Virginia Tech football stars treat fans at Lane Stadium to one successful season after another, but what about on the next level? The sports world knows all about Michael Vick’s and DeAngelo Hall’s capabilities, but other Hokie standouts are also making splashes on the NFL level. This year’s recent NFL draftees of Aaron Rouse, David Clowney and Brandon Frye will hope to follow in the successes of their fellow Hokies on the professional level.
The 2006 NFL Draft had nine Hokies drafted to play professionally. Defensive end Darryl Tapp was the first player selected at 31st overall in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks. Criticisms for his smaller size at the defensive end position led to his first round snub by several teams. Tapp proceeded to quiet all of his doubters early in his rookie season. He impressed Seahawks personnel during the preseason and saw immediate play in his first year. The transition from college to the NFL at the defensive end position is often a process that takes a few seasons, but Tapp thrived early to become an eventual starter. His 33 tackles, one interception, and three-sack season showed the Seahawks what Virginia Tech defense is all about.
Jimmy Williams was the next to go in the 2006 draft to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons boast Virginia Tech’s most popular NFL stars in Michael Vick and DeAngelo Hall, so the pick seemed to fit quite well. Williams was feared for his shutdown abilities at the NCAA level and the NFL was no different. Not unlike his fellow defensemen Darryl Tapp, Williams impressed early. He saw play from the start of the season and continued to improve. Despite a few midseason injuries, Williams was a starter by season’s end. A late season test against the Carolina Panthers had Williams shadowing veteran receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Williams held Johnson to just one pass the whole game in a playoff-like atmosphere. The Falcons currently have Williams shifted over to the starting free safety for the beginning of the 2007 season.
The Carolina Panthers scored three Hokies in the 2006 draft and all three saw playing time in their rookie seasons. Linebacker James Anderson locked down 21 tackles in his first season with the majority coming in the final five games of the season. He concluded the year with a 3 tackle and 2 sack performance against the divisional champion New Orleans Saints.
Despite being involved in an automobile accident recently in Blacksburg, offensive lineman Will Montgomery has moved up the Panthers depth chart to be the back-up at the left outside guard position. Also playing a back-up position for the Panthers is Tech two sport athlete Jeff King. He is currently the Panthers second choice at tight end and should see increased play during goal line and short yardage situations.
Quarterback Bryan Randall has traveled to three teams in his short NFL career. He was picked up as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons shortly after the 2006 draft and then moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Randall has since moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will be battling with Brian St. Pierre of Boston College for the third string position in Pittsburgh. Randall’s cool head and leadership abilities continue to attract attention from NFL front offices. Look for him to win the third string position in Pittsburgh.
Virginia Tech Hokie players display a hard-nosed toughness that fans adore in the NFL. Tech players display a consistency in their play that allows them to move up on team depth charts year after year. This year’s crop of Rouse, Clowney, Frye and a few other free agents will continue to impress on the NFL level.
