Hokie Tracks Are Playing Catch Up

Hokie Tracks took a backseat during spring practice, but it's back now. For anyone new here, this is a semi-regular feature summarizing relevant Virginia Tech, ACC and college football news as it piles up. It's not timely, but hopefully it will serve as discussion starter.

National Recruiting Analyst for Rivals.com Mike Farrell dropped some very good information in a live chat Thursday. He believes Deon Newsome, "best fits on offense where he can be a slot receiver, scat back and also potential special teams return guy." He notes with regards to Jonathan Allen that the, "Hokies have turned up the heat and he is responding a bit". Last month Allen named Florida and Alabama his finalists, but now he's considering Florida, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Penn State and Ohio State. Farrell also believes Wyatt Teller will stay in-state, and Tech has 50-50 chance to land him.

"Report finds academic fraud evidence in UNC department" It's becoming harder and harder for UNC to thumb its nose at other academic institutions.

Look, we all know the Marching Virginians are nuisance, especially when we're inside the goal, concentrating on our snap counts, and trying to score against Clemson. But they need a home too.

Seriously though, these kids (and adults) put as much, if not more effort, into making Lane the atmosphere and big-time environment it is today. Consider helping them out.

Big Charts. The Commonwealth of Virginia has produced 26-50 top 100 high school recruits, which ranks 13th highest in states per capita. Virginia has 54 players in the NFL. Long story short, national championship caliber talent is here, in-state, furthermore the 2013-14 cycles might produce the best in a while.

Former blue-chip recruit and Oscar Smith quarterback Phillip Sims is transferring to Virginia. The word is Sims is going to request a hardship waiver from the NCAA. If granted he'll be able to play this fall, and for three seasons. There may be valid reasons to grant him the hardship, but it's obvious he wasn't going to start ahead of AJ McCarron. McCarron has two more year of eligibility. If he can play this fall (or even next) What's the trickledown effect? Where does this leave Michael Rocco, David Watford, Greyson Lambert?

Speaking of the Hoos, I watched Festivus on ESPN3, and while the environment was pathetic I was impressed by some of their players. Morgan Moses looked nasty, essentially an impenetrable wall of flesh at left tackle. Gayle took him to task last year, which makes me appreciate how good he is even more. Clifton Richardson is going to be a very good running back. He handles contact well, has good vision and is a weapon catching balls out of the backfield. Wide receiver Dominique Terrell makes guys miss. He's slippery and has nice acceleration up the field. Virginia's tight ends had the ball come their way a lot. Jake McGee, Zachary Swanson, and Paul Freedman all had big catches going down the field. At 6-3 220, if former QB turner receiver Miles Gooch ever learns to run routes and not drop balls, he'll be a tough to defend. Watford looked much more polished than during his cameo appearances last fall. On paper his stats were ugly, but I counted at least 6 drops (he paired with second team receives most of the scrimmage), and he can zip the ball on the move outside the pocket. Rocco looked like he looks, all steady Eddie.

He's a burner. Sammy Watkins was arrested early Friday morning by Clemson University Police. Watkins was charged with simple possession of marijuana, and a possession of a controlled substance (Adderall and Vyvanse). Both are misdemeanors. So what do you guys think, he plays against Auburn and then sits against Ball State or Furman?

You kidding me? Playoffs? A college football playoff is coming, but how will it work?. Jim Delany proposes a four team field comprised of the highest ranked conference champions (with exceptions based on final rank), while John Swofford is a propent of the four highest ranked teams regardless of their conference playing.

The latest expansion rumor: Clemson and Florida State to bolt to the Big 12 after the playoff details are finalized. Team Speed Kills tries to figure out where all the smoke is coming from.