Bonkers in Blacksburg

Beamer's squad should be deep, talented

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 09:12 PM

Frank Beamer thinks Michael Vick is "going to be an exceptional quarterback." Scott Halleran/Allsport

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Virginia Tech turned some heads when the Hokies thrashed perennial powerhouse Alabama in the Music City Bowl last year. Now Tech will try to keep the momentum and dominate the Big East.

It won't be easy, despite returning 14 starters from last year's 9-3 squad. There are major cganges in store, including a new quarterback.

Heralded redshirt freshman Michael Vick, taking over for two-year starter Al Clark, brings expectations of greatness but no experience.

"He'll improve each week," coach Frank Beamer said at the Hokies' media day Wednesday. "Before it's all over, I think he's going to be an exceptional quarterback."

Vick, a Warwick High School star from Newport News, Va., agrees it will be a challenge to make the transition to the college game.

"I know people are expecting a lot out of me," Vick said. "It really puts the pressure on, but I know I've just got to take it one game at a time. I just want to win some games, maybe win the Big East and maybe get a shot at a national championship."

Shyrone Stith, part of a tailback rotation his first two seasons, will get his first chance to be the featured back. The quick and powerful junior ran for 699 yards last season, averaging 5.3 yards a carry.

"I'm feeling pretty good about myself and how the team has progressed this spring," Stith said. Converted tailback Jarrett Ferguson returns at fullback and is also a threat on the ground.

Tech's wide receivers could rate among the nation's best, especially if Vick can take advantage of Ricky Hall's ability to go deep. Hall had 37 catches and eight touchdowns last season.

Three-fifths of the starting offensive line also returns, and there's no shortage of players battling to earn a share of playing time.

Special teams have defined the Hokies under Beamer. With three-time All-Big East placekicker Shayne Graham and two-time All-Big East punter Jimmy Kibble back, the kicking game should be solid.

"We've got the best combination of kickers in the nation," Beamer said.

Since Beamer became coach in 1987, the Hokies have blocked 73 kicks in 138 games, including a record 11 last season.

Corey Moore leads the defense, which loses the leadership of back Pierson Prioleau, cornerback Loren Johnson and free safety Keion Carpenter. Six starters will return.

The 6-foot, 225-pound Moore led the league with 13 1/2 sacks last season. He also blocked two kicks and recovered two fumbles. He's joined on the front four by John Engelberger, a 6-4, 270-pound one-time walk-on, and tackles Nat Williams and Carl Bradley.

"I feel confident we can go out as a team and be competitive," Moore said. "We have a lot of veterans on defense. It's important that we come out strong and support the newcomers on offense."

 

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