Finally some good news to report on the injury front as we are now less than two weeks from the season opener. Yesterday, sophomore starting left tackle Nick Becton, sophomore and possible starting field cornerback Jayron Hosley and sophomore reserve whip linebacker Alonzo Tweedy all returned to practice in some form or another.
Today, trainer Mike Goforth addressed the media to update all of Tech's injury information and had even more good news about Becton for the Newport News Daily Press' Norm Wood:
"He's going to be fine for game week," Goforth said. "When we start out here next Tuesday or whatever day it is, I can't keep them straight, he'll be ready."
Becton is now getting the vital reps he missed during the last two weeks while nursing turf toe. Entering his first year as Tech's left tackle, he'll need plenty of work before the Boise State game. That's why offensive line coach Curt Newsome is considering rushing him into action this Saturday in the Hokies' final preseason scrimmage. While he's expected to start on Sept. 6, he'll probably be a game-time decision for the scrimmage.
Newsome told reporters yesterday he wants to see if Becton "can get out in space and handle (pass rushers)." The only way to be sure would be to see him in the scrimmage, but it may still be too early to push Becton too hard and risk aggravating the injury.
Other injury info from Wood's report: Linebacker Barquell Rivers is back participating in a non-contact jersey, offensive lineman Michael Via continues to improve after suffering an injured ACL in the spring and linebacker Lorenzo Williams and wide receiver Xavier Boyce need MRIs.
- Jimmy Robertson speculated yesterday that defensive tackles J.R. Collins and Duan Perez-Means will redshirt. Well, one freshman that won't redshirt is defensive tackle Derrick Hopkins, brother of defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch's Darryl Slater, Derrick Hopkins has earned playing time through fall camp and will provide much-needed depth at DT.
- Several NFL scouts were in Blacksburg to not only check out the Hokies' top draft prospects, but also lecture the players on how to deal with agents, the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot's Kyle Tucker reports. This is a good preemptive strike by Frank Beamer against the problems we've seen at other schools this offseason. Hopefully they're warning them against both agents and guys in management as well.
- David Teel of the Newport News Daily Press wonders if the Hokies really need to pass more in 2010. However, it turns out the Hokies' top offenses in recent years actually passed less than they did last season.
- We finally have a new beat writer at the Washington Post's Hokies Journal. It's Mark Gianotto, who previously covered high schools for WaPo.