Share This Post
With 41 days left until the Virginia Tech Hokies square off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, we turn our attention to #41 on the roster Mr. Derek DiNardo. The Virginia Beach native has been a journeyman of sorts since enrolling at Virginia Tech back in 2010. He started out at rover, moved to WHIP after a redshirt year then moved to backer this past spring to held provide some depth. Obviously, DiNardo isn’t going to beat out Tariq Edwards or Chase Williams to claim a starting job but he could grab some snaps this year if Edwards is unable to go until week three due to his injury.
The Scoop
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 215 lbs
Position: WHIP Linebacker
Year: R-Sophomore
High School: Cox High School
How Did He Get Here?
Out of Cox High School, DiNardo was a talented player, winning the Beach District Offensive Player of the Year during his senior season. He also set a record for interceptions during his sophomore year with eight. So, DiNardo has plenty of talent but he was passed over by a lot of schools because of his size. He played at about 180 pounds his senior year and most college coaches that scouted him thought he was a “tweener.” Then enters Virginia Tech with a preferred walk-on offer and DiNardo accepted it in January of 2010.
2011 Season Rewind
DiNardo received 80 total snaps last season, most of which came on special teams. In fact, he only received three total defensive snaps yet still managed to record his first ever collegiate interception in the 26-7 win over Arkansas State.
2012 Prediction
The Hokies are known for their walk-on program and we’ve seen walk-ons play a major role in the past. Somehow DiNardo is going to make a crucial play before he leaves Virginia Tech. The kid is too good and too savvy not to. We’re talking about a player who was able to record eight interceptions in the tough Virginia Beach football district as a sophomore in high school. Then in his first year in college, he picks off a Ryan Aplin pass in only three defensive snaps. There’s something about Derek (movie pun).
With Edwards on the shelf until perhaps the middle of August now, DiNardo and incoming freshman Deon Clark will battle for the backup job at backer, at least until Edwards returns from injury. At the very least, it will cause the coaches to take a long look at DiNardo, which is all you can ask for as a walk-on. Still, I don’t see the 757 native earning much playing time this year just because of depth. But, I do see him finding a way onto the field in 2013 somewhere on defense.
Completely Made Up Fact
DiNardo has made it his mission here at Virginia Tech to play at least every position once. So far, he’s been a tight end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. Next year, he’ll try out at wide receiver, quarterback, and running back.
Follow us on our Social Media Sites
Enjoy this post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed and never miss another! Or sign up to get exclusive VirginiaTechFan.com Sports Analysis delivered straight to your inbox!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
What are your guys thoughts on Trey starting out at running back?
Not surprised. He ran for over 2500 yards last year as a senior in high school. No matter what level you play at, that’s a lot of yards. If he can’t grasp it and play this year, he’ll redshirt and likely move to LB once Harris gets here.
What RB does Trey Edmunds remind you of? I see little of Arian Foster in him
Xavier Adibi….I want him at LB
Agree. I think he and Deon Clarke would be one of our better LB combos since Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi.
Love that Derrick Nnadi has Tech tied with UVA at the top of his list. I want him bad at Tech I think he is a top 8 player for 2014 in VA. If we can land Nnadi, Holmes and Hand that would be the best D-line haul in the country. Is Andrew Brown considering Tech anymore I haven’t heard much on him lately. Also does anyone know what Fuller told Mike farrell about his future decision in schools sounds like he will choose soon.
I know that kendall was not really considering michigan, but I’m glad that they got that ex penn state corner committ. That pretty much completely takes them out of the picture.
I think we need to give everybody a look at RB. If you listen to VT coaches & players talk about Offensive playmakers the RB’s are often not in the discussion. I think Justin you are right that Trey will most likely be listed on the depth chart at RB throughout the season as an insurance policy and may even play? Eventually his lack of speed as he gets bigger will push him to LB. As for the freshman LB’s I also agree that we got some real good ones in the 2012 class. Besides Trey & Clarke, don’t forget ALL- Met, and AAA D5 team finalist Devin Vandyke. He was the best player on the field in just about every game last season including the championship game. As I predicted last year that is brother would be a big time player for us I also think Devin will eventually be one of the best Mike LB’s we have ever had…He has a ton of talent and unlike Ronny who was more mature at that age, Devin will need the red-shirt year to fill in his frame. I can’t imagine what he will look and play like at 230 plus. Get ready for this guy….he may be better than the other two…
Clemson signs another (Scott Pagano, HI) that was at the July 20th cookout event at Dabo’s house. I think that is the 4th pick up this week for them, Hopfully Kendal did not like what was on the grill!
After hearing Kendall saying he was backing off his decision to announce maybe after the event in FL, i thought it might be good news for us. I had the gut feeling he was going to go to Clemson and like it and then commit. I think the public statements from his family wanting him to go to VT has brought us back even with Clemson. I honestly think Clemson was leading at one point i truly think the kid is torn. Clemson does a good job of selling the party atmosphere, and thats just not VT’s style. I think when the glits and glamour of Clemson start to fade he knows VT is where he wants to be. Just my view of it but like i’ve said all along i want this kid but we are gonna win with or without him so it is what it is, guess we will find out soon enough
John, I think you are right on. The best thing his mother told him was to wait awhile and not let the party/feel good atmosphere be the reason Kendall commits to Clemson. The professionalism and lunch pail work ethic of the VT defense is far superior to what the Tigers have in Greenville. Look at the tape…Clemson’s “D” is so inconsistent. If Kendall played on the offensive side of the ball he would most likely have signed up on Sunday. I think in the long term VT is going to win-out because of our reputation at his position of NFL success, but hey he is 17 yrs. old and living in the moment!