Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 11, 1993 TAG: 9308110059
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Breheny, who was listed as a starter at tackle alongside redshirt freshman Waverly Jackson, said Tuesday from his home in Medford, N.Y., that he did not achieve the 2.0 grade-point average he needed to remain eligible.
Also, Tech sources said Jim Baron, another defensive lineman, was not admitted to school. Baron, who played last season at Triton Junior College in River Grove, Ill., could not be reached for comment.
Tech newcomers reported to campus Friday and have been practicing. Upperclassmen reported Tuesday.
The loss of Breheny and Baron adds to the gutting of Tech's defensive line since the '92 season ended. End Billy Swarm quit during '93 spring practice; tackle Joel Chapman left the team for academic reasons; and tackle Eugene Mays was ruled academically ineligible for the '93 season. Only Mays, who played last year as a true freshman, is expected back.
That leaves Tech with Jackson, senior Bernard Basham and redshirt sophomores Jeff Holland and J.C. Price - who started twice in '92 at defensive end, was moved to tackle in spring, then back to end, and now back to tackle - as the top four interior linemen.
Price (6-foot-3, 268 pounds) proved effective at end until he sprained an ankle last year. Basham (6-6, 260) is a converted defensive end. Holland (6-3, 283) was labeled Tech's most improved player after spring practice, and the Hokies' coaches are high on Jackson (6-3, 292), a first-team All-Group AA choice at Park View High School in South Hill.
Breheny transferred to Tech from Nassau (N.Y.) Community College, where he was a two-year starter and a second-team junior college All-America selection in 1991.
As a Tech backup last year, the 6-3, 261-pounder played in 10 games and had 11 tackles. With 1992 starters Jerome Preston and Don Davis departed, Breheny won a starting spot in spring practice. He also was named the team's top defensive hustler.
"I had to really adjust to school [at Tech]," Breheny said. "I could never catch up with grades, and that was it. I tried my hardest."
Breheny noted he has a redshirt year available and said he may try to return to Tech after a year away.
Tech coach Frank Beamer could not be reached for comment.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB