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With 37 days left until the Virginia Tech Hokies square off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, we turn our attention to #37 on the roster Mr. Ronny Vandyke. Hot off a redshirt season, Vandyke was the star of this past spring, bursting onto the scene at WHIP linebacker with his unique blend of size and speed. Vandyke was originally expected to be a Rover but ended up at WHIP linebacker last fall. That move will prove beneficial in 2013 when he likely inherits the starting job.
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The Scoop
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 215 lbs
Position: WHIP Linebacker
Year: R-Freshman
High School: South County High School
How Did He Get Here?
The Hokies first ever Junior Day was an eventful day. Not because there were so many commitments but because that’s the day the Bud Light truck hit the fire hydrant outside Cassell Coliseum that delayed that game for a few hours. Nevertheless, the Virginia Tech coaching staff made the most of it and ended up securing a commitment from Vandyke. The Lorton native chose the Hokies over offers from UVA, Maryland, JMU, and a few others.
2011 Season Rewind
Vandyke redshirted in 2011.
2012 Prediction
Before writing this article, I did some light reading about this past spring practice just to refresh my memory on how good Vandyke was. In fact, this might be the hardest article I have to write in this countdown because I can’t offer up a prediction on how the coaches plan on using the former four star recruit. Vandyke has more upside than Alonzo Tweedy and Jeron Gouveia-Winslow but he lacks experience. Do you throw him out there against Austin Peay and see how he does?
Obviously, he’s not going to play against Georgia Tech. The option offensive is too vile and Alonzo Tweedy is a better fit against that scheme. But, why not give Vandyke the entire second half to prove himself against Austin Peay if the game is out of reach by halftime? If he plays well then put him in a rotation with the other two guys and give him a series or two in each game. That’s better than keeping a player of his caliber on the bench. Plus, he needs some playing experience before he likely starts his first game against Alabama in 2013.
Completely Made Up Fact
Due to the demoralization of American family values, the FCC has decided to make ESPN bleep Ronny Van (bleep)'s last name this fall.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I think people assuming that he is committing now is a good sign for VT may be a little off. I am afraid his family has been like look okay, if you want to go to Clemson go ahead and commit now and don’t drag out the process and ruin good relations the family has with VT. Sorry i am a debbie downer but ill be shocked if he picks VT, i like surprises though
The way that I see it, if he really wanted to go to Virginia Tech he would have commited already, but on the other hand, going to Clemson doesn’t make a whole lot of sense from a football standpoint. We can only hope and then we’ll see what happens tommorow.
It’d be great if RVD can reach his full potential and be a 3-year starter at Whip, the most important position on the VT defense.
Love this prospect, I think him and his brother are going to be special. Any late breaking news on Fuller, I know some sites predict he will pick Tech but you never know clemson could send miss south carolina to see him.
Justin, you have this one on RVD party correct…He will start at some point this year. No doubt about it. FB has publically and privately (from reliable coaching source) stated that he will play talented true & redshirt freshman ahead of experience players because in the past he has had talent that started at VT for only two years and they were good enough to start for 3 years but he held them back. RVD falls into that category…if his first start is next year, it is not only a waist but you are likely to lose him after the following year and FB has learned his lesson in those situations. RVD has already shown he is the most talented WHIP and one of the most athletic players one the team. Tweedy will start against GT and JGW may get a start but expect RVD to start somewhere in mid-season (not even a fair fight) and after that he will be the man. Can’t keep this guy down that long….
Welcome to the VA Tech family Kendall Fuller! All reports are saying he’s Tech bound.