What They're Saying About Virginia Tech's First Spring Scrimmage

A run-down of what Virginia Tech beat writers and bloggers are saying about Saturday's spring scrimmage when they're not limited to 140 characters:

Thomas, Gayle, Wilson highlight first scrimmage (Hokie Haven)

"Thomas looked cool and calm in the pocket, completing a number of darts down the field. The biggest of which was a fourth and long conversion to Marcus Davis for 22-yards. As expected, Thomas had excellent zip on the ball, putting it where his receivers could get it."

Open Scrimmage I Thoughts (The Key Play)

"It's good to see Barquell Rivers shining in the absence of Bruce Taylor and Jack Tyler. If he can get back to where he was in 2009 I can't see him being buried at third string Mike during the season."

Details from Hokies' first full scrimmage (Kyle Tucker)

"The Hokies’ top two tailbacks, David Wilson and Josh Oglesby, both looked very capable even when facing the first-string defense. Oglesby ran hard and moved the pile, while Wilson was his usual explosive self. He ripped free up the middle, then stiff-armed a defender for about 10 yards to score a 56-yard touchdown – which was called back for holding. Still, it was a tremendous play."

Some items from today’s scrimmage (Darryl Slater)

"Thomas also hit Davis for a well-timed, 8-yard sideline pass. He made a good decision while going against the first-team defense to throw the ball away under pressure. Near the end of the scrimmage, right after that throw-away, Thomas rolled out and zipped a 16-yard pass to Davis on fourth down – another well-timed and decisive throw. All told, Thomas took about five deep shots and didn’t miss badly on any throws, which was an issue for him in the past."

Gayle shows signs of stardom (Aaron McFarling)

"Gayle is going to be a player for the Hokies this year. Guaranteed. He showed some promise for the Hokies last year, accumulating four sacks and a dozen quarterback hurries as a role-playing redshirt freshman, but this will be the year he breaks through."

Gayle steals spotlight at first full scrimmage (Mark Giannotto)

"During punting drills, wide receiver Danny Coale took a few kicks, and during Beamer’s postgame chat with reporters, he indicated Coale is a legitimate contender to become the punter this fall. Coale punted before college for Episcopal High in Alexandria."