ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 28, 1995 TAG: 9512280094
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEW ORLEANS
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
If Virginia Tech's Bryan Still has his way, there will be a bona fide bomb threat Sunday night at the Louisiana Superdome.
Dome officials needn't worry about calling in the bomb squad. Still doesn't plan on blowing up the joint. He just wants to turn Texas' secondary into shrapnel in his Hokie swan song.
``Give me the bomb anytime ... it's my favorite play in the book,'' said Still, Tech's speedy senior flanker.
``I love going deep and scoring touchdowns. Nothing feels better.''
Although he scored only three touchdowns this season, Still is Tech's most dangerous offensive weapon. He is the one guy most likely to dial long distance on any Tech call.
Although he missed 21/2 games with a separated right shoulder sustained in Tech's season opener against Boston College, Still managed to lead the Hokies in receptions (32) and receiving yards (628). Still caught bombs of 80 and 85 yards from Jim Druckenmiller, making him the first receiver in Tech history to catch two passes of 80 or more yards in a single season.
The 6-foot, 170-pound speed-burner ranks fourth all-time at Tech in receiving yards (1,458) and is 10th in career receptions (74).
Seven of Still's 11 career touchdown receptions have come on plays of 30 yards or more. On 111 career handles of the ball - receiving, reverse runs and returns - Still has produced 2,133 yards. That computes to 19.2 yards per touch.
``The capability of the big play ... that's what I bring most to our offense,'' Still said.
Still confessed he hasn't held the fuse to enough bombs this season. He dropped a sure touchdown pass against Miami. On his 85-yarder at Pitt, he was taken down when a diving defender clipped his heel at the Panthers' 14.
``That really made me mad,'' Still said. ``If I had known he was close to get my heel I would have zig-zagged. I wanted that 99-yarder. You can't beat 99. That's an all-time record, no matter what league you're talking about.''
Still's importance to Tech's offense was displayed early. After Still's shoulder got popped on a kickoff return to start the second half against BC, the Hokies' offense struggled greatly. Tech's woes were capped by a woeful performance in a 16-0 loss to Cincinnati.
``We really missed Bryan Still,'' said Frank Beamer, Tech's coach. ``He's the main target in our passing game. He's our best deep threat. Without him in there, our offense was missing a lot.''
Still returned to the lineup against Miami but sat out the Akron game the next week as his shoulder continued to suffer soreness.
``That's the first time I've ever been hurt in my life that I had to miss games,'' Still said.
``I think me being out kind of affected the team a little bit. Our other receivers are good and everything, but for some reason they get in there as much as I do. Also, in game situations they don't have my experience.''
Still, the nation's No.11 kickoff returner in 1994, was taken off the unit after getting hurt against BC. Beamer said he didn't want to risk his top gun on return duty.
``I've missed it,'' said Still, ``but I can live without doing kickoff returns. You take a pounding.''
Still hopes to pound on the Texas defense a bit Sunday. His poundings are polite.
``Just run by your guy and take off,'' Still said. ``Then you hope the ball can find you.''
Still, who claims to entertain nightmares of his sure-TD drop in last year's Gator Bowl, said he's asking for one more chance.
``I'm hoping I'll get that same opportunity again,'' said Still. ``This time I won't drop it, I guarantee it.
``Hey, this is my last game, and I want to go out with a bang.''
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer (right) goes overby CNBsome preparations for the Sugar Bowl with receivers Bryan Still (17)
and Jermaine Holmes. color. Chart by staff. color.