THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1995 TAG: 9508130769
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
Heading into spring practice, Virginia Tech football coaches expected redshirt freshman Al Clark to emerge as the next Hokies quarterback.
But Clark, who was hurt much of the spring, opens fall drills today No. 3 on the depth chart behind junior Jim Druckenmiller and sophomore Cody Whipple. Head coach Frank Beamer promises there will be no quarterback controversy in Blacksburg, where for the first time in four years someone other than Maurice DeShazo will start behind center.
``Druckenmiller did the things in spring practice to establish himself as the No. 1 quarterback,'' Beamer said Friday at Tech media day. ``He's secure. I'm not a guy who messes around with that position. That's the guy we're going to go with and that's our plan. He throws one in the dirt, we're not going to pull him.
``When you start alternating quarterbacks, I've never seen it be successful. I just don't believe that's the way to do it.''
Druckenmiller is physically imposing at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. Tech strength coach Mike Gentry raves about Druckenmiller, whose weight-room exploits sometimes surpass those of the linemen in front of him.
``Jim Druckenmiller is probably the strongest quarterback in the country, if there was any way you could test that,'' Gentry said.
Offensive coordinator Rickey Bustle is as impressed with Druckenmiller's mental exercises as Gentry is the physical. Bustle said Druckenmiller has worked hard to mentally prepare for the job.
``He's the best guy I've got and he's the No. 1 guy, no question,'' Bustle said. ``But he hasn't played in that game situation where the game is on the line.''
A FEW FRETS: The Hokies have ample reason for optimism with 17 returning starters, including 10 on defense. But Beamer outlined legitimate concerns:
Druckenmiller's ability to make the transition from seldom-used backup to starter - quickly. Tech opens the season Sept. 7 with Boston College and plays Miami in the third game. Those are the two best teams in the Big East.
The kicking game. Both punter John Thomas and kicker Atle Larsen are new starters, although Larsen got some experience last year.
Depth on defense. Ten starters are back, but of the seven backups listed in the linebacking and receiving corps, only one has played a down of varsity football at Tech.
A NEW VIEW: Since 1989, Shane Beamer has walked the sidelines at Hokie games alongside his father, holding the headset cord to make sure his pacing pop doesn't trip. This year, Shane will be in the stands at Lane Stadium on game day.
Shane is a freshman walk-on for the Hokies, which means he won't be suiting up on game day and he'll be relegated to the bleachers like the other players who don't suit up.
``I'm catching a lot of flak already out here because of who I am,'' said Shane, a receiver who showed up at media day wearing No. 80, which used to belong to career receptions leader Antonio Freeman. ``I'm sure it hasn't even started yet.''
It's not likely Shane ever will start, either. At Blacksburg High he was a Group AA all-state and played in this summer's high school all-star game. A couple of Division I-AA schools showed interest, but Shane decided to stay at his dad's side, even if he won't be there on game day.
Shane said he aspires to a career at Tech similar to that of William Ferrell, the son of the Hokies' trainer Eddie Ferrell. William, who completed his eligibility last year, became a star of special teams.
``That would be exactly what I'd hope to be doing eventually,'' Shane said. ``I know what my athletic ability is.''
NO WORD ON MORRISON: Before Beamer addressed the media, Tech officials passed out a statement from Beamer regarding suspended linebacker Tony Morrison, who has appealed his suspension to the university. It made clear that Beamer - who last week expressed hope Morrison would be reinstated - would not answer questions about the sophomore linebacker from Chesapeake.
Beamer's statement read in part: ``Tony's name will not be included on the football depth chart until we get an OK from the university. There is nothing further that can be said on the matter until the review is complete.''
Listed at the linebacker position Morrison was expected to fill were junior college transfers Myron Newsome and Greg Melvin, who is from Virginia Beach's Bayside High, and redshirt freshman Jason Berish. Melvin is listed in Tech's media guide as a running back/defensive back.
``We're working him at linebacker because we need to add some depth,'' co-defensive coordinator Bud Foster said.
QUICK HITS: Tech begins the season with three new coordinators in place of departed offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill and defensive boss Phil Elmassian. Bustle, after a year at South Carolina, returns to the Hokies as offensive coordinator, a position he held in 1993 when Tech had its most productive offense ever. Beamer named longtime assistant Foster and Rod Sharpless co-defensive coordinators, although Foster will have the final say on defensive matters and will call the plays. . . . With soccer-style kicker Atle Larsen, a 10-year stretch of straight-on kickers at Tech comes to a close. . . . Offensive guard Chris Malone has started 35 consecutive games. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Virginia Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller throws during media day
Friday in Blacksburg.
by CNB