Position Changes Highlight Start of Spring Practice

Spring practice opens tomorrow for Virginia Tech, and there are position
changes on both sides of the ball. Some could be permanent, while others are
merely experiments. Here’s a recap of the players who will be at different
positions this spring.

Some changes are bigger than others. Stephan Virgil moves to boundary corner
from field corner. There will be no adjustment for him, because he played
boundary corner in 2006 and 2007. Jeron Goeveia-Winslow will get a shot at whip
after playing rover while redshirting last year. He’ll still be coached by Jim
Cavanaugh.

The John Graves move from defensive tackle to defensive end is an experiment
for now, but it could end up turning into a permanent move. The Hokies lack
defensive end depth, and if some of the young defensive tackles step up this
spring, Charley Wiles could leave Graves on the edge for this season.

The Hokies also lack a backup center, so Michael Via and Richard Graham are
going to be working at that position this spring. Both players are listed at
6-6, which is much taller than a traditional Virginia Tech center. Next to them
is Greg Nosal, who will start at left guard with Sergio Render injured. Nosal is
also 6-6. Most Virginia Tech guards are generally in the 6-2 to 6-3 range.

Vinston Painter redshirted as a defensive tackle last fall, and he will
backup Jaymes Brooks at right guard this spring. At 6-5, Painter is yet another
tall interior lineman for the Hokies.

Austin Fuller is getting plugged into the two-deep at split end. Fuller has
good size and excellent hands. He could find a way onto the field this fall with
a good spring at his new position. Finally, Bruce Taylor has moved to mike
linebacker to provide competition for Barquell Rivers.

Not all of those changes will be permanent, but spring practice is the time
to experiment.

2009 Spring Game Tailgate

OK, Hokie Sports Fans…time once again for the VT Spring Game. The team has
been busy throughout the winter in the weight room, has endured the dreaded 6 AM
workouts, and is busy sharpening their skills in Spring practice. It is just
about time for the annual Maroon and White Spring Game. The least we can do, as
fans, is come out and cheer them on, and what better way to get in a cheering
mood than to do a little tailgating!

The 2009 Edition of the Award Winning TSL Spring Game Tailgate Party.
Your hosts this year will be Pops & Co., knucklejunction, hokiebred, HFNVA
and F4EHokie. Russian Hokie will be our official photographer.

Here’s what will be provided:

• BBQ Pork!
• Plates, napkins, cups, and utensils
• Buns and condiments
• Ice
• Grills

Here’s what you need to bring:

• Your favorite beverage, adult or otherwise
• Hamburger, sausages, hot dogs, or anything else you want to
  grill
• Chips, salsa, veggie trays, chicken, side dishes, etc.
• Cookies, cake, or other baked goods for desert.
• Whatever else you want to eat (But plan on sharing!)

We will be cooking about 125# of pork, and it will be first come, first
served.

Tailgating begins at 10:00 AM. Look for the white tents and the Hokie flag in
the east end of lot 2.

This year, since we don’t have a sponsor as in the past, we need folks to
step up and help us out with the costs. There will be a donation jar at
the tailgate. Please chip in and help us pay our expenses!

We’re looking forward to it, and hope you are as well!!!