Per beat writers Andy Bitter and Nathan Warters, numerous players have left the program this week:
OL Jake Goins and Adam Taraschke
DL Justin Taylor and Jarontay Jones
S Greg Jones
S Davon Tookes
In addition, Donaldven Manning did not appear at media day. According to The Hokie staff, he is considering his football future after being beaten out by Kendall Fuller and Brandon Fayscon at corner.
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Comments
Virginia Tech football has becomes like the Marines!
Geez. Never like to see this. This will however give guys on scholarship a chance to step up and earn one.
This may sum it all:
Wow that's lots of guys. I guess Grimey doesn't like what he sees out of Goins and Taraschke. Space clearing out for the Fab5. For some reason, I'm not at all surprised about Donaldven Manning. Last year it sounded like he wasn't going to be a good fit. I figured after Kendall committed, his days were numbered. I didn't expect Fayscon to contribute immediately, so I guess Manning is now way down the depth chart. I don't expect to see him in a Hokies uniform again. Hopefully Nnandi will see the opportunities opening up on our defensive line.
Goins left for medical reasons. He had a chronic injury last year.
Andy's blog on players leaving the program: http://blogs.roanoke.com/andybittervirginiatechfootball/2013/08/10/more-...
If Manning goes, CB position gets really thin until Exum gets back. VT will only have 5 CBs on scholarship. He should be a starter/nickle next year, unless Harrison outworks him.
I guess Greene or Bonner will get work at corner with the other at free, but that opens up a bunch of communication issues.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Manning. This is the 2nd time it appears he will be leaving the program. This is disappointing because he had added size and, according to Bitter, was very upbeat about being a contributor this season.
It would be sad to see Manning go. He was very upbeat and conversational after the Spring Game. He said he had been working hard and wanted to play well for our fans. Nice kid, I really enjoyed talking with him. I hope he makes whatever decision is right for him, but I sure would like to see him on the field.
I wish he would see anything put in front of him as a challenge and buy into doing well. If he keeps being like this he will NEVER live up to his true potential.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned much today: Tech has needed to make scholarship room between now and a year from now. I think that this is just taking care of a problem that would have to be taken care of later anyway.
The thing that bums me out is this: http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/commitmen...
That class was awesome on signing day.
Out of the 7 players with 4 stars:
1 didn't make it (Drew Harris)
3 play running back (Coleman, Edmunds, Caleb)
1 could possibly transfer (Manning)
Not the best way that could have shaken out.
Lots of guys in that class are gone.
I think this is good for us, me personally if you don't want to be here then leave. If you don't want to work and earn it then go play for somebody else. This is how you win championships. Finally!!!!
After last year, this doesn't disappoint me too much. They were undisciplined and SOFT. I realize some are injuries, etc. But I'm glad to see we're making it tough again.
Manning is a great example. I got beat out...so I quit. That's much better option than working hard, studying (classroom, film and playbook) and earning a spot.
I don't disagree because that seems to be all the info we've heard about Manning, but I'll play devil's advocate. College is a rough transition for a lot of people, and if he had always had football to provide a foundation for himself, then having trouble in football/school/college transition/away from home will wear down even the best attitudes. Here's hoping he can turn it around, but nothing I've heard makes me expect that.
I will also play devils advocate. I am not sure what manning or any other players reason for leaving the program. I do know that it is way too simple to just characterize a player as "soft" and "a quiter." When you lose the love of the game, it is impossible for you to devote yourself mentally and physically to the sport in the way you need to in order to be successful. You start to resent going to practice, the games, and your teammates. It negatively impacts your academics and your negativity impacts others around you.
It takes someone with a strong sense of self to walk into to a coaches office, look a patriarchal figure in the eye, and say your heart is not in it anymore. You are also walking away from your scholarship. Kudos to that guy, versus the guy who goes through the motions, doesn't contribute, and keeps his scholarship.