Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 24, 1992 TAG: 9203240160
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Beamer said Rivers felt he needed a break after finishing his basketball career on March 14. Spring football workouts began March 16. Beamer said he had been thinking for some time that Rivers might not join spring drills until the last week or two.
"It was fine," Beamer said of Rivers' desire for a break between sports. "I understand where he's coming from."
Rivers could not be reached for comment Monday.
Rivers, a tight end for Tech last year, has said he thinks a professional football career might await him and said his decision to play his senior year of basketball was made to showcase his athleticism to football scouts. However, he might be losing ground.
Tech has moved Marcus McClung, a reserve outside linebacker last year, to tight end where he has a chance to start, offensive coordinator Steve Marshall said. McClung joined Tech as a tight end but was moved to outside linebacker last year and had 24 tackles, an interception and a blocked punt.
Also residing at tight end are walk-on John Burke, who had two catches last year; junior-college transfer Shawn Grayson, who was redshirted last year; and redshirt sophomore Kevin Martin. Offensive coordinator Steve Marshall said there's a chance Rivers could be moved to wide receiver, where he played two years ago.
"It certainly would help him to be out there," Beamer said.
In limited action, Rivers has six touchdown catches in the past two seasons. He also has blocked a field goal and two extra-points.
"When we left it, [we understood] he'd be with us in the fall," said Beamer, who is to meet with Rivers this week.
\ For a football coach, spring means it's time to shuttle players to different positions. Besides McClung, others being moved are:
Ken Landrum from split end to safety to tailback. The redshirt sophomore from Brookville High School in Lynchburg was a backup receiver last year and was listed as a free safety entering spring practice but has been shifted. "Tailback is his natural position," Beamer said.
Rhasheyd Williams from quarterback to tight end. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound redshirt freshman reminds Beamer of last year's starting tight end, Greg Daniels, who also arrived as a quarterback.
Outside linebacker Richard Strong and safety Dennis Spain to wide receiver. Redshirt sophomore Strong (176 pounds) wasn't big enough to play outside linebacker, Marshall said. Spain, a redshirt junior, never cracked Tech's regular defensive backfield rotation. "We'll take anybody with speed," Marshall said.
Redshirt freshman Kevin Skinner from tight end to offensive guard; redshirt freshman Rafael Williams from outside linebacker to fullback; walk-on Sam Daniels from cornerback to free safety.
\ Marshall said injuries to last year's receiving corps - including the Hokies' top two receivers, Marcus Mickel and Bo Campbell - in part prompted the influx of players to wide receiver. Tech's top three this fall figure to be Campbell, Steve Sanders and Antonio Freeman, leaving an interesting group from which to pick the next level of receivers. Marshall said soccer player Ray Crittenden, converted linebacker Strong, redshirt freshman Jermaine Holmes, former Blacksburg High School quarterback William Ferrell and 5-foot-7, 143-pound redshirt freshman Michael Williams are the competitors.
\ Tech's 1991 recruiting class was redshirted. Beamer said most should play at least some this fall but said defensive end J.C. Price, outside linebacker Hank Coleman, inside linebacker Tewon Stevens and offensive lineman Chris Malone may figure prominently.
by CNB