Recent Comments

I think this was a reply to the marry, fuck, kill question above but I'm gonna go with this answer:

waffles and maple syrup, but only because we couldn't find whipped cream and she had a sweet tooth. hell of a mess to clean up though.

Yep, last go round, I applied to 5 places, two of which I found on my own, the other three through a recruiter who found me on LinkedIn. One of them I really would have considered except they didn't call me back until I'd already accepted my current job. I imagine if I'd had some sort of personal connection, my resume wouldn't have been that far down in the pile.

On a related note, if anyone on here is a mechanical engineer with machine design experience, my company in Lynchburg is looking to hire one or two.

I'm not getting too worked up about Teller. I suspect it is a disciplinary thing and we will see him after the first drive or first quarter. Opening against a FCS opponent gives the staff a bit more Liberty with things.

As for RB, I suspect that we will see plenty from both of them. Sam may just have a better grasp on the offense right now. With as much as I've heard about the H-back being a big role in Fuente's offense I was a little surprised it didn't have its own spot on the depth chart.

The best advice I ever got is to not let get too attached to anything.

I presume Virginia Tech is excluded from this?

I think it's worth noting there is no "fullback" position on the depth chart. Not sure if Fuente's offense doesn't use one but they could have just grouped the FBs and HBs together here when in reality both Rogers and McMillian will be on the field at the same time often, with McMillian getting more carries.

Turner Gill threatens to turn the car around and go home if the kids aren't quiet.... Then actually does it.

I am an offensive line guy at heart, and I think that often some of the issues pass protecting have been more about scheme and failure by the staff to adjust the way that the offensive line set protections than just poor blocking.

That being said, there are worries. With all due respect to Colt Petitt, he has not impressed me in pass protection drills, and run blocking is a concern because he has had a serious of shoulder injuries. I would love nothing more than for him to have a great game, but I don't know how Wyatt Teller isn't not only their top guard, but their top OL across the board.

Outside of the left guard spot, I regard Augie Conte as a potential liability even though this staff appears to be just as enamored with Augie as the last staff. Conte is incredibly stiff in the hips and struggles against both stunts and athletic defenders. I thought the Hokies would have been well served last season to give Osterloh some game repetitions at Conte's guard spot to see if he would be an upgrade. Interestingly, Osterloh got work this fall at every position except center and Conte's right guard spot.

I am comfortable with the tackles. Nijman has looked spectacular in pass protection. If he can upgrade his run blocking, the left side of the line becomes much better. McLaughlin is a smart strong veteran, but he had to be protected as a left tackle and isn't quite as balanced as Nijman. McLaughlin has a chance to make an NFL team as a swing tackle, and getting experience on the right side will make him more attractive to possible suitors.

I was perhaps the only person in the Hokie talking head universe that suggested that Tyrell Smith could potentially play at the left tackle spot when he signed his LOI with the Hokies. You can't teach his reach and footwork. Initially, the coaching staff tried him on the interior, but as fall camp progressed, Smith ended up being more effective that JUCO Demetri Moore at that spot. Moore worked some all over, while Plantin established himself as a guy who can contribute at tackle behind Osterloh and McLaughlin. I have been really impressed with TJ Jackson in passing drills. The "project" is huge, moves laterally well, and stays on balance. He has great athleticism and reach. He has to improve his strength (I have heard that run blocking is still a bit of an adventure) but he looks like a potential franchise left tackle when watching him in those pass blocking drills.

Braxton Pfaff is a guy who I have been high on. He is very mobile (the best pulling lineman besides Teller.) When he was healthy in past scrimmages and spring work, he looked like a guy who was game ready when in space. He struggled on back side scoops and power blocking at the point of attack. I think that Osterloh would step in at guard if there was an injury, but Pfaff is a nice option to have.

On a scale of 1 to Brandon Flowers, let's talk corners. Who is going to fit best jumping routes from leverage zones? Who has potential to be a great lock down press man guy? (outside of Alexander, who needs to figure out how to play his cushion better). Who are some guys you would like to land moving forward on the recruiting trail or guys within the program right now who you think will contribute down the line.

Turner Gill is famous for saying, "Give me Liberty or give me Tech."

It's funny and would be funnier if there were not really people who thinks that all we do. I've heard on more than one occasion " how hard is your job, all you do is put water on the fire" or "firefighters have it easy you just sit around the station until, one day there is a fire"

Turner Gill sleeps with one eye open while gripping his pillow tight.