Preseason Practice: Media Day and Pads

Tech football held a two-for Saturday, media day followed by the summer's first practice in full pads. Before the Hokies hit the field, the Frankinator addressed the media. By my account, the bullet points were:

• Regarding backup quarterback Mark Leal, "We got a lot of confidence in that guy."
• "Our offense works against our defense a lot here in preseason."
• "Our biggest thing at tailback is figuring out which three, or which four we're going to work with. And get them the reps." At this point, Holmes is the frontrunner.
• On the possibility of Trey Edmunds moving back to defense, "He's got all he can handle right now, trying to learn tailback."
• Deon Clarke doing a good job at linebacker.
• Regarding the significance of Tariq Edwards' injury, "That's a concern. With Tariq you got some good players, good depth at linebacker, without Tariq you're just a little bit short."
• "Toughness about Logan, it's going to be there. Play smart, but don't change the way a guy plays."

This picture is always my favorite (via HokieSports.com).

#Hokies WR Marcus Davis spent summer working on being more consistent, not taking plays off. "It's something that everyone wants to see."— Hokies Journal (@HokiesJournal) August 11, 2012

Whether it's been dogging routes, or lackadaisical blocking, Davis' lack of effort has been noted on the site before. He has the potential to be a superstar, whether he makes the most it during his senior season will be seen.

David Wang sprained his left ankle. Matt Arkema filled in for him, which is somewhat surprising to me. If it were a game situation, I'd assume Via would take the field. Maybe Arkema, a third-year sophomore, is in the mix for playing time.

It's unlikely that Tariq Edwards will be ready to play against Georgia Tech.

He [Edwards] was scheduled to have his knee looked at by the team surgeon after practice. They're going to decide whether or not to remove a screw from his knee that has been causing some pain. Trainer Mike Goforth said it wouldn't set him back much in his rehab schedule, adding that "he's plateaued since we got out here." Foster said he didn't think Edwards would be ready for the opener.

After reading that, I'll consider it a win if he's ready to play at Pitt. Bruce Taylor, the replacement backer, is ready to play, so that's a positive. I haven't heard anything, good or bad, about Jack Tyler's performance thus far at practice.

Corey Marshall continued to practice with the ones. J.R. Collins dropped on the depth chart because he was late for a team meeting. I'm sure the Million Dollar Man being talented has something to do with it too. Two quotes from Foster on Marshall, "He's playing fast and physical." "I think he can compete at end or defensive tackle."

CHUCK-N-TRUCK. Don't get me so excited after my wife's gone to bed, Teel. As usual, then entire piece is solid.

Quarterback Logan Thomas gives Tech that chance, and he'll be orchestrating an attack that play-caller Mike O'Cain said will be faster and more deceptive. More pistol formation, more mis-direction, occasional no-huddle.

Go on...

"I've been in my past more stationary, see where the defense lines up and attack it," O'Cain said. "Now here, you don't know where (the defense is) going to line up. ... It's probably a little more risk involved. But sometimes by taking those risks, you have a chance at bigger plays. ...

O'Cain attributes the changes to football's evolution rather than the Hokies' personnel. That said, the rugged, athletic, cerebral Thomas is an ideal quarterback to manage not only the different schemes but also inexperienced linemen and tailbacks.

"A little bit nasty at times and explosive," Thomas said of the identity he'd like the offense to assume.

We've heard it before, and the obviously the offense is only going to go as far as the offensive line takes it, and Frank Beamer allows it, but again, I'm cautiously optimistic it'll be as good or better than last year's.

The Hokies desperately need a fourth cornerback to emerge.

"That's a concern right now," Beamer admitted. "We've got some guys who haven't played very much. We've got to bring them along. They're going to get the work. It's just a matter of getting them functioning and consistent. I like the talent level. It's just going to take some work."

Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray confirmed today that freshman Donaldven Manning would play, but that comes as no surprise considering Manning enrolled at Tech this past January and went through spring practice. Gray may also play Donovan Riley and Davion Tookes, depending on how they progress.

"I'm assuming one or two corners will have to play also," Gray said. "We'll have to get more information after this scrimmage and just proceed from there. For sure, we'll play one of them. Maybe it's one or maybe it's both."

Finally, this was best thing about Saturday.

Media day was fun... i think i answered more questions about #COD than football hahahaha #gamer #geek #accepted— David Wang (@Dwang09) August 12, 2012

Interesting nugget at #Hokies media day: OG David Wang, when injured last year, ascended to No. 35 in the world rankings for Call of Duty— Aaron McFarling (@aaronmcfarling) August 11, 2012

An important week of practice starts Sunday, by next weekend Beamer Co. will determine who to redshirt.