(The defense) got us our first couple of scores, |
[Coach Frank Beamer was pleased with Vick's precision on deep passes, but he isn't discouraging Vick from running the ball. While Vick said he's only looking to run when he's in trouble, Beamer knows his quarterback's legs are too dangerous not to incorporate in the playbook.] I thought one time (Saturday) he could have pulled it down and probably ran it for 10 yards, and he kept waiting for a guy to come open, ... He's such a threat with whatever he does, whichever way he goes he's going to be OK. But I think he needs to take off and run for 10 or 15 (yards) every once in a while, and I'm not sure it wouldn't turn into about 25 or 30. |
[Duane Brown, who was converted from tight end Aug. 18, has won the starting right offensive tackle job. The sophomore's task in his first college start will be trying to handle N.C. State's All-ACC end Mario Williams.] Looking at those guys [Williams and Manny Lawson] coming off that edge, you've got to have a really good athlete at offensive tackle, ... Duane Brown has got great feet for a kid his size. I think he's got the athletic ability to do it, but does he have enough experience to do it? We'll see. |
[He has learned from the past, and has been rewarded. Defenses didn't throw his direction for much of last season. He also has matured, and Beamer has noticed. Beamer named Williams a team captain along with Jeff King, Will Montgomery and Darryl Tapp for today's game.] I've just been very impressed with the whole process, ... I'm proud of him...I think he understands very well that his play is what counts. |
[Meanwhile, first-year starting quarterback Marcus Vick is progressing quicker than anyone outside of Blacksburg expected. After going a modest 10 of 21 for 108 yards, but making several big plays with his feet in the opener against N.C. State, the junior was an exceptional 13 of 18 for 223 yards last week. Much like his brother during his freshman season, Marcus is looking more comfortable with each game.] Marcus has been consistently getting better, ... Every week you see a little improvement. |
[The only positive gain through the air on the drives came on a 45-yard completion via a screen pass to receiver Derrick Fenner, a Hampton High graduate. Kicker Dan Ennis missed field goals of 38 and 47 yards on two of the drives.] I think it's a credit to our defense to be able to stop them after turnovers on our side of the 50-yard line, ... Turnovers on the 1-yard line are also hard to overcome. That's not us. |
[Whitaker] has just got to get some things done. When he gets things done we'll continue his evaluation. It's not impossible that he'll be back at some point during spring practice. It's a real important time for him. But at the same time we've got to do what's best for him and the people within the program. |
All three of these guys bring something special to this staff from a football standpoint and a recruiting standpoint. |
And Brown has great feet for a kid his size. He's going to be challenged now. I think he's got the athletic ability to do it, but does he have enough experience to do it? We'll see. |
And it didn't take him long to get to the end zone, |
As a coach, I've always held him in the highest regard, |
Brandon Frye is ready. He's an athletic guy. Time to step up. |
Bud's defense played great. Getting a field goal returned and scoring three times, that's pretty special. |
But that good football team - we fumbled five times, we threw three interceptions and we had 13 penalties for 115 yards. |
But we'll see. He hasn't seen this front seven running after him. We'll see how he reacts to that. |