Hokies Open Preseason Practice Today

Virginia Tech begins preparations for the 2009 football season this afternoon
when they open preseason practice in Blacksburg. It will be the first of 22
preseason practices, including three full scrimmages, before game week practice
for Alabama begins on August 31.

The Hokies are a very talented team heading into 2009, though there are
several question marks. Defensive line depth needs to be addressed, and fans are
always interested in how the offensive line and quarterbacks are performing.
Tech’s depth chart in the offensive backfield also has to shake itself out …
will David Wilson play or redshirt?

Hokie fans will have the chance to see their team in person three times
before the season opener against Alabama. Frank Beamer announced that there will
be three open scrimmages in Lane Stadium, and fans are invited to attend.

The Marching Virginians will be in attendance for the scrimmage on August 22.
No video recording devices are allowed inside Lane Stadium for the scrimmages,
and all other practices are closed to the public.

Logan Thomas to Begin Career at Quarterback

Highly-touted recruit Logan Thomas will begin his career as a quarterback. It
was thought that he would get his start as a tight end, or more likely, a wide
receiver. However, there are still depth issues at quarterback, while the wide
receiver and tight end positions look strong. Thomas will be given the
opportunity to compete with Ju-Ju Clayton for the #2 quarterback position.

Thomas was a full-time wide receiver as a sophomore in high school, but moved
to quarterback just a few games into his junior season. He was a dual threat
player at quarterback, able to beat the defense with his arm and legs.

Thomas has the arm strength to play quarterback, but he’s a bit raw and will
need to learn proper technique.

Freshmen Begin Their Careers

The Hokies have also welcomed 16 new scholarship freshmen to campus, and each
of those players has been placed at their initial position.

That’s not including tight end Eric Martin and wide receivers Ben Barber and
Tony Gregory, who enrolled for spring practice. It also doesn’t include Duan
Perez-Means, who was originally scheduled to enroll in August. However he
injured his shoulder during July’s VHSCA All-Star game, and he will now have
surgery and wait to enroll in January.  Other freshmen who are greyshirting
(enrolling in January) are also not included.

Several of those players are expected to contend for early playing time as
true freshmen, including running back David Wilson, wide receiver D.J. Coles and
quarterback Logan Thomas. Thomas could potentially move to tight end or wide
receiver, where his chances for playing time would go up.

Other true freshmen could also find their way on the field if they show they
are able to contribute on special teams. The scrimmages will be key in deciding
which freshmen will play this year.

Kenny Lewis Undergoes another Surgery, Dillard Cleared to Play

For the third time since October, Kenny Lewis, Jr. has undergone a surgery to
repair his Achilles, which he ruptured in last year’s Western Kentucky game.
With his return already questionable, this latest surgery will likely mark the
end of his career, unless he applies for a medical redshirt. Lewis was left off
the opening day depth chart at tailback.

Lewis has appeared in 27 games in his Tech career, starting eight of them. He
has 657 yards rushing for his career, and he’s scored 10 career touchdowns.

Wide receiver Brandon Dillard, who missed the entire 2008 season with a
ruptured Achilles, has been cleared to play. Dillard was the #1 receiver heading
into last season, but that injury put an end to his season before it even began.

Dillard was back with the team this past spring, but lacked the speed and
burst that made him a standout in the spring of 2008. If he shows that he’s
regained that speed over the summer, he’ll have a chance to compete for playing
time.