Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 12, 1995 TAG: 9508140135
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
Saying last year's late-season collapse was in the past, the Virginia Tech Hokies open practice today with the faith that 1995 could produce the best football team in school history.
With their 1994 record of 8-4 tarnished by back-to-back lopsided losses to Virginia and Tennessee in the Gator Bowl, the Hokies view '95 as their personal Redemption Tour.
``We had great expectations last year but I think this year's expectations exceed those,'' said George DelRicco, Tech's senior linebacker.
``I thought we'd win more than eight games last year but we somehow didn't. But that was all last year and you can't deal with the past. We can work on this year's [record], though.''
Despite the fact that new starting quarterback, junior Jim Druckenmiller, has limited experience, DelRicco said there's no question this year's outfit is more talented.
``There's no doubt in my mind that this team is better than last year's,'' DelRicco said. ``We have loads of experience. Plus, I think we've seen a lot and now know what to expect week in and week out.''
Of course, the Hokies thought many of the same things last fall, too. The '94 club started strong, only to unravel when things started going wrong late in the season.
More than one player has questioned the leadership factor on last year's underachieving team. When the ship started to sink, some of the so-called leaders evidently bailed out.
``I think our leaders kind of faded near the end,'' said Bryan Still, senior flanker. ``I think some people lost some of their interest after we lost like a game or so. This year, I think we've got the experience to know to keep going.''
Still said he detected a much different attitude this time around.
``I definitely feel better about this year's team,'' he said. ``We have great leadership, a lot of togetherness.
``I think this is the best team we've had since I've been at Tech. I think we're ready to knock off a Miami or somebody. I think the sky is the limit for this team.''
Sophomore Marcus Parker, projected to get a lot of work this season in Tech's strong four-back rotation on offense, sees this autumn as Tech's chance to make national waves.
``Losing that Gator Bowl so bad makes you think,'' the ex-Salem High School standout said. ``Now it's like, `You're going to have to get your act together and come around this year.'
``Yes, I think this year could be [a] turning point for Virginia Tech. I feel like we're given some respect on the national level but not as much as we really deserve. I think we're a lot better than a lot of people really think.''
The Hokies have 27 days before it comes time to start proving it.
``We'll find out something real quick this year,'' said Parker. ``We've got Boston College [Sept.7] and then Miami [Sept.23], both at home. Hey, all we've got to do is go out and win.''
TONY MORRISON UPDATE: The status of the sophomore expected to replace Ken Brown at starting inside linebacker remains in limbo.
Eight days after Frank Beamer ``expected to have Tony Morrison on the field this fall,'' the Tech head coach was tight-lipped on the matter Friday, refusing comment.
Morrison was suspended by the school in May for an unspecified on-campus incident. After being denied reinstatement on appeal, Morrison hired lawyer David Paxton of Roanoke and, according to sources, threatened legal action against the school.
The school then decided to take a second look at Morrison's case, which apparently is still under review.
Beamer issued a statement through the school's sports information office which said: ``[University] officials will decide whether [Morrison] will be enrolled at Virginia Tech this school year and be eligible to play for the football team. Tony's name will not be included on the football depth chart until we get an OK from the University. There is nothing further that can be said about the matter until the review is complete.''
On their preseason depth chart released Friday, the Hokies listed newcomer Myron Newsome as the starter in Brown's old spot. Redshirt freshman Jason Berish was listed No.2, with Greg Melvin, who like Newsome transferred from Butler (Kan.) Junior College, in the No.3 hole.
Brown's position is the only one on the defense in which a starter doesn't return for Tech.
NO SMOKE: The earliest upset in camp was news that longtime assistant coach Billy Hite has quit smoking.
``I haven't had a cigarette for 10 days and it's driving me crazy,'' said Hite.
``It all started with my kids. The 3- and the 6-year-old decided they were going to throw their pacifiers away and the 9-year-old promised to stop sucking her thumb. Now I've got to stop smoking.''
Hite vowed to kick the nicotine habit on this effort.
``I was up at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 last night,'' Hite said. ``I'm an irritable son of a gun right now, let me tell you.''
Take that for a tip, running backs. Better keep those hands on the ball.
HOKIE TIDBITS: The Hokies start two-a-day practices today. ``I'm praying for a cold front to roll through,'' a laughing DelRicco said. ... Former Salem star Shane Miles is listed as the No.2 tight end behind behind junior Bryan Jennings of Forest. Miles was a backup fullback before moving to tight end last spring. ... It was a great off-season for Jim Baron. The senior defensive tackle was named the club's most improved defender in spring practice by the coaches. Recently, Baron broke Bruce Smith's school record in the push press, registering a lift of 386 pounds. ... Nobody will ever call Druckenmiller just another wimpy QB. The 6-foot-4, 220 pounder bench-pressed 335 pounds and registered 376 pounds in the hang cling in winning the team's Iron Man award this summer. ``The 376 hang cling was incredible. A lot of guys who play in front of him haven't done that. He's probably the strongest quarterback in the country,'' said Mike Gentry, Tech's strength coach.
by CNB