Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 22, 1993 TAG: 9304220072
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
So says Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Rickey Bustle, who doesn't want Druckenmiller's developmental year to be spent as the third-string quarterback behind a veteran player. That's why Druckenmiller, who will be a redshirt freshman next fall, will enter preseason practice as Tech's No. 2 passer.
During DeShazo's redshirt freshman year, Will Furrer started and Rodd Wooten, an experienced senior, was No. 2. DeShazo got 60 snaps, some at wide receiver. It was his only game experience before he started last season and that may have contributed to his inconsistency.
Early this spring, Bustle said he named Druckenmiller the second-stringer and put senior-to-be Treg Koel, who played in six games and started against Miami last year, at No. 3.
"There needs to be a big reason not to have a young quarterback working," Bustle said.
"After spring practice, I feel like I made the correct decision. [Druckenmiller] did improve."
Druckenmiller is 6 feet 4 and 221 pounds, known more for his arm than his legs. Bustle said the Northampton, Pa., native hasn't bottled up Tech's option, which was put in last year for the mobile DeShazo.
"He runs well enough to get you a first down," Bustle said. "We all know Maurice has a chance to run a little further, to make a guy miss. All we're asking Jim to do is learn how to operate."
DeShazo spent last spring under scrutiny but hasn't drawn as much attention this year.
"He's maturing," Bustle said. "He's really prepared himself this spring better than I've seen him prepare."
\ A WORD FROM THE TOP: Tech athletic director Dave Braine hasn't been in touch with Miami about becoming the Florida school's AD, but said at least two pieces of unfinished business would make him think twice if he is offered another job.
"I could be very happy here the rest of my life," said Braine, in his sixth year at Tech. "I'd like to see football and basketball get back on the winning track before I ever look at other things. We're winning in 16 of 18 sports. I would like to leave here with everything on track."
He interviewed for the Miami job two years ago but pulled out. Then-California AD Dave Maggard got it; Maggard is leaving in May.
"I like the guys down there," Braine said. "[But] it's not a job I would call and say, `Hey, I'm interested.' I think they can do whatever they want to do."
\ FINANCES: At the end of last season, when the future of head coach Frank Beamer's assistants was in doubt, Braine said the school had approved higher pay and longer contracts for any new assistants.
According to figures provided by the school under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, defensive coordinator Phil Elmassian has a two-year contract at $68,000 per year, the highest of any assistant.
Offensive coordinator Bustle remains on a one-year renewable contract but his salary went from $39,314 to $54,050, effective June 30.
J.B. Grimes and Rod Sharpless, the other two assistants Beamer brought in, have one-year contracts at $57,000 each - the third-highest salaries among the nine assistants. Assistant head coach Billy Hite makes $57,700.
Tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring, a former graduate assistant promoted to full-time aide, was hired at $35,000 annually.
\ SCHEDULING: Braine said Tech is close to completing deals that would replace the canceled series with James Madison. He said a combination of North Carolina State and Akron should replace the six vacant spots on Tech's schedule through 1999.
\ ETC.: Tech team doctor Duane Lagan said Tuesday that X-rays showed tailback Tommy Edwards' left thumb is not broken. Edwards was hit on the thumb during the spring game. . . . Trainer Eddie Ferrell said the staff expects fullback Mike Hodges (thigh surgery), cornerback William Yarborough (shoulder surgery) and guard Mike Bianchin (shoulder surgery) to be ready to practice in the fall. . . . Center Jim Pyne has received his second first-team All-America mention, from Lindy's Football Annuals, one of several preseason football publications.
by CNB