Hokies embrace role as nation's team; more from N.C.

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PINEHURST, N.C. -- Along Interstate 85 in North Carolina and South Carolina, far removed from the Virginia Tech campus where tragedy struck April 16, are white billboards featuring a black ribbon behind the VT logo, another reminder Hokie Nation has engulfed the entire nation.

As the country rallies behind them after that unthinkable rampage, senior left tackle Duane Brown says Virginia Tech's premier program is ready to carry the flag as America's Team.

"Everybody wants us to do well now," he says. "To bring joy back into the hearts of the people that [were] affected by that day."

Surrounded by reporters during the their ACC media day session, Brown and senior defensive tackle Carlton Powell fielded question after question about April 16: where they were, how they found out about the shootings, what they felt and how they expect to deal with being bombarded with even more questions week after week when the season opens.

"Everyone knows this is something that shocked the whole U.S.," Brown said. "It's not just something that happened in Virginia. This is something that shocked everyone around the nation and everyone is prepared to talk about it and knows that it will be on everyone's mind when Virginia Tech comes up. We're ready for it."

The tragedy will undoubtedly loom large this season as this team tries to begin the healing. Football won't be the most important thing in Blacksburg, nor should it be, but as far as diversions go, these Hokies have a chance to ease the hurt with a team that may well be in national-title contention.

The Hokies return eight starters from arguably the nation's top defense in 2006, headlined by a pair of All-America contenders in cornerback Brandon Flowers and linebacker Vince Hall. The offense is led by 1,000-yard rusher Branden Ore.

But the questions on Sunday had little to do with the product on the field. This Hokies squad is being asked to be a galvanizing force and Brown says this senior-laden program is prepared for it.

"We just view this as added motivation, it's a lot of pressure, but it's not unwanted pressure," he said.

All A Buzz

All-everything receiver Calvin Johnson is gone and so is a four-year starter at quarterback, but don't be surprised if Georgia Tech's offense is actually better this season.

That's because last season the focus was, understandably, on getting the ball to Johnson. But things are changing. The offense returns senior Tashard Choice, the ACC's leading rusher, three-year starter Mike Cox at fullback and an offensive line that features four players with 26 or more starts under their belts.

"Our talent may be different because we're losing talent, losing Calvin, losing Reggie [Ball], losing some players on defense, but I think we may be a better team this year," Choice said.

A former backup to Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma, Choice transferred to Georgia Tech to become a featured back. In his first year as a starter, he piled up 1,473 yards and 12 touchdowns on 297 carries, averaging 5.0 yards a snap.

"Last year, having a chance to start and being able to be put in that position was really key for me," Choice said. "This year, I understand what position I am, I understand what I have to do for my offense and the kind of durability you have to have over the season. So this year I just want to make more plays and make big plays."

He'll get his chance to be the main ingredient and looks primed for a monster season under new offensive coordinator John Bond, who came from run-happy Northern Illinois after Patrick Nix left for Miami.