Jarrod Hewitt, Virginia Tech Football News: Draft Scout Player News

10/28/20 - DT Jarrod Hewitt, rSr/2021, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech defensive tackle Jarrod Hewitt looked like he didn't agree with the officials on Saturday afternoon when they upheld a targeting call early in the third quarter of a 23-16 loss to Wake Forest. Hewitt lost his temper as strength and conditioning staff member Ryan Shuman was tasked with escorting him to the locker room, but that wasn't easy. The senior defender had to be restrained as he screamed at the officials and threw his helmet. The outburst resulted in an additional 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. "The way it's officiated with targeting is what it is, but it's the other ones that are unforced, it's just been uncharacteristic of us," Fuente said. The targeting call came on a play where Tech's defensive line ganged up to bring Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman down for a sack. Hartman rolled out to his right and was nearly dragged down by Justus Reed. He managed to stay on his feet, but didn't have time to recover and was hit by Hewitt from behind with Rayshard Ashby and Alan Tisdale jumping on the pile.

Hartman was shaken up on the play, and replay showed Hewitt led with the crowd of his helmet. Wake Forest was in field goal range by the time the officials walked off the 30-yards in penalties - kicker Nick Sciba hit a 46-yard field goal to give his team a 20-10 lead on the drive - but Hewitt's teammates came to his defense after the game. "He's a real vocal leader as well as just demonstrating hard work and the Virginia Tech mentality of hard, smart and tough," Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker said. "I feel his pain. I felt his pain when he was ejected and he's a competitor. And if you're not, if you're not sad or upset that you're not able to compete, then something's wrong. So it's 100 percent natural if you're a real competitor that your emotions are going to show." - Roanoke Times

rSr/2021