spring and will get another look in the fall. Redshirt freshman Robert Peaslee came out of spring practice as the leading candidate for the punting duties vacated by Kibble. Peaslee showed a strong leg and plenty of potential, but was inconsistent at times. He is expected to get a strong challenge from incoming freshman recruit Vinnie Burns, a prep All-American punter from New Orleans, La. Peaslee is also a leading candidate for the holding duties. The coaching staff will likely try several players for the job, including surehanded receiver Shawn Witten. Redshirt sophomore Kevin Keister and transfer Ricky Hudson are expected to get work as snappers, along with incoming offensive line recruit Travis Conway from Richmond, Va. The Tech staff will continue to look at a large pool of candidates for the punt and kickoff return duties. Among the candidates will be André Davis and Ronyell Whitaker for punts, and Davis, Lee Suggs, André Kendrick and Larry Austin for kickoffs Virginia Tech Football

11 Depth Chart Total (Depth chart is subject to change.) OFFENSE (Multiple) DEFENSE (4-3) SE 18 Emmett Johnson (6-3, 207, Jr.) DE 28 Lamar Cobb (6-2, 216, r-so.) 82 Ronald Moody (6-0, 196, r-fr.) 99 Cols Colas (6-0, 232, r-fr.) 1 Andraé Harrison (6-3, 209, r-fr.) LT 59 Anthony Lambo (6-3, 291, r-sr.)* DT 94 Chad Beasley (6-5, 285, r-jr.) or 57 Anthony Davis (6-4, 318, So.) 70 Kevin Lewis (6-1, 267, Fr.) LG 69 Matt Lehr (6-2, 285, Sr.)* DT 71 David Pugh (6-3, 271, r-jr.) 63 Joe Marchant (6-3, 295, r-sr.) 54 Dan Wilkinson (6-1, 258, r-jr.) C 61 Steve DeMasi (6-3, 276, r-jr.) DE 83 Nathaniel Adibi (6-3, 242, r-fr.) 64 Jake Grove (6-3, 277, r-fr.) 51 Ron Cook (6-2, 234, r-jr.) RG 79 Josh Redding (6-4, 306, r-sr.)* OLB 14 Nick Sorensen (6-3, 207, r-sr.)* 74 Luke Owens (6-3, 295, r-so.) 30 Tee Butler (6-0, 201, r-sr.) RT 76 Dave Kadela (6-6, 290, Sr.)* ILB 41 Jake Houseright (6-3, 235, Jr.) 58 Matt Wincek (6-5, 286, Jr.) 34 Brian Welch (6-0, 244, r-jr.) TE 93 Browning Wynn (6-3, 228, r-jr.) ILB 40 Ben Taylor (6-2, 225, Jr.)* or 87 Bob Slowikowski (6-5, 252, r-jr.) 45 Benny Wolfe (5-10, 202, Sr.) QB 7 Michael Vick (6-1, 214, r-so.)* FC 2 Ronyell Whitaker (5-9, 193, r-so.) 13 Dave Meyer (6-3, 211, r-sr.) 17 Garnell Wilds (6-0, 194, r-fr.) 11 Grant Noel (6-1, 222, r-so.) FB 27 Jarrett Ferguson (5-9, 210, r-jr.)* FS 35 Willie Pile (6-3, 200, r-so.) or 42 Cullen Hawkins (6-0, 219, r-sr.) 25 Billy Hardee (5-11, 192, r-so.) TB 22 Lee Suggs (6-0, 201, r-so.) ROV 16 Cory Bird (5-10, 218, r-sr.)* or 32 Wayne Ward (5-11, 209, r-jr.) 8 Phillip Summers (6-0, 201, r-sr.) FL 88 André Davis (6-1, 196, r-jr.)* BC 24 Larry Austin (5-9, 180, r-jr.) 19 Ernest Wilford (6-4, 205, r-fr.) 44 Philip Hicks (6-0, 180, Jr.) 26 Shawn Witten (6-0, 187, So.) PK 5 Carter Warley (5-11, 187, r-fr.) P 91 Robert Peaslee (6-0, 192, r-fr.) 49 Jon Mollerup (5-11, 198, r-so.) *Returning starter Ben Taylor started at outside linebacker in 1999; Nick Sorensen started at free safety in Tailback André Kendrick, tight end Derek Carter* and defensive end Derrius Monroe did not participate in spring practice and are not listed on the depth chart Lettermen & Returning Starters Lettermen: 61; Lost 24/Returning 37 (Starters in CAPS) Offense Lost (8) Returning (23) RICKY HALL SE Emmett Johnson*, #Mike Donahue #Greg Myers TE DEREK CARTER, Browning Wynn, Bob Slowikowski, OT DAVE KADELA, ANTHONY LAMBO, Matt Wincek, Anthony Davis Daniel Nihipali OG JOSH REDDING, MATT LEHR, Jim Satterwhite #Luke Owens KEITH SHORT, C Steve DeMasi* Tim Schnecker Greg Shockley QB MICHAEL VICK, *Dave Meyer, FB JARRETT FERGUSON, Cullen Hawkins, #Wayne Ward+ SHYRONE STITH TB André Kendrick, Lee Suggs FL ANDRÉ DAVIS, Terrell Parham, Shawn Witten Defense Lost (11) Returning (14) COREY MOORE, E Derrius Monroe JOHN ENGELBERGER, Chris Cyrus NATHANIEL WILLIAMS, T Chad Beasley*, CARL BRADLEY, David Pugh #Derek Piniella JAMEL SMITH, LB Jake Houseright, MICHAEL HAWKES Benny Wolfe OLB BEN TAYLOR+, Tee Butler ANTHONY MIDGET, CB Larry Austin, IKE CHARLTON Ronyell Whitaker #Philip Hicks ROV CORY BIRD, Phillip Summers, #Chris Krebs Steven Hunt S NICK SORENSEN+ Specialists Lost(5) Returning (0) SHAYNE GRAHAM PK JIMMY KIBBLE P CALEB HURD H CLIFF ANDERS, DS SHANE BEAMER Senior tailback André Kendrick is expected to rejoin the team after sitting out the spring semester. *Also saw starting time in 1999 #Lettered mainly for play on special teams +Has moved to another position for the 2000 season 2000 Virginia Tech Football 33

12 Hokie Preseason Rosters No. Name vl Pos B date Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School H.S. Coach 83 Nathaniel Adibi - DE 1/25/ r-fr. Hampton, Va. Phoebus Bill Dee 38 Ryan Angelo - FB 10/23/ r-fr. Spring Hill, Fla. Springstead Pat McCoy 24 Larry Austin 2 CB 5/17/ r-jr. Norfolk, Va. Norview David Heath 94 Chad Beasley 2 DT 11/13/ r-jr. Gate City, Va. Gate City Nick Colobro 16 Cory Bird 3 ROV 8/10/ r-sr. Mays Landing, N.J. Oakcrest Jeff Spector 47 Wayne Briggs$ - FB 1/24/ r-jr. Windsor, Va. Windsor Joe Jones 46 Chris Buie - LB 11/16/ r-fr. Tampa, Fla. Armwood Sean Callahan 20 Keith Burnell - TB 1/8/ r-so. Chesapeake, Va. Western Branch Lew Johnston 30 Tee Butler 1 LB 2/7/ r-sr. Plainsboro, N.J. Woodberry Forest Bill Davis 85 Derek Carter@ 3 TE 12/29/ Sr. Smithfield, Va. Smithfield Miles Blount 28 Lamar Cobb - DE 1/11/ r-so. Hurt, Va. Gretna Robert Pruntey 99 Cols Colas - DE 5/16/ r-fr. Plantation, Fla. South Plantation Dan Margurit 51 Ron Cook - DE 6/24/ r-jr. Montclair, N.J. Montclair Edward Lebida 92 Mark Costen - DT 3/13/ r-fr. Virginia Beach, Va. Kempsville John Bowles 21 Michael Crawford - ROV 2/20/ r-fr. Baltimore, Md. Patterson Roger Wrenn 88 André Davis 2 FL 6/12/ r-jr. Niskayuna, N.Y. Niskayuna John Furey 57 Anthony Davis$ 1 OT 3/27/ So. Victoria, Va. Central-Lunenburg Chippie Chappell 15 Jason Davis - QB 2/4/ Fr. Sevierville, Tenn. Seymour Gary Householder 61 Steve DeMasi 1 C 11/24/ r-jr. Virginia Beach, Va. Cox Reggie Garrett 48 Mike Donahue 1 FL 1/27/ r-jr. Barrington, R.I. Barrington Bill MacCagney 43 Doug Easlick - TB 12/4/ r-fr. Marlton, N.J. Cherokee John Scott 29 Sam Fatherly - CB 6/13/ Fr. Williamsport, Pa. Williamsport Tim Montgomery 27 Jarrett Ferguson 2 FB 1/23/ r-jr. Goodview, Va. Staunton River Bob Gray Matt Findley - OG 11/11/ r-fr. Woodbridge, Va. C.D. Hylton Bill Brown 90 Thenus Franklin - DT 2/2/ r-so. Clewiston, Fla. Clewiston Al Morrell 60 Jacob Gibson - OG 1/29/ r-fr. Rocky Mount, Va. Franklin County Jerry Little 64 Jake Grove - C 1/22/ r-fr. Forest, Va. Jefferson Forest Ed Landis 25 Billy Hardee - FS 6/30/ r-so. Winter Haven, Fla. Winter Haven Maxie Hunter 1 Andraé Harrison - SE 5/5/ r-fr. Newport News, Va. Warwick Tommy Reamon 66 Jeff Hartzog - OT 5/22/ Sr. Forest, Va. Jefferson Forest Bob Christmas 72 Charles Hattan - OG 10/31/ Fr. Burke, Va. Robinson Mark Bendorf 42 Cullen Hawkins 3 FB 3/9/ r-sr. Pittsburgh, Pa. Upper St. Clair Jim Render 44 Philip Hicks 1 CB 3/17/ Jr. Radford, Va. Radford Norm Lineburg 41 Jake Houseright 2 LB 1/4/ Jr. Gate City, Va. Gate City Nick Colobro 52 Ricky Hudson - C 4/24/ r-so. Dumfries, Va. C.D. Hylton Bill Brown 23 T.J. Jackson - LB 10/10/ r-so. Delray Beach, Fla. Olympic Heights Willie Dadaro 18 Emmett Johnson 2 SE 3/17/ Jr. Chesapeake, Va. Western Branch Lew Johnston 76 Dave Kadela@ 2 OT 5/6/ Sr. Dublin, Ohio Coffman Eric Tudor 55 Ken Keister - DE/DS 8/13/ r-so. Radford, Va. Radford Norm Lineburg 4 André Kendrick 3 TB 9/27/ r-sr. Lynchburg, Va. E.C. Glass Bo Henson 37 Chris Krebs 2 ROV 1/5/ r-jr. Burke, Va. Robinson Nick Hilgert 59 Anthony Lambo 3 OT 1/4/ r-sr. Bloomfield, N.J. Bloomfield Michael Carter 69 Matt Lehr 2 OG 4/25/ Sr. Woodbridge, Va. Woodbridge Ron Davis Virginia Tech s 2000 Football Recruiting Class Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown High School/Prep School Mikal Baaqee LB/DB Columbia, Md. DeMatha Vinnie Burns P New Orleans, La. St. Augustine Travis Conway OL/LS Richmond, Va. J.R. Tucker Chad Cooper LB/S Herndon, Va. Oakton Mike Daniels DB Fairfax, Va. Fairfax Jim Davis DL Highland Springs, Va. Highland Springs/Fork Union Jon Dunn OL Virginia Beach, Va. Tallwood Vincent Fuller DB Baltimore, Md. Woodlawn Eric Green WR/DB Clewiston, Fla. Clewiston Mike Jackson TE Mason, Ohio Archbishop Moeller Richard Johnson WR/DB Baltimore, Md. Milford Mill Academy Jason Lallis DE/TE Mitchellville, Md. DeMatha Kevin McCadam S Lakeside, Calif. El Capitan/Grossmont [Calif.] CC Jared Mazzetta TE Flemington, N.J. Hunterdon Central James Miller DL Pompano Beach, Fla. Fort Lauderdale Robert Ramsey OL Coraopolis, Pa. Montour Channing Reed DL Trenton, N.J. Trenton Central/Montgomery [Md.] College Josh Spence LB/TB Riner, Va. Floyd County Virginia Tech Football

13 2000 Numerical Roster 1 Andraé Harrison... SE 2 Ronyell Whitaker... CB 3 Deon Provitt... LB 4 André Kendrick... TB 5 Carter Warley... PK 6 Vegas Robinson... LB 7 Michael Vick... QB 8 Phillip Summers... ROV 9 Terrell Parham... SE 12 Joe Wilson... FB 13 Dave Meyer... QB 14 Nick Sorensen... LB 15 Jason Davis... QB 16 Cory Bird... ROV 17 Garnell Wilds... CB 18 Emmett Johnson... SE 19 Ernest Wilford... FL 20 Keith Burnell... TB 21 Michael Crawford... ROV 22 Lee Suggs... TB 23 T.J. Jackson... LB 24 Larry Austin... CB 25 Billy Hardee... FS 26 Shawn Witten... FL 27 Jarrett Ferguson... FB 28 Lamar Cobb... DE 30 Tee Butler... LB 31 Anthony Thibodeau... SE 32 Wayne Ward... TB 34 Brian Welch... LB 35 Willie Pile... FS 36 Marvin Urquhart... FB 37 Chris Krebs... ROV 38 Ryan Angelo... FB 39 Alex Markogiannakis.. LB 40 Ben Taylor... LB 41 Jake Houseright... LB 42 Cullen Hawkins... FB 43 Doug Easlick... TB 44 Philip Hicks... CB 45 Benny Wolfe... LB 46 Chris Buie... LB 47 Wayne Briggs... FB 48 Mike Donahue... FL 49 Jon Mollerup... PK 51 Ron Cook... DE 52 Ricky Hudson... C 54 Dan Wilkinson... DT 55 Ken Keister... DE/DS 57 Anthony Davis... OT 58 Matt Wincek... OT 59 Anthony Lambo... OT 60 Jacob Gibson... OG 61 Steve DeMasi... C 63 Joe Marchant... OG 64 Jake Grove... C 65 Tim Selmon... OT 66 Jeff Hartzog... OT 67 Anthony Nelson... OG 11 Grant Noel... QB 69 Matt Lehr... OG 70 Kevin Lewis... DT 71 David Pugh... DT 72 Charles Hattan... OG 74 Luke Owens... OG 76 Dave Kadela... OT 79 Josh Redding... OG 82 Ronald Moody... SE 83 Nathaniel Adibi... DE 85 Derek Carter... TE 86 Keith Willis... TE 87 Bob Slowikowski... TE 88 André Davis... FL 90 Thenus Franklin... DT 91 Robert Peaslee... P 92 Mark Costen... DT 93 Browning Wynn... TE 94 Chad Beasley... DT 96 Joe Simington... DE 98 Derrius Monroe... DE 99 Cols Colas... DE No. Name vl Pos B date Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School H.S. Coach 70 Kevin Lewis - DT 4/26/ Fr. Richmond, Va. Varina Ed Bulheller 63 Joe Marchant+ 1 OG 10/11/ r-sr. Centerville, Utah Viewmont Ross Harris 39 Alex Markogiannakis - LB 1/22/ r-so. Chantilly, Va. Robinson Mark Bendorf 13 Dave Meyer 2 QB 11/14/ r-sr. Ramsey, N.J. Ramsey Steve Hyman 49 Jon Mollerup - PK 11/15/ r-so. Lyndhurst, Va. Stuarts Draft Tom Goforth 98 Derrius Monroe 2 DE 7/21/ Sr. Tallahassee, Fla. Godby Mark Feely 82 Ronald Moody - SE 10/26/ r-fr. Chesapeake, Va. Great Bridge Noble Palmer 67 Anthony Nelson$ - OG 2/18/ r-fr. Kingsport, Tenn. Sullivan South Lonnie Messick 11 Grant Noel - QB 6/11/ r-so. Ridgeley, W.Va. Frankfort Greg Phillips Seth Noonkester - TE 9/8/ r-fr. Salem, Va. Glenvar Brian Hooker 74 Luke Owens 1 OG 5/12/ r-so. Grundy, Va. Grundy Greg Rowe 9 Terrell Parham 1 SE 10/1/ r-so. Bartow, Fla. Bartow Kenny Wells 91 Robert Peaslee - P 6/28/ r-fr. Pulaski, Va. Pulaski County Joel Hicks 35 Willie Pile - FS 5/25/ r-so. Alexandria, Va. West Potomac Dale Eaton 3 Deon Provitt - LB 10/22/ r-fr. Warren, Ohio John F. Kennedy Tony Napolet 71 David Pugh 2 DT 7/24/ r-jr. Madison Heights, Va. Amherst County Mickey Crouch 79 Josh Redding 3 OG 12/25/ r-sr. Hanover, Pa. Southwestern Don Seidenstricker 6 Vegas Robinson - LB 5/19/ r-fr. Chesapeake, Va. Deep Creek David Cox 65 Tim Selmon++ - OT 8/7/ r-so. Trenton, N.J. Hamilton West Keith Hartbauer 96 Joe Simington - DE 7/14/ Fr. Martinsville, Va. Martinsville Taylor Edwards 87 Bob Slowikowski 2 TE 10/30/ r-jr. Pittsburgh, Pa. Central Catholic John Fiscetti 14 Nick Sorensen 3 LB 7/31/ r-sr. Vienna, Va. George Marshall Pete Salvano 22 Lee Suggs 1 TB 8/11/ r-so. Roanoke, Va. William Fleming George Miller 8 Phillip Summers 3 ROV 2/9/ r-sr. Clewiston, Fla. Clewiston Al Morrell 40 Ben Taylor 2 LB 8/31/ Jr. Bellaire, Ohio Bellaire John Magistro Dirk Taylor - LB 12/25/ So. Penn Laird, Va. Spotswood Eric Baylor Josh Tessar - FL 12/21/ So. Blacksburg, Va. Paw Paw (Mich.) Dave Warmack 31 Anthony Thibodeau - SE 5/23/ Jr. Springfield, Va. Hayfield Dudley Johnson Jeff Thompson - DE 5/26/ r-fr. Midlothian, Va. Clover Hill Ted Salmon 36 Marvin Urquhart - FB 8/16/ r-fr. Chesapeake, Va. Western Branch Lew Johnston 7 Michael Vick 1 QB 6/26/ r-so. Newport News, Va. Warwick Tommy Reamon 32 Wayne Ward 2 TB 5/29/ r-jr. Plant City, Fla. Plant City Todd Long 5 Carter Warley - PK 2/14/ r-fr. Richmond, Va. Fork Union Mickey Sullivan 34 Brian Welch 1 LB 7/17/ r-jr. Fairfax, Va. Oakton Pete Bendorf 2 Ronyell Whitaker 1 CB 3/19/ r-so. Norfolk, Va. Lake Taylor Dan Newell 17 Garnell Wilds - CB 6/8/ r-fr. Tampa, Fla. Hillsborough Earl Garcia, Jr. 19 Ernest Wilford@ - FL 1/14/ r-fr. Richmond, Va. Armstrong/Franklin Otis Brayboy 54 Dan Wilkinson - DT 11/14/ r-jr. W. Palm Beach, Fla. Palm Beach Lakes Bill Bolinder 86 Keith Willis - TE 12/14/ r-fr. Norfolk, Va. Norview Carleton Thomas 12 Joe Wilson - FB 7/22/ r-fr. Newport News, Va. Warwick Tommy Reamon 58 Matt Wincek 2 OT 9/12/ Jr. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Coughlin John Joseph 26 Shawn Witten 1 FL 5/18/ So. Elizabethton, Tenn. Elizabethton Dave Rider 45 Benny Wolfe 2 LB 7/11/ Sr. Gate City, Va. Gate City Nick Colobro 93 Browning Wynn 2 TE 12/3/ r-jr. Jonesville, Va. Lee Allen Kinser $ also attended Hargrave Military Academy also attended Fork Union Military Academy (Va.); also attended Florida Southern College; also attended UConn; + also attended Dixie College (Utah); ++ also attended Peddie School (N.J) 2000 Virginia Tech Football 35

14 The Hokies by States California Lakeside Kevin McCadam Florida Bartow Terrell Parham Clewiston Thenus Franklin Eric Green Phillip Summers Delray Beach T.J. Jackson Plantation Cols Colas Plant City Wayne Ward Pompano Beach James Miller Spring Hill Ryan Angelo Tallahassee Derrius Monroe Tampa Chris Buie Garnell Wilds West Palm Beach Dan Wilkinson Winter Haven Billy Hardee Louisiana New Orleans Vinnie Burns Maryland Baltimore Michael Crawford Vincent Fuller Richard Johnson Columbia Mikal Baaqee Mitchellville Jason Lallis New Jersey Bloomfield Anthony Lambo Alexandria Willie Pile Blacksburg Josh Tessar Burke Charles Hattan Chris Krebs Chantilly Alex Markogiannakis Chesapeake Keith Burnell Emmett Johnson Ronald Moody Vegas Robinson Marvin Urquhart Flemington Jared Mazzetta Marlton Doug Easlick Mays Landing Cory Bird Montclair Ron Cook Plainsboro Tee Butler Ramsey Dave Meyer Trenton Tim Selmon Channing Reed New York Niskayuna André Davis Ohio Bellaire Ben Taylor Dublin Dave Kadela Mason Mike Jackson Warren Deon Provitt Pennsylvania Coraopolis Robert Ramsey Hanover Josh Redding Hampton Nathaniel Adibi Herndon Chad Cooper Highland Springs Jim Davis Hurt Lamar Cobb Jonesville Browning Wynn Lynchburg André Kendrick Lyndhurst Jon Mollerup Madison Heights David Pugh Martinsville Joe Simington Midlothian Jeff Thompson Newport News Andraé Harrison Michael Vick Joe Wilson Norfolk Larry Austin Ronyell Whitaker Keith Willis Penn Laird Dirk Taylor Pulaski Robert Peaslee Pittsburgh Cullen Hawkins Bob Slowikowski Wilkes-Barre Matt WIncek Williamsport Sam Fatherly Rhode Island Barrington Mike Donahue Tennessee Elizabethton Shawn Witten Hometowns of Hokies from Virginia Dumfries Ricky Hudson Fairfax Mike Daniels Brian Welch Forest Jake Grove Jeff Hartzog Gate City Chad Beasley Jake Houseright Benny Wolfe Goodview Jarrett Ferguson Grundy Luke Owens Radford Philip Hicks Ken Keister Richmond Travis Conway Kevin Lewis Carter Warley Ernest Wilford Riner Josh Spence Roanoke Lee Suggs Rocky Mount Jacob Gibson Salem Seth Noonkester Kingsport Anthony Nelson Sevierville Jason Davis Utah Centerville Joe Marchant West Virginia Ridgeley Grant Noel Smithfield Derek Carter Springfield Anthony Thibodeau Victoria Anthony Davis Vienna Nick Sorensen Virginia Beach Mark Costen Steve DeMasi Jon Dunn Windsor Wayne Briggs Woodbridge Matt Findley Matt Lehr Virginia Tech Football