We wrote that Antone Exum was cleared to practice. He has indeed begun practicing. However, the problem of having too many players for too few spots on defense has arisen. Frank Beamer's solution?
How about dabbling with Brandon Facyson at wide receiver?
Yes, you read that correctly. Facyson, who is tied for the most interceptions in the nation, will be taking some select snaps on offense. Frank Beamer and defensive backs coach Torrian Gray have insisted that Exum would retain his starting role as corner once he was healthy. With Kyle Fuller as a lock at boundary corner, that still leaves only one available corner position, with the nod going to Exum. Kendall Fuller will fill in as the nickel back, and has even been taking some reps at WHIP linebacker. This leaves Facyson as the odd man out.
Now before you start going into panic mode, realize that I said Facyson would be taking selective snaps on offense. He is still primarily a defensive back, and a damn good one at that. In fact, it's like that Facyson will split reps about evenly with Exum at the field corner position. Also, this is not some new idea that Beamer has hatched up. Apparently the staff discussed Facyson on offense during the summer practices. We already know he has the hands and athleticism to play the position, too.
The question remains in the minds of many Hokie fans though, "Will Exum's return disrupt the defense's chemistry?" It's a valid question to ask, especially with how well Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson have been playing in Exum's absence. If Exum gets singled out against UNC and struggles, will Beamer go back to Facyson? Will the younger Fuller slide down to WHIP linebacker and we see Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum, Brandon Facyson and Kendall Fuller on the field at once? All of these are questions that will need answering, but we won't know until the Hokies take the field against the Tarheels.