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

DATE: SATURDAY, September 25, 1993                   TAG: 9309250035
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BASHAM NOW A TECH LEADER

After three years as a lineman at Virginia Tech, Bernard Basham finally has found consistency - and some of the rewards that go with it.

The Roanoke native, who replaced injured cornerback Tyronne Drakeford as one of Tech's four captains for the Miami game, has been named a permanent captain beginning with the 1 p.m. game against Maryland today at Lane Stadium.

Tech quarterback Maurice DeShazo, who sprained his right knee Sept. 18 against Miami, experienced soreness after this week's practices but will play today, Hokies coach Frank Beamer said Friday.

However, Beamer said senior offensive tackle Chris Barry (torn thumb ligaments) will play only in an emergency. Third-year sophomore Mike Bianchin will start in place of Barry.

Tech linebacker P.J. Preston, who quit during preseason because of an undiagnosed illness, appears likely to return.

The senior, who said he has overcome the illness, met twice with Beamer this week. Beamer said he'll wait until Sunday to make an announcement.

Basham joins classmates Drakeford, center Jim Pyne, fullback Joe Swarm and tight end John Burke as Tech's captains.

"[Defensive coordinator Phil] Elmassian felt like I was playing really well and that I was one of the leaders on defense," Basham said. "He felt like we should have at least two defensive captains."

The coaching staff and the other captains voted to make Basham a permanent captain.

"He's really doing a great job," Beamer said.

Basham, a defensive end before moving to tackle this year, has 15 tackles, two sacks, a pass breakup and four quarterback hurries in Tech's three games.

He credits his improved play in part to Elmassian and in part to position coach Todd Grantham.

"[Elmassian and I] had a long talk about goals and assets and liabilities, what I can give the team," Basham said.

"He took a major interest in me. We've been losing in the past, and I think I lost my focus. I was just waiting for the end of the season. Now, I'm focusing on the game coming up that week."

Keywords:
FOOTBALL

by CNB