Now with the depth chart settled, the Hokies can began preparation for just how they’re going to attack the Boise State Broncos on September 6th. Obviously, with Thomas earning the back up quarterback job that does pose a serious question to how Coach Frank Beamer and offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring are going to use him this season.
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Last week, there were murmurs coming out of practice that Thomas had taken some snaps at tight end. If that is the case then look for the former Brookville Bee to possibly used as a redzone option this fall. With Thomas’s 6’6”, 245 pound frame, he wouldn’t be a bad option to throw to down inside the ten yard line.
However, putting your number two quarterback out on the field poses a serious threat to your offense is something terrible happens to him. Stinespring shared his thoughts on that on Saturday.
“(If) Tyrod drops back, hits Logan down the middle. Logan gets dinged in the ear hole and Tyrod twists his ankle. Then you’re going to see someone coming out of the stadium with no parachute. I’m taking the headset off in a hurry.”
The injury issue is a serious one but if the Hokies are marking this season as a major attempt at a national title run, then you have to go all in. Thomas needs to be on the field one way or another. Put him in the “wild-turkey” or possibly design a shotgun package that showcases both his running ability and his strong arm. If that’s what it takes to beat a Miami team by one point then the coaches need to do that this year.
For JuJu Clayton, the now third string quarterback, his options have become a little limited. It is unlikely JuJu will transfer this season but that question is more than likely to come up before next spring. Do you sit and wait this year or do you transfer for playing time? Only Clayton can answer that one but because he has so many friends on the team, I have a feeling JuJu will likely stay for the long haul.
Injuries Continue To Hurt
Numerous backups continue to miss large portions of time this fall due to nagging yet non-serious injuries. Starting left tackle Nick Becton has turf toe but continues to improve daily. It’s still unlikely that he returns before this weekends final public scrimmage.
Michael Via continues to recover at a rapid pace from ACL surgery this spring. Honestly, it’s spectacular that kids can now recover from this injury (with the right medical staff and rehab) within six months. Via may not be cleared to play until September but if there is anyway he could return before then, it would give the Hokies line a huge boost.
Freshman Chase Williams is one of the true freshman’s vying for playing time this fall but he has been slowed by nagging hamstring injury. If Chase cannot return to practice by next week, the coaches may be forced to redshirt him.
Barquell Rivers is expected back in October but there has been some concern that Rivers may not play at all this season. Quad tears are some of the toughest injuries to overcome. With Bruce Taylor playing well at Mike, his position is in goods hands, at least for now.
Alonzo Tweedy and Lorenzo Williams have gift wrapped the starting WHIP linebacker job to Jeron Gouveia-Winslow due to injuries. Tweedy is still out with a hamstring injury and Williams has missed the entire fall camp due to an undisclosed calf injury.
The good news is that some of the guys who were on the injured list last week are now fully back this week. James Gayle played on Saturday and has recovered from a hamstring injury. Tony Gregory missed some time with an illness but he fine. Same goes for backup wide receiver Austin Fuller who tweaked his knee in practice last week.
Darren Evans Returns to Form
I admit, I didn’t make last weeks scrimmage up in Blacksburg but apparently there was a fairly large turnout. If you were able to make it, pat yourself on the back. In order for the Hokies to recruit better players, we need to prove to these kids that we match up with the SEC level elites of the world. That turnout on Saturday was amazing.
For those of you who did make it, they saw an old face put on a show inside Lane Stadium. A full year after undergoing season ending ACL reconstruction surgery, Darren Evans busted a few long runs, shedding tacklers, and finishing the day with 12 carries and 60 yards rushing.
It will likely take Evans a game or two to return to his groove but If this foreshadows anything this fall, 2010 may be a special season Hokie fans. Buckle up.
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