Virginia Tech held its first full preseason scrimmage Saturday. Despite having to replace eight starters from a year ago, it was the offense that stood out.
“I thought it was one of the more productive offensive first scrimmages we’ve had around here,” coach Frank Beamer said. “I think we did some good things.”
The offense showed a lot of shotgun and spread looks, but the Hokies also played at a much faster tempo than in years past.
“I think we need to keep working on that, kind of dictate the tempo,” Beamer said. “The key there is for us to know exactly what we’re doing and maybe create some doubt in the defense.”
Quarterback Logan Thomas completed 8 of 15 passes for 112 yards which included a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Corey Fuller. Thomas is entering his second year as the starter, and he likes the offense picking up the pace.
“For one, it gives us more plays,” Thomas said. “And for two, it puts the defense in a bind sometimes. It keeps them off balance.”
True freshman running back J.C. Coleman had four carries for 54 yards, which included a 52-yard run against the first-team defense. Coleman fractured his right hand in practice this week and played with a cast. He figures to be part of the group along with Michael Holmes that will try to replace David Wilson, a first-round pick of the New York Giants.
“J.C., I could tell in the spring his mind was tying up his feet a little bit,” Beamer said. “[Saturday], I thought it was the opposite. I thought he really ran with toughness, aggressiveness, and with speed.”
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kevin Asante had four catches for 79 yards that included a 40-yard touchdown from back-up quarterback Mark Leal. Asante and the receivers took advantage of a second-string secondary that features two true freshman cornerbacks in Donaldven Manning and Donovan Riley.
The offensive line looked a little shaky at times in the spring, but the first- and second-string lines gave up just two sacks Saturday. It helped that starting defensive end James Gayle sat out with an ankle injury. With four new starters, the offensive line is inexperienced but more athletic, which aids in the offense playing faster.
“They were a little slow in the spring,” Thomas said of the offensive line. “That’s why we put it in then, and we got it now. They’re picking it up just fine, passing off blitzes.”
Even with the noticeable difference in tempo, offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring said the pace isn’t quite where he wants it Sept. 3 against Georgia Tech.
“It’s closer,” Stinespring said. “I think we’ve gotten closer. From where we started this thing to where we are now and what we’re capable of doing within that tempo has really stepped up a bit. I’ll be honest, I was pleased with that. Not satisfied but pleased about [Saturday].”
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