Collegiate Times

By Zach Mariner, sports editor

Senior captain and point guard Erick Green was made available to reporters following athletic director Jim Weaver’s announcement that head coach Seth Greenberg had been terminated on

ON GREENBERG LEAVING: It sucks, it hurts. But, as a team we have to keep moving forward.

DID HE WANT GREENBERG BACK?: Yeah, no question, He was a great guy. People thought we had conflicts, but we had no conflicts at all. He was a great guy, and like I said, it just sucks he has to go.

HOW THE PLAYERS FOUND OUT: We were in weightlifting, actually. We didn’t have our phones, we didn’t know anything about it. And then Coach just came in and said we had a meeting in the film room. He walked in there and just told us.

HOW IT WENT: He just came in and told us. He kept it short, he didn’t have much to say. Then we just kind of rushed over (to the press conference).

WHAT DID THE PLAYERS THINK OF STAFF TURNOVER: It kind of sucks they left. Coach JJ was a good guy, Coach Rob was a great guy, they were all good guys. But they all had their reasons to leave. We’ve always had new coaches and we’ve always adjusted and we’re ready to adjust again and move on from there.

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT HAVING A NEW COACH SENIOR YEAR?: For me, it sucks. I have one more year left, and I wish it didn’t have to end like this my senior year. But, for the guys, I really don’t know where their heads are at. Hopefully we can all stick together through all this and talk and hopefully no one leaves. I don’t think we’ve got to start from scratch, because the guys we have, our chemistry and bond is really good right now. Hopefully no one takes direction to leave and hopefully we can all stay in this program.

DID YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS OF LEAVING UPON HEARING THE NEWS?: I’m kind of upset a little bit. Coach Greenberg’s my guy. He was a good guy. I’m going to go talk to my family and see what the best decision is and see what I have to do. Right now, it’s my senior year, I’ve gotta look out for my best interests and whatever’s best for me. I’m not going to say I’m leaving. I’m going to give the new guy a chance and see who they’re hiring and sit down and talk with him. If we fit, we fit.

I’m not ruling out (leaving). I’m just going to go in there and see what this guy’s about. They’re going to hire a great coaching staff. I’m going to go in there, give him a shot, see what he has to say. If we fit each other’s systems, fine.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE NEW COACHES SYSTEM?: I liked Coach Greenberg’s system. It was kind of a guard system, I liked it. Hopefully this guy comes in and we can kind of get after it, play fast, just like Coach Greenberg wanted to. Kind of the same style, but maybe get after it a little bit more on defense and attack more. I don’t want to have no Princeton or laid back offense, it’s kind of boring to watch. That’s not my style.

WHAT WAS GREENBERG LIKE TO PLAY FOR?: He was a good guy. He was intense. Everybody saw the side of him where he was yelling and doing crazy things. But he cared about, no only us on the court, but off the court with our families and how we interacted with people. I’ve got nothing bad to say about him. He was a great guy. It sucks to see him leave and move on.

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Photo by Brad Klodowski, SPPS

By Zach Mariner, sports editor

I just wanted to go ahead and put these up for those of you interested in reading. Most of these will be featured in my defensive story lines piece for tomorrow’s paper.

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Bud Foster

Having to cut practice short because of lightning: It’s just one of those things. Better to be safe than sorry. I guess it’s still lightning out there. We’ll catch up with it on Friday. I thought we started off with a pretty good attitude and did some nice things. We’re looking forward to team time.

On how things looked on day one: We’ve got a good group of guys back on defense. But still, we need to create some depth. I want to see us keep taking strides. We were a good defense last year, but I want to be a great defense. We want to be one of the best in the country, and that’s what our goal is. But, to do that you’ve got to create some depth and have some depth up front. Obviously we’ve got some holes to fill in the secondary. We’re banged up at linebacker, so we’re looking to create some depth there. Right now, it’s hopefully improve and continue to go in the path we started last year. But then also, continue to develop our depth and get some of the young players to learn their positions and their expectations within the defense.

On Logan Thomas calling his unit “refined:” That’s a compliment. You’ve got some guys that have played. Even on the back end, where we’ve made a couple adjustments, moving some guys around, you had some guys that played and understand the speed of the game and the mindset as far as the communication and the sense of urgency. And that’s nice to see, it’s a nice compliment by Logan, I just hope we stay on that path each day.

On issues with corners switching to safety: My biggest concern will be, ‘Can those guys tackle consistently at the safety spot?’ I mean, they’re corner guys, but they’ve got good size, they’re not small guys. But, I want to make sure they’re good tacklers. Our safeties, we spill the ball to those guys a lot, and just being consistent with communication, there will be some new things for them. But they’ve been a part of it. Especially Bonner and Kyshoen are two young, good prospects that I think football is very important to. They want to be successful. They understand the tradition in our secondary. We’re just trying to create a little bit of depth there by moving guys around a little bit, and maybe maximize some of their abilities and that type of thing. I am curious to see how Antone does consistently in coverage. He’s a good tackler, but playing that boundary corner position, we put our guy in a lot of man-to-man, but he’s also involved in a lot of tackling. And that’s one of his strengths. He can run and cover people. We’re just kind of looking at some things right there. Obviously, Kyle Fuller’s a good football player. He needs more reps at corner, he’s been our nickel guy for the last couple years, so he’s gonna get some more reps at corner. I don’t even know if we’ll run a nickel package this spring. We’ll probably just keep him at corner.

On the backer spot: We moved Derek DiNardo, who’s a really good walk-on kid and we moved Josh Trimble. To me, those are two preferred walk-on guys who are potential scholarship guys. DiNardo started on a couple special teams last year, I think Josh is a guy that can do that. Right now, I think they’ve got good speed, but all of the sudden, if its average speed in the secondary, its good speed at linebacker. So they’re going to learn it, today was day one. I think they’re good football IQ kids. They’re conscientious kids. It’s gonna be good to create some depth. Chase needs to take that next step as a football player. And he’s going to get a majority of the work, which is what he needs. I feel good about Jack Tyler. Brian Laiti is a guy that we redshirted and then sat, didn’t travel last year. He needs to take the next step. Really good prospect out of high school, but he’s got to learn our system and be consistent, but those are gonna be the guys that get a lot of reps. DJ Ward, he’s a preferred walk-on kid from last year, I think he’s got a lot of promise as well. I’m looking forward to working. Where we go, I don’t know, I’m just looking to see how these guys learn the position, get them a good evaluation, and if they can give us some depth, they’ll give us some depth. Tariq will be back and I feel good about Chase. Chase is probably more suited to be a mike, but he’s a valuable guy because he’s intelligent and he can play both spots. So he’s gonna get a lot of reps this spring and I’m excited about it. I think it’ll be a big spring for him and for us. If he can take the next step like Jack Tyler has, and step into some key roles, he can really help our defense.

Antone Exum

On whether or not he was confused at corner: Not really. Today was kind of simple. Those guys looked really good at the safety spot, but as things start to get more complicated, the more and more they’re gonna start looking to me and Kyle for some communication things. So, we’re still out there talking. Everybody in our room has to know everybody’s position. It’s not like I’m at corner now, so I’m being nonchalant and not paying attention, not making calls, things like that.

On moving to corner: I’ve never been a full-time corner. But I played nickel corner as a freshman and was very comfortable. We joke around, call it ‘the slot life.’ It wasn’t necessary the island, but I was in the slot most of the time and I was very comfortable there. With all the coverage responsibilities I had to take on at free safety, I was comfortable there as well. I just see it as a new challenge. I’m not gonna go into it thinking that I’m not gonna excel at it. I still feel comfortable out there.

Were you surprised when they asked you to move to corner?: Kind of. But once we lost (James) Farrow, I kind of was thinking outside of the box, like, ‘They might try me out at corner to get a some depth.’ I was a little surprised when they asked me to switch full-time.

On the idea of having two very physical cornerbacks: I’m real excited. Kyle (Fuller) played a lot of nickel last year, but there’s more to his game than that. He can go out there and cover with the best of them. I feel like I’ll be able to go out there and cover with the best of them, as well. So, you put that together, and then you put how physical both of us of are, me having safety experience, being a bigger guy and Kyle kind of being a big corner and being aggressive with his experience last year at the whip position, I feel like we’ll be in good shape.

Torrian Gray 

Are you worried about the depth at corner?: I am, but in a stretch right now I think I’m going to feel good about Mike Cole, I think Boye is going to take steps at safety, Theron Norman, I think all those guys are going to take steps at safety so if you don’t have anybody coming along, you can move those guys back. So you know, all it’s doing is adding flexibility to us. I can move Antone back but we have corners in Kyshoen and those guys, it’s just trying to maximize the personnel but I feel better now knowing those guys can go in and play safety. Corner is not easy at all but at least those guys are corners at heart too. Because I think our back up safety is going to be ok I don’t feel as bad as what it looks like on paper at our corner spot.

What to expect from January enrollee Donaldven Manning: From a technique fundamental standpoint I expect him to get better. Physically he’s only going to get so big at this point in time in his career but if he can show physically that he can get down the techniques and do those types of things I’ll feel encouraged because he’s going to be 15 practices better starting fall.

When do you know if your secondary switches are working?: I think as a coaching staff we are just going to see. I think the players have bought into it so now its just going out and right now we are just committed to working this way through the spring or we may look after the first scrimmage and have a discussion but for right now from the little bit of information I have gotten today I think this is something that we are going to want to go ahead and finish with the spring and be committed to it and just evaluate it afterwards but I really think we’ll have a chance for this to work out.

On moving Exum to cornerback: Well, Antone has great physical ability. Antone kind of slowed down at times last year when things started moving and shifting and all those things. He’s a good enough athlete where if you just put him out on a number one and let him line up there where its man or zone we figure it will just give him a chance to just let go and play. So that’s what we started discussing and decided to just try it and you hope that the guys that went from corner to safety can handle their end of the bargain because Antone was an exceptional tackler and an exceptional safety but just when things started moving we didn’t get him to play as fast.

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Photo by Kevin Dickel, SPPS

By Zach Mariner, sports editor

The Hokies kicked off spring practice on Wednesday night, despite being cut short 15 minutes by lightning.

Check out my offensive story lines piece in Thursday’s paper.

While the defense looked sharp, the offense looked — as Logan Thomas put it — “rusty.” While that’s to be expected from a group that lost eight of its starters, there are some signs for hope. Primarily, the (hopeful) development of the offensive line and the talent (albeit unknown) in the backfield.

I’m only posting the offensive quotes I got from tonight. I’m saving all defensive stuff for tomorrow.

Follow me on Twitter: @ZMarinerCT

Logan Thomas

On new running backs JC Coleman and Michael Holmes: They looked good. Obviously it’s a learning curve. Today was kind of simple, so I think everybody handled it pretty well.

On the offense having to replace eight starters: I think we’re going to be just fine. We’ve got some experience out wide in our receiving core and use their knowledge and let the young guys know. Also, the backfield, they’ve got me back there, so if they’ve got questions they can ask me. O-line will be fine like always, Coach Newsome will get them right. I think we’ll be a dominant offense just like we were last year.

On what he needs to improve on: You’re never done learning. I’ve got to go out here every day and play in practice like it’s a game. The guys will see that, as well. Everybody’s got something to prove. I’ve got to be more accurate, make better reads, and deliver the ball on time. I think if we do that, I can be a better play and make this offense a better group.

On how the team looked: Everybody looked pretty good, I thought. The defense looked refined, just like they should be, returning nine.

On improving his game: It’s 50 percent mental and 50 percent of it is footwork, and your arm will follow your footwork. You’ll throw a more accurate ball, so obviously I’ve gotta get my footwork right and have a good foundation.

On the offensive line: Those guys will be just fine. They have one of the best coaches out there in Coach Newsome. He’ll get them right, get their minds right and they’ll be ready to go when that time comes. Of course there’s going to be some learning, but I think they’ll be just fine.

On having Andrew Miller back: The center’s the anchor of your line. They’re the one that makes the calls up front, and if they can relay it down the line and vice-versa, we’ll be just fine up front. They’re smart guys up there.

On Holmes: I think he’s a lot like Ryan Williams, in comparison. He’s got great lateral movement, and he’s got good quickness straight ahead. He’ll make you miss more than he’ll run over you.

Curt Newsome

On transfer OT Brent Benedict: I went down to Jacksonville when he was coming out of high school, so I knew what kind of kid he was. But, as far as a football player at this level, we’re still learning. I like his attitude right now, and I like the way he’s approaching the game. He had a great offseason in the weight room, so I like those things.

On what he likes about Benedict: He’s got a physical presence, and that’s what you like about him. There’s just some technical issues in what you see in the limited amount we’ve watched. But, as far as being a big, physical, strong, tough guy — I think that’s what he brings to the table.

On his new offensive line: Yeah, there’s a bunch of guys that have played. I think this group will work hard, I think it’ll be a great spring based on the little bit of it we saw. They’ve gotta keep that intensity. They came out today with a good attitude, and I think this group’s got a chance.

On what he’s hoping for this spring: These guys have not played on Saturday, and that’s what they’ve gotta do, and we’ve gotta get them to that point this spring.

Shane Beamer

What he thought about his running backs: I was pleased. Mike had a lot of retention, going back to last year. I thought he remembered a lot of it. Today was very basic, what we put in from an offensive standpoint. But he was good, and JC was a guy you wouldn’t have known was his first practice. He seemed natural out there and picked things up really well. It’s hard to tell from not doing a whole lot other than individual drills. It’s a group that’s eager to work hard and I think has a lot of upside.

On what he hopes to accomplish in terms of running backs this spring: We want to be able to identify at least two guys that we can count on this year going into the fall. You don’t want to leave spring practice saying, ‘I don’t know if these guys are gonna be able to help us or not,’ cause then you’re relying on a freshman coming straight into the program. After that, its build on the little things and go from there. Its pass protection, its route running, its catching the ball, carrying the ball, that type of thing. We want to be able to walk out of this spring and say we can count on these guys. Then, if one of these incoming freshman is a part of it, that’s an added bonus. 

On who his No. 1 guy will be: Michael Holmes took the first rep out here today because he’s been here the longest. Every day its competition, every day we’re evaluating, and that’s what we’ve told them. We’ve got 15 days of practice and we’re evaluating every practice, every rep you take is being evaluated. So, we want to compete. And, in the best programs in the country, you have that kind of competition, and that’s what we have.

JC Coleman

On the speed of the game changing from high school to college: Oh yeah most definitely, It was very fast, everybody was moving fast, everything was moving as fast as lightening it seemed like.

On whether or not he was ready for the workouts on a college level: Yeah I was used to it. My coach at Oscar Smith prepared me very well for that and I just took it on the go and I adjusted to that real well.

On 6 a.m. workouts: The first day was a little tough but after that once I knew what I was doing and knew what to expect I was fine and I just got serious. Ever since the first day its been alright.

On coming to Tech early: It wasn’t hard decision for me at all. It was something I actually decided to do my 10th grade year at Oscar Smith and it just wasn’t a tough decision at all. I mean yeah, I miss all my friends and all my teammates and all my high school friends but it wasn’t a tough decision at all.

Photo by Kevin Dickel, SPPS

By Alex Koma, sports staff writer

Tariq Edwards

Height: 6’ 2”

Weight: 232

Position: Linebacker

2012 Year: Redshirt Senior

High School: Marlboro County

Edwards is a linebacker for the Hokies, who recently made headlines for undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin.

He’s expected to miss three to four months, but should be a major contributor on defense when he returns later this summer.

He was a star in high school, as he recorded 102 tackles and three sacks in his senior season. ESPN ranked him as the 27^th best outside linebacker in the country, and he was selected to USA Football’s 2009 Junior National Team for international competition.

Edwards redshirted in 2009, his first year with the Hokies. He saw substantial work at linebacker during spring practice, and recorded a pair of tackles in the spring game.

In 2010, he played in every game, and recorded 21 tackles and an interception for the team. Most of his work came on special teams, but he saw snaps on defense in many games. His best game came against Miami, where he grabbed his lone interception of the year and recovered a fumble.

He began to really contribute to the team last season. He started all 12 games at inside linebacker, and tallied 71 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He was particularly effective in the Sugar Bowl, as he posted eight tackles and a sack against the Wolverines.

Going into this season, Edwards should return as starting linebacker for the team. The surgery he’s having is concerning, as he will have a rod inserted into his tibia, but team physicians are optimistic about his recovery.

Head trainer Mike Goforth said that he played with the injury during the bowl game, but that it wasn’t healing normally, making the surgery necessary. He expects him to be back by the second summer session, as he works with fellow linebackers Derek DiNardo and Bruce Taylor.

By Alex Koma, sports staff writer

Antoine Hopkins

Height: 6’ 1”

Weight: 318

Position: Defensive tackle

2012 Year: Redshirt Senior

High School: Highland Springs

Hopkins is a defensive tackle for the Hokies, and he will be back on the field this season after missing most of last year with a torn ACL.

His brother Derrick is also a defensive tackle for the team, and they should both play big roles along the defensive line this season.

The Roanoke Times ranked Hopkins the 18th best player in the state during his senior year of high school, and Rivals even ranked him the 23^rd best defensive end in the country.

He joined the team in 2008, and although he picked up a lot of reps in the preseason, he ultimately ended up redshirting for the year. He still managed to shine, however, as he scored the winning touchdown in that year’s spring game.

In his first year of play, Hopkins showed immediate promise. He joined the rotation at tackle immediately, as he recorded four tackles, a sack and an interception in the opener against Alabama. He played in most of the rest of the team’s games for the season, including the Chick-Fil-A bowl at the end of the year.

In 2010, he played in every game for the Hokies, and even started the last 12 games of the season. He began starting in the ECU game, and had several impactful games, including the Georgia Tech match, where he recorded a personal best 10 tackles.

Hopkins began the 2011 season poised to build on his previous success, as he started all five of the games he was able to play in. He recorded several tackles and quarterback hurries in every game he competed in, but after tearing his ACL against the Tigers, he was forced to sit out the remainder of the year.

The defensive line will be a crucial part of the Hokies’ defense this year, and both Hopkins brothers will play a large role. Antoine will be an important part of the rotation with his brother Derrick, as well as Luther Maddy.

By Mike Platania, sports staff writer

Last year as VCU, Butler and Richmond were making runs deep into the tournament, fans everywhere were watching as their beloved brackets were deemed useless. This year’s tournament may have some Cinderella stories of its own, and here are some of the teams that may end up causing joy for some, and despair for others.

Virginia Commonwealth/Wichita State

It’s a shame that these two teams have to play each other, because whoever emerges will have a real great chance of going to the Sweet 16. The Rams have been known to apply full court pressure for all 40 minutes, and they can still shoot the three, something that helped them win games last March. Having only lost one game since early January, the Rams are very hot right now.

Wichita State was under the radar all year, and is likely the most talented mid-major team in the tournament, and the best-shooting. After being snubbed from the field last season, the Shockers went on and won the NIT, and will likely be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Led by dominant center Garrett Stutz, Wichita State can make some serious noise if they can get past VCU.

Memphis

The Tigers were very under-seeded with an eight seed, and if they can get by St. Louis they have the ability to give Michigan State fits. Few teams were more accurate from the field than Memphis, and they can really score in bunches if they get rolling.

Kansas State

Kansas State seems to always play well in the tournament, and they might create some real havoc this year. They’ll likely face a Fab Melo-less Syracuse team, and without him, the Wildcats have a huge advantage on the offensive glass. Don’t be surprised if they upset not ‘Cuse, but also Vandy.

Davidson

Despite playing the champions of the nation’s best conference in Louisville, Davidson still might win a few games. Last year’s upset against Morehead State will be on Louisville’s mind, and they’ll have the added pressure of being the Big East champions on them. Not to mention they beat Kansas on the road earlier this year, so Davidson knows how to pull an upset.

Murray State

Not often are teams with only one loss a six seed, but that’s precisely what the Murray State Racers are. They avenged their only loss in the Ohio Valley tournament, and proved they’re as consistent as their record shows. Isaiah Canaan is a flat out superstar and if he gets going, watch out. Their biggest challenge is playing in a loaded West region with teams like Missouri, Michigan State, Marquette and Florida, but if the Racers can gain steam, they just might be able to sneak into the Sweet 16 and beyond.

Photo courtesy MCT Campus

By Zach Mariner, sports editor

The Hokies survived a scare against the Clemson Tigers last night in the ACC Tournament’s first round, winning by a score of 68-63.

Tonight, they’ll face another opponent they’re very familiar with in the Duke Blue Devils.

Tech (16-16, 4-12 ACC) dropped both the regular season meetings, 75-60 in Blacksburg on Feb. 2 and 70-65 in overtime in Durham on Feb. 25. The Hokies had plenty of chances to win the later meeting, but couldn’t convert anything at the end of regulation.

If the team is to stand any chance tonight against the No. 6 Blue Devils (26-5, 13-3 ACC), it will once again need big scoring outputs from guards Erick Green and Dorenzo Hudson.

The two combined for 43 points against Clemson on Thursday night, but averaged just 27.5 points combined in their two games against Duke earlier this season.

Green, the team’s leading scorer at 15.6 points per game, will have his hands full on the defensive end, as he’ll be tasked with guarding ACC Freshman of the Year Austin Rivers.

Rivers led Duke in scoring in both of the regular season meetings, with 18 and 23 points in the first and second games, respectively.

Another big factor in tonight’s game could be the health of Marquis Rankin. He sat out last night’s first round contest with what was reported as a “tweaked” knee.

There’s a chance he’ll see action tonight, but how much he plays will be important. The Hokies ran a seven-man rotation last night, and their starters totaled 159 of the 200 minutes played. Rankin could provide some much-needed rest.

Another matchup to watch out for is forward Cadarian Raines against the duo of Mason and Miles Plumlee. Raines has come on strong for Tech since the team lost senior Victor Davila to a groin injury, and he’ll need to have a good game tonight in order to keep things close.

Notes:

• Tech has a 3-3 record in ACC Tournament quarterfinal games. They beat Wake in 2007, Miami in 2008 and FSU in 2011. They lost to GT in 2005, UNC in 2009 and Miami in 2010.
• A No. 10 seed has only been to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament one time, NC State in 2007. The Wolfpack beat Duke, Virginia and Virginia Tech before losing to North Carolina in the finals.
• The Hokies can pull their ACC Tournament record even at 7-7 with a win over Duke tonight.
• Since joining the ACC, Tech is just 3-10 against the Blue Devils, including 0-1 in postseason games, with the only wins coming in 2005, 2007 and 2010.
• Erick Green scored at least 20 points for the seventh time in his collegiate career last night. The Hokies are 4-3 when that happens.
• Cadarian Raines scored a career-high 16 points against Duke on Feb. 25.

 Photo by Brad Klodowski, SPPS 

By Zack Conway, sports staff writer

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 207 pounds

Position: Fullback

2012 Year: Redshirt Senior

High School: Bassett

Martin Scales will be a redshirt senior when the 2012 season rolls around. Scales has been a standout special teamers for the Hokies for the last two years. In 2010 Scales played in all 13 games on both kickoff and kickoff return. He recorded 12 total tackles on kickoff coverage throughout the season. Although Scales was listed as a fullback on the tech roster, he only saw one play at the fullback position, while he seeing almost 50 plays on special teams.

In 2011 Scales went back to what he was good at, special teams. Scales played in all 14 games this past season, mostly on special teams. He racked up 227 snaps on special teams while only 35 snaps on offense. Beamer loves players like Scales, not always the most recognizable off the field, but when it’s time to strap up he is always ready to play and give his all. Scales is a typical Beamerball player, he sees most of his playing time on the special teams side of the ball. Although overlooked by many, special teams is very important, especially with the rich tradition of special teams at Virginia Tech.

Scales has been a reliable piece to the special teams here at Tech for the last two years, but his natural position is fullback. Scales will most likely compete for the starting job at fullback with Joey Phillips this off-season, who started most of the games at fullback this past season. Scales, having the experience and talent needed for special teams, will likely continue playing kickoff and kickoff coverage and his success should continue to follow. There is potential for Scales to get more playing time at fullback next season, but because of his role on special teams Scales will most likely stay where he is as far as the fullback position and as a special teamers.

By Zack Conway, sports staff writer

Height: 5-foot-9

Weight: 165 pounds

Position: Cornerback

2012 Year: Freshman

High School: Miami Central, FL

Donaldven Manning is a highly talented recruit out of Miami Central High School. Manning will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall, and will more than likely be redshirted as a freshman. Manning is one of the four star recruits that Tech was able to get this past February. He appears to be a cornerstone from this class of highly talented players.

In high school, Manning was a lock-down corner that gave opposing wide receivers troubles. Rivals ranked him as high as the No. 11 cornerback in the country and the No. 27 player in the state of Florida. ESPN Recruiting Nation had him ranked as the No. 17 cornerback in the country and No. 49 overall in Florida. When he committed to Tech on February 3, 2011 many were surprised that he choose Tech over schools like LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and even his hometown school Miami.

Look for Manning to be redshirted this upcoming season; he will probably not see any playing time because of the experience and players ahead of him. Manning will be a great addition to Bud Foster’s defense. He may be lacking in size and top-end speed, but his pure ability to play the corner position is outstanding. Look for Manning to definitely have a spot on this team in the future; with his talent and Foster’s coaching he could be another great corner to go through the Virginia Tech program.

By Zach Mariner, sports editor

In a few short hours, basketball season could be over for Virginia Tech fans.

For the third time this season their team will face off against the Clemson Tigers, hoping to get another shot at the Duke Blue Devils in the quarterfinals.

The No. 10-seeded Hokies (15-16, 4-12 ACC) will need a big game from junior point guard Erick Green, both offensively and defensively. Green ranks eighth in the conference in scoring at 15.3 points per game, and will more than likely be tasked with guarding Clemson’s most dangerous weapon, senior Andre Young, who leads the team in scoring with 13.3 points per game.

Playing without senior Victor Davila, who’s still recovering from a groin injury which caused him to miss the last three weeks of the regular season, Tech will also need an impressive from his replacement, redshirt sophomore Cadarian Raines.

Since taking over for Davila in mid-February, Raines has averaged 11.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while playing almost 32 minutes per game, including a career-high 39 against Duke on Feb. 25.

Playing in what could be his final game in the maroon and orange, Dorenzo Hudson will look to make an impact on the offensive end, where he averages 10.8 points per game, second on the team only to Green. Hudson has become known for his clutch shooting over his years in Blacksburg, so don’t be surprised if Green passes up a last-second shot to give the veteran a chance tonight.

Both of the teams’ first two meetings were decided by two points, as the Hokies won 67-65 in Blacksburg on Feb. 4, and the Tigers won 58-56 last Thursday night in Clemson. Sophomore Jarrell Eddie actually led Tech in scoring in both games, with 15 points each time.

Notes:

• Since entering the ACC before the 2004-2005 season, the Hokies have an overall record of 5-7 in the ACC Tournament.
• This year’s No. 10 seed ties for the lowest Tech has ever been in an ACC Tournament. They were also No. 10 in 2006.
• In their eight years in the league, the Hokies have been, on average, a 6-seed. Their two lowest were previously mentioned, and the were given the 3-seed for the 2007 Tournament.
• Tech has never been to the finals of the ACC Tournament, losing all three of their semifinal match-ups: NC State in 2007, North Carolina in 2008, and Duke in 2011.
• The Hokies will be facing the Clemson Tigers for the first time in their ACC Tournament history.
• Tech’s most common ACC Tournament opponent? Miami. They beat the ‘Canes in 2008 and 2009, and lost to them in 2010.
• The Hokies have the third-youngest starting lineup in the tournament, behind only Boston College and Maryland.

Photo courtesy of SPPS