Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509070047
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
Cornell Brown doesn't hate quarterbacks. He just has them for lunch.
Perhaps that explains the hunger pains of the Virginia Tech junior defensive end heading into tonight's 1995 season opener with Boston College at Lane Stadium.
Although he appears well-nourished at a rock-hard 6-feet-2, 240 pounds, Brown claims to be famished these days.
``I'm hungry for a quarterback,'' Brown said. ``I just can't wait to get my hands on one.''
Brown snickers, then continues his lunch order.
``A good blind-side hit when they don't know it's coming ... get a good hit on 'em solid knowing they felt it. Yeah, that's what I want.''
And when he's done, Brown leaves a tip - a fallen quarterback - behind the opponents' line of scrimmage.
``They're going to remember it the whole game,'' Brown said. ``I don't want to hurt anybody. I just want to scare 'em and let 'em know I'm out there. Keep 'em on edge, wondering where I'm at and where I might end up.
``They hear the footsteps. They know I'm coming. And then they can't set those feet. They're fidgety, ready to run. I love to see that.''
Opposing quarterbacks have good reason to run when seeing Brown. The player Tech is touting as its best defender since All-American Bruce Smith had 11 sacks last season, the most by a Hokie since Morgan Roane posted 11 in 1985. Brown also led Tech in quarterback pressures (35) and tackles for loss (nine).
Not since Smith has Tech had a player spend so much time parked in the opposition's backfield.
``No question,'' said Todd Grantham, Hokies defensive line coach, ``Cornell Brown is the best pass rusher we've had since Bruce Smith.
``He's smart, he's strong, he's quick and he has great technique. He's definitely the whole package. I just love guys like Cornell. They make you a great coach.''
Brown, who coming out of Lynchburg's E.C. Glass High was one of Tech's top recruiting coups ever, cherishes his role in Tech's blizting, gambling defense.
``The blitz is what I live for,'' said Brown, his eyes widening. ``There's no greater rush than sacking a quarterback. It's just like an offensive touchdown for you the first time, and every time after that, it just gets that much better.
``I want to be a big-play type of player. I strive for being a big-play player, especially when times are tight. When you need that big play, I want to be the one to come across and make that big play.
``Anybody on our defense is capable of making a big play. I just want to make a few more than they do.''
Brown, one of the rare players to ever start at Tech as a true freshman in 1993, figures it's time he turns up the wick even higher. Forget this second-team Big East Conference business. Why not All-American?
``I want to prove to everybody in the Big East as well as this country that I'm one of those big-time players and I'm one they've got to contend with,'' Brown said.
``While I'm happy with what I've done here the first two years, I think I've got a lot more in me. I know I'm a better player that what I've established. It's come time to show it.''
Brown, who admits to sneaking a peek at Smith's numbers at Tech, noted that the Buffalo Bills' star made his greatest strides his final two years of college.
``Bruce had 22 sacks his junior year and 38 total'' his last two years, Brown said marveling at the achievement. ``Boy, it would take a big year to catch Bruce.''
Nevertheless, by the time he's done, Brown's impact on the Tech program may be just as impressive - if not more - than Smith's. Tech went to one bowl game with Smith; it has gone to two, is a good bet to go to three, and could go to four with Brown.
``We've helped change things around here at Tech,'' said Brown, who chose the Hokies over Virginia and Maryland.
``I didn't want to go to a place like a Michigan or a Notre Dame for its name. I wanted to go to a place where I could kind of rebuild a program like Chris Slade and Terry Kirby [both currently in the NFL] did at Virginia. Those guys changed it around.
``And that's where Tech is going now. We've gone to two straight bowls and been ranked in the Top 25. People know that Virginia Tech is one of the top schools around now, and I want to think I've got a got a part to do in that.''
Eventually, Brown wants a part of the NFL. His older brother, Reuben, was the 14th player taken in April's NFL draft and currently is starting at offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
``I talk to [Reuben] about every other day,'' Brown said. ``He's enjoying it. He's living the life, playing ball and getting paid to do it. Ain't nothing better than that. I hope to join him one day.''
In the meantime, there's two more years and lot of quarterback lunches to be had at Tech.
Quarterbacks, man. They make Cornell Brown sick.
``You know, I sit back in practice and I kind of feel like they've got the easiest job on the field,'' said Brown, his mouth beginning to water.
``Here they go through preseason, two-a-days, and aren't allowed to get hit. Meanwhile, everybody else is getting banged on and beat on for two or three weeks.
``Know what, I just feel like it's my job to give 'em their punishment for what they've missed those couple weeks.
``Man, I can't wait. I'm on edge. I want me a quarterback. Now!''
by CNB