Spring games are weird things. On one hand, access is usually really good. No ESPN cameramen to fight for a spot with, lots more space on the sidelines, and no one to tell you you're not allowed to stand right there. On the down side, they're usually boring as all get out. This year's was no different, but the weather was fan-freaking-tastic, so I'm putting the 2018 spring game down as a win for the Hokies, 1-0.
Before the game, Josh Jackson may have been cheesing off a little bit. Better access usually means you're able to simply get closer, and the national anthem and Enter Sandman were no different.
Speaking of, this is a photo I would never be able to get during a real game. There'd be way more non-football people in the way, and I'd be another 30 feet further. Easily one of my favorite photos of Justin Fuente.
Here is LB Rayshard Ashby finding an unblocked lane right at Josh Jackson standing in the end zone. The defense definitely got the better of the offense for the first half of the game or so.
You can consider this to be the start of my Coleman Fox for Heisman campaign. Here we have him getting snagged from behind for a short gain.
(Insert traditional UVA spring game joke here.)
I found myself trying to play a game with myself as I made photos of Tyrod on the sideline: can I get a photo of my own reflection in his incredibly reflective sunglasses? The answer was no, but I did enjoy the nice framing by other photographers in this image.
Also spotted on the sidelines, the HokieBird trying to be useful to the student managers and helping crush ice for the Gatorade bottles. I'm not sure the HokieBird actually helped out here, but everyone enjoyed the effort.
Simply put, this is one of my favorite photos I've ever made of Bud Foster.
Continuing with my Coleman Fox for Heisman campaign, you can see here how much the players take the spring game seriously. There's a lot of work that's been put into the spring leading up to this moment.
Finally, we have the last play of the game as a mini-series: Kaleb Smith making an impressive diving catch after a long ball from Hendon Hooker.
Check out the whole Virginia Tech spring game gallery and every other TKP gallery at photos.thekeyplay.com.
See you all in Lane in the fall!
Comments
PAC12 refs would have called that Kaleb Smith catch a drop.
Tried to stop you and thank you for all the great work you do but man are you in a zone on the sidelines.
This 100% does not surprise me, sorry! Try me again next game.
Least you didn't run me over like some other guy did.
Great pics....boy I wish this game was televised. But...in Fuente we trust.
Really great set - good kick-off to my Friday
anyone else see this:
and think this?
Can't say that I did. Not even after reading your post, to tell the truth. But its still good.
Thanks, Kville. First actual laugh out loud of the day for me.
(blue shirt yellow hat Mark)
How awesome is Tyrod anyway!
I couldn't resist.
Those are some excellent pictures, man. Especially the catch on the last play.
I was able to come back from Puerto Rico and attend the spring game. First time in Lane Stadium. I had a blast. Thanks to French I was able to read plays before they developed. Perhaps I will be able to join the key players club so I can continue to learn from t one master. I had perfect seats on the 50 yard line half way up the east stands. So grateful!!!