Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310078
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Hokies learned Wednesday they will be without the services of sophomore tailback Ken Oxendine for their nationally televised game with Boston College on Sept.7 at Lane Stadium.
Oxendine broke a small bone in his right hand Tuesday night in the Hokies' final preseason intrasquad scrimmage.
Duane Lagan, Tech's team physician, said the 6-foot-1, 221-pound back definitely will be sidelined for the BC game and may miss Tech's second game Sept.16 against Cincinnati.
Lagan said Oxendine's hand will be placed in a soft cast.
Oxendine, the 1993 Group AAA player of the year at Thomas Dale High School, had enjoyed a strong preseason camp before the injury.
The Chester native said three weeks ago he was in the best shape of his life as he prepared to share the tailback duties with senior Dwayne Thomas.
Considered one of Tech's top recruits in recent years, Oxendine rushed for 258 yards on 33 carries, averaging 7.8 yards a carry last season as a freshman. He became the first ``true'' freshman for the Hokies to score two rushing touchdowns of 50 or more yards in a season since freshmen became eligible in 1972.
Billy Hite, Tech's running backs coach, said sophomore Marcus Parker will be Thomas' backup against BC. The former Salem High School standout also will spell starter Brian Edmonds at fullback.
Oxendine and Tech coach Frank Beamer were not available for comment Wednesday night.
But 20 days ago, Beamer noted he was concerned four backs were not enough.
``I don't think you can ever have enough backs,'' Beamer said at Tech's media day on Aug.11. ``With a two-back offense, you've got to have a least four.
``I'd like to have more because you never know when one is going down with an injury.''
by CNB