Hokie ClubThe Hokie football team held an impromptu scrimmage on Wednesday afternoon in lieu of its normal session on the practice fields behind the Jamerson Athletic Center. After the entire squad took part in conditioning drills, the starters and veterans were excused for the day. Aside from quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, the scrimmage mostly featured freshmen and backups fighting for a role on the team as the season opener approaches.
While there was no scoring to report (the direction of play was flipped around anytime the ball approached the red zone and there were no field goals attempted), the day definitely belonged to the offense. Tech’s trio of young running backs – redshirt freshmen Josh Oglesby and Darren Evans, and true freshman Ryan Williams – each had outstanding performances and high yards-per-carry averages. Williams accumulated 111 yards on just seven carries after ripping off individual scampers of 41 and 51 yards. Oglesby rushed 10 times for 63 yards with a long of 22, while Evans tallied 104 yards on six touches, with five rushes tallying 13 yards or more and three rushes totaling 22 yards or more.
But it was not just the running backs who had their moves on display. A number of Tech’s unproven receivers also were quite shifty and turned in some nice YAC (yards after catch) totals. Tight end Andre Smith led the way with 47 yards on four catches, while wideout Dyrell Roberts caught three balls for 31 yards. Patrick Terry had one reception for 13 yards, Prince Parker had a 34-yard catch, Ervin Garner had a 6-yard reception and fullback Kenny Younger turned in a 31-yard catch-and-run. Wideout Xavier Boyce chipped in with a 23-yard rush.
Passing-wise, Glennon went 5-of-9 for 58 yards and an interception, and Taylor completed 7-of-8 for 102 yards. Cory Holt went 1-of-3 with a 13-yard connection to Terry.
As could be expected with the offense advancing the ball down the field, the defense’s standouts were in the secondary. Freshman free safety Lorenzo Williams racked up 11 tackles (six solo) to lead the maroon, while freshman cornerback Eddie Whitley chipped in four tackles and a pass breakup. He later forced and recovered a fumble. Freshman rover Jeron Gouveia-Winslow added six tackles and an interception that he returned 27 yards.
Tech’s final scrimmage will be held on Friday in Lane Stadium at approximately 3:15 and is open to the public.