Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 27, 1994 TAG: 9408310023
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Elmassian loves the promise of backups Baron Spinner (redshirt freshman) and freshman Quinton Waller but says if 22nd-ranked Tech played today, they wouldn't. Not to say they won't play Sept.3 against Arkansas State; as Elmassian says, there's nobody ready to fill in for improved starters William Yarborough and Larry Green.
The only ``fix'' Elmassian finds himself in with Tech's defensive backfield is that starting rover Torrian Gray remains starting free safety Antonio Banks' backup. But that's part of a ``don't dent the front line'' strategy Elmassian brings into his second year at Tech.
For example, if Banks got hurt, Gray would move to free safety and starting whip Brandon Semones - whom Elmassian calls Tech's ``Lloyd's of London'' insurance policy - probably would play rover.
Last year, Gray's development was slowed because he had to shuttle between rover and free safety, until Elmassian finally left him alone at rover. Now, Elmassian relishes Gray's versatility.
``There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, he's one of the better football players I've ever coached - ever, ever,'' said Elmassian, who likened Gray's quick grasp of the game to former Virginia star Jeff Lageman, now playing in the NFL. ``He could go play linebacker for us. Give him a couple days, and he'll learn it. Give him a couple weeks, and he'll play it.''
Other Elmassian musings about Tech's defense:
Defensive tackle Jim Baron, a junior-college transfer, has done a ``fantastic job [and] academically did a great job. I'm wishing he was here for four years.''
Rafael Williams, a fullback moved to linebacker now at defensive end, has the speed (he has run a 4.53-second 40-yard dash) to be effective. ``He's gonna be in the [Arkansas State] game, because we're gonna find out,'' Elmassian said.
Yarborough, a former walk-on who started six games last year, has better fundamentals and ``feels better about himself.'' Green's ``confidence has zoomed up to where if it's broken, he's gonna know how to fix it.''
PRESEASON PLEASURES: Although illness (Jay Hagood) and a groin pull (Damien McMahon) have cut down on the practice-time togetherness of the offensive line, Beamer likes the work of reserve tackles T.J. Washington and junior Trenton Bass, whom Beamer said is the fourth tackle and is ``better than he was last spring.'' ... Freshman Dwight Vick of Hampton is the fourth guard ahead of Gennaro DiNapoli, a converted tight end who practiced with Tech during the spring. ``He does some things pretty naturally,'' Beamer said of Vick ... Sophomore Vernon Dozier has calmed some of Beamer's worries about the reserve linebackers. Dozier, who is playing despite having suffered a stroke before his junior season at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, will play behind Ken Brown. Tech still needs help behind George DelRicco, because Dozier won't flit back and forth. Spread-out offensive formations means one player (Brown) occasionally draws some coverage assignments. ``They're different [positions]. It's not like a third guy can play both as easily,'' Beamer said.
INJURIES: DelRicco would have played in Thursday's scrimmage with a cast over his broken left thumb until one of the screws in his thumb came loose and was pushing through his skin. The absence of DelRicco and his backup, freshman Chris Frith (knee injury), meant plenty of time for walk-on Steve Tate, a 6 foot 1, 211-pound redshirt freshman from Canton, Ohio. ``He did a pretty good job. He's figuring in to playing time right now,'' Beamer said.
Defensive tackle J.C. Price missed the scrimmage after injuring his back during sprint drills.
STATS: Atle Larsen, a Norway native who is battling incumbent Ryan Williams for placekicking chores, made seven of 14 field goals and 19 of 23 extra points in two seasons at Morehead State. In 1993 as the No.1 kicker, he was 6-for-12 on field goals (2-for-4 from 0-29 yards, 3-for-6 from 30-39 and 1-for-2 from 40-49) and made 12 of 14 extra points.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB