Tim Sandidge Season 2005

What is the most important lesson you have learned from Coach Beamer?
Coach Beamer always says "don't take the little things in life for granted." I have tried to live by that and only now I can truly understand why he preaches it to the team.

As a Hokie, have you ever played against one of your teammates from high school? If yes, how was it? If no, would you want to?
Yes, but only when we joined the ACC and played against the conference teams. I got to play against my high school buddy, Warren Braxton, in our first ACC road game at Wake Forest. The experience was different but I think it motivated me to work harder to show him that I play for the better team. It has been several years since I have seen him so it was good to see him again.

What qualities do you possess that makes you a good defensive tackle?
Jokingly I think my big butt helps. But in all fairness, I am quick to react to plays. I am fast and I will do anything to help my team win.

How do you communicate to your teammates on the field during a game?
We all communicate by being vocal and using body language. If I see something that a teammate doesn't, I would do whatever in my power to show them what is going to happen next. That includes yelling out calls or showing enthusiasm. We all catch on sooner or later.

Which player on the team now has helped you the most on the field?
I would have to say Jonathan Lewis or Jason Murphy. We have good times together and I can count on them for a good laugh or we can be serious if the situation calls for it. The main reason is we all help each other to be better players.

What does being a Hokie mean to you?
Being a Hokie is a way of life for me. I have grown up admiring and hoping to be a football player for Virginia Tech. Now that I am a Hokie, my mission is to maintain the Hokie legacy and keep this dynasty going.

How do you intimidate your opponents?
I go out and try to get in my opponent's head to mess up their mental game. Football is half physical and half mental. When one part breaks down you aren't successful. So my goal is to break down my opponent.

Do you have a nickname that your teammates gave you ... what is it and why?
My nickname is Sandman mostly because of my last name (Sandidge).

Is there something most people don't know about being a college football player?
It's a hard, full-time job. We give up time to practice, work out, watch film and attend meetings. But it is all worth it on game days.

What fires you up for a game?
Coach Beamer finds things what could be considered as trash talk about our team and puts them on a bulletin board. He asks each one of us to think about these points and to go out and prove them wrong. Also, music and our coaches talk before a game pumps me up. It's all about the atmosphere.

Do you have a cheering section at the games (friends, family and alumni)?
My mom, dad and older brother, Alex, always come to my games. It's neat when they sit close to the field, I can actually hear them yelling. I also get excited to see my friends sit in the student section.

What is your favorite professional sports team?
The Miami Heat because of Shaquille O'Neal so last year I was a Lakers fan. Shaq is the man.

Do you support other Virginia Tech athletic teams?
I went to a couple of basketball games and I have to support my friend, Kelly Brown, who plays softball.

Who is your favorite professor here at VT?
Patrick Council, my residential property management professor.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Having my CPM and managing a big apartment complex or starting my own company.