Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 14, 1990 TAG: 9004140014
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By SCOTT BLANCHARD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"He spent two years where backing up was a mistake," Hokies defensive coordinator Mike Clark said. "Now, he's in a position where he's going to have to back up and play well anywhere from 40-50 percent of the time."
The reason: Pack, who was a backup end for the past two years, was switched to inside linebacker this spring. So, instead of reckless rushes at an opposing passer, Pack must master a position that combines the finesse of pass coverage with the force of playing the run.
Not only that, but he's got to do it quickly, and with success. Pack is one of four players - and the only one with significant experience - who will try to replace starters Randy Cockrell and Bobby Martin and reserve Leslie Bailey, who used up their eligibility. Cockrell and Martin were two of Tech's top defensive players last year, and Bailey was the top reserve at inside linebacker. Tech's defense was fourth-best in the nation last year in total defense and No. 3 against the run.
But guess what? Pack isn't fielding questions from his inexperienced subordinates, who include sophomores Melendez "Lenny" Byrd and Rusty Pendleton and seldom-used redshirt junior Brian Williams. He's asking them what to do.
"Right now, I'm looking to them, since they've played the position," said Pack, who has 39 tackles in two years as a Hokie. "If we have different formations, do I slide over? Where should I be?"
Despite one probable starter learning a new position from three guys who played mostly on special teams last year, neither Tech coach Frank Beamer nor Clark are weeping about the state of the defense. Clark said about the only thing that'll change will be the number of plays each inside linebacker gets. Last year, Clark said, Cockrell and Martin got about 60-65 plays per game. This year, Clark said, the Pack-Byrd-Pendleton-Williams quartet should get about 40 plays per game.
Still, there is a pang of uncertainty.
"We've got young talent, talent that isn't going to be the experience we had, and that experience is two years away," Clark said. "[If they] happen to get hot, we've still got a chance. I'm dealing with kids that haven't done it; they haven't gone to the dance. [But] we'll be competitive enough to win."
Pack said he doesn't mind having to learn pass coverage. Then again, this isn't a one-position guy. At Radford High School, he played defensive end and tackle, linebacker, tight end and fullback. And he didn't gripe when moved to inside linebacker at Tech.
"You get to play on your feet a lot," Pack said. "You can be more of a player."
As much as Tech needed to shore up the inside linebacker spot with a veteran like Pack, Beamer said the staff also wanted to get Pack from behind Jimmy Whitten and Al Chamblee, returning starters at defensive end. The development of pass-rusher Todd Brown and the hoped-for ascension of redshirt freshman Bernard Basham gave Tech the freedom to make the move. Pack's height - 6 feet, 231 pounds - was a liability at defensive end, but Brown is 6-2 and Basham 6-7.
Now, the Hokies' staff just hopes it all works. Byrd, a 6-1, 215-pound walk-on from Bethel High School in Hampton and Pendleton, a 6-2, 199-pounder from Gate City, have been constantly praised by the coaching staff. Beamer said Williams, a 6-1, 217-pounder from Montvale, has progressed well in spring practice. And Clark said he's not worried about Pack picking up the nuances of what Clark calls the defense's most difficult position.
"He's really just kind of a natural," Clark said. "He could probably go to any number of positions and end up being a pretty decent player."
Pack's not worried.
"I was ready to play," he said of his first two years. "I've got my opportunity now."
Pack said he wants to be a starter, but Clark said he's not concerned about which two start and which two are backups. All will play, he said. And, Clark said, it's unlikely any of Tech's incoming freshmen will see much time at inside linebacker, even though Mike Tennant will get a look there.
"It's not a simple position to play," Clark said. "Anything a freshman gives me there is a bonus."
Productive play from Pack, however, won't be a bonus. It'll be a necessity. Especially if the defense is to approach Pack's goal.
"We want to get better," he said. "We want to really try to lead the nation. Never settle for the least. Try to get better."
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB