Preseason Practice: Camp Opens

The players practiced in helmets and shorts, so no pads were popping, but there are some things to note. First however, everyone smile for football!

D.J. Coles and Tariq Edwards moved around, "gingerly," and didn't practice much.

"I'm concerned," Beamer said. "When you come out here and you're not able to work full tilt … we've got three weeks here and we'll see where we are. I know Mike Goforth has a plan on how much work they should do and so forth. But they're two quality players who can't do things full tilt right now."

Edwards said his leg is better than expected, however he'd ballpark his health at 85%. Foster was, "discouraged today by his inability to run." Andy Bitter noted, "The pain is no longer in his shin but rather his knee. It's most evident when he makes cuts."

At this point, given the lack of proven depth at receiver, Coles would be more painful scratch against Georgia Tech. He's the most polished and proven receiver on the roster. I'm fine with Taylor at backer and Tyler at Mike against the Bees. As French noted, Tyler's strength is as a run defender, and that's what we'll need to do against Georgia Tech. He's struggled a bit in the past defending the pass, but I don't anticipate him doing that very often by our design, and by Georgia Tech's scheme.

More of this:

In pass drills, noticed freshman WR Joshua Stanford make a highlight reel worthy catch on beautiful over the shoulder throw from Logan.— Hokies Journal (@HokiesJournal) August 7, 2012

Additionally, Bitter said, "Joel Caleb made a nice diving snag during a drill on an out pattern near the sideline."

True freshman receiver stepping up on day one, solid. If Stanford and Caleb practice their way out of redshirting I'll feel much better about the receiving core not only for this fall, but moving forward.

BEAMER BALL. Journell issued a generic statement to the media, and is grateful and thankful to be back on the team. I want him to succeed and hope he makes the most of his second chance, but actions speak louder than words. By all accounts Hunter Windmuller, A.J. Hughes and Michael Branthover all punted pretty well. HokieSports.com wrote Branthover, "launched three bombs." A person at practice told me Windmuller was bombing kicks.

Freshman Davion Tookes, Trey Edmunds, Jarontay Jones, Zach Snell all practiced despite hamstring issues. Devin Vandyke and Nigel Williams will both miss camp.