
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, January 31, 1994                   TAG: 9401310121
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

OXENDINE PLANS TO PLAY FOOTBALL FOR VIRGINIA TECH

Ken Oxendine, The Associated Press' 1993 Group AAA football player of the year, will commit to Virginia Tech, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported in today's editions.

The newspaper, quoting sources it did not identify, said Oxendine of Thomas Dale High School in Chester has chosen Virginia Tech over Virginia and Tennessee and would make the official announcement today.

A panel of sportswriters chose Oxendine to the AP Group AAA all-state team at first-team linebacker and at second-team running back, in addition to the player-of-the-year honor.

The newspaper said Virginia Tech recruited Oxendine as a tailback.

In his three years as a starting linebacker, Dale went 35-4 and advanced to the Central Region Division 6 final three times, winning in 1992 and 1993. The Knights reached the Division 6 state final in 1992, losing to Pulaski County.

Oxendine, 6 feet and 210 pounds, rushed for 189 yards in an overtime loss to eventual 1993 state champion Annandale in a Division 6 semifinal. Oxendine finished his career with 3,256 yards and 34 touchdowns rushing, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. He also caught 13 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns.

"Ken is definitely the best running back I've ever coached," Dale coach Vic Williams said in December.

Oxendine has met NCAA requirements for freshman eligibility, the newspaper reported. He can sign a letter of intent with Virginia Tech when the NCAA signing period opens Wednesday.

Keywords:
INFOLINE

by CNB