Kwamaine Battle Will Miss the 2011 Season

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Hokies trainer Mike Goforth announced backup defensive tackle Kwamaine Battle will miss the 2011 season*. Battle tore the ACL of his left knee during Tech's scrimmage Saturday. It's the same injury he suffered against James Madison last season. As of yesterday it was thought the injury was only a minor sprain. Battle is a senior, but he can appeal the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.

I feel horrible for Kwamaine. I know first hand, well wrist, the time and effort it takes to recover from a torn ligament (and a bunch of broken bones), and my only goal was to swing a golf club again. Battle worked himself into football shape in less than a year. Many well wishes for a speedy recovery Kwamaine.

Where does that leave the defensive line without any proven backups at tackle? Redshirt junior Isaiah Hamlette and true freshman Luther Maddy are on the two-deep. Hamlette is a monster, our biggest defensive lineman listed at 6-5 291. It's hard for a big body like that to be quick enough and have the proper techniques, chief among them playing low, to be successful attacking gaps in our scheme. Although, Collin Carroll described Hamlette as being "quick as a hiccup" and said he "showed great burst and got great penetration".

Right now Maddy is the fourth tackle. He's impressed defensive line coach Charley Wiles throughout camp and led the team with 8 tackles in Saturday's scrimmage.

Four-star recruits, and true freshman Kris Harley and Corey Marshall will compete for spots in the two-deep. Marshall was moved from end to tackle because of Battle's injury*. He only weighs 253 pounds. However, the Frankinator spoke very highly of Marshall after National Signing Day last year. Redshirt junior Dwight Tucker should also factor into the competition once his sprained knee is healed*.

For me, this is now the most interesting battle for playing time to watch throughout August.

*MUST CREDIT BEAMERBALL.COM AND @BEAMER_BALL.