THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 16, 1994 TAG: 9409160648
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
After two games, center Billy Conaty has been told he's not playing well enough for Virginia Tech's football team to win.
That comment from offensive line coach J.B. Grimes on Sunday was like a chop block to Conaty's self-confidence.
Consensus All-American Jim Pyne's replacement had been billed as more than adequate. Conaty started every game at tackle last season as a redshirt freshman, making the Football News freshman All-America second team.
But Sunday, Grimes told Conaty that true freshman Todd Washington, who played 15 snaps last week at Southern Mississippi, may start in his place at Boston College.
``He said I'm good enough for us to win with, but I'm not playing well enough for us to win right now,'' Conaty said. ``It kind of hurts your confidence, you know what I mean? I can't let it bother me; I guess he's just doing this to motivate me.
``Sunday I was going crazy, talking to my dad and not knowing what to do. I can't play here being second team. I'm better than that. I wouldn't be able to handle it.''
Grimes said Thursday that Conaty probably will start at Boston College, but he didn't mince words about Conaty's performance.
``He's got to be more consistent,'' Grimes said. ``He'll take two or three plays and be what you're looking for, then he'll take two or three plays and not play as well as he should and lose that edge and intensity. He's got to maintain his concentration and focus.
``Based on the first two performances, it's not been good enough. It has to get better. The camera doesn't lie - what you see on the field, that's what you're doing.''
And Conaty hasn't done enough to please Grimes, who said his conversation with Conaty was reality, not a motivational ploy.
Redshirt sophomore T.J. Washington, Todd's brother, also is challenging junior tackle Mike Bianchin for a starting job. Washington and Bianchin split playing time evenly against Southern Miss. ``They're going to play more,'' coach Frank Beamer said of the Washingtons.
Grimes agreed the Washingtons need to play. But he hasn't given up on Conaty.
``It's just a matter of time before he comes into his own at the new position,'' Grimes said. ``There's no question in my mind Conaty has the potential to be as good as there is around. Now he has to go out there and perform.''
Conaty's performance has been hindered by physical ailments.
In Tech's first game, his right shoulder popped out, and he missed two practices last week. He had to wear a brace and a tight shoulder wrap in the second game. And Conaty said he suffered leg cramps several times at Southern Miss, requiring an IV after the game.
Conaty said Grimes told him not to take a possible demotion personally.
``But I do, I'm sensitive,'' Conaty said. ``You hear all kinds of things about you all summer and think you're pretty good, then come here and are told you're not playing well enough to win with. It kind of hurts.
``I don't know if expectations are too high or what, but it's only my second game at center. I'm not Jim Pyne.'' ILLUSTRATION: Virginia Tech center Billy Conaty has had to fill the shoes of
consensus All-American Jim Pyne.
by CNB