Draft Scout Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20 Player News, College Football: Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20

Suspended Virginia Tech safety Devon Hunter made his initial court appearance Thursday and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Hunter appeared before Judge Robert Viar in the Montgomery Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court as a result of his arrest in September on multiple assault charges. Viar accepted the request and the case will be presented to a grand jury Jan. 26. Before signing an affidavit acknowledging he understood the request, Hunter made the sign of the cross. He was represented by Patrick Kenney, a Roanoke attorney, and accompanied at the hearing by his mother. Kenney declined to comment on the case after the hearing. Hunter was arrested Sept. 13 on charges of felony strangulation to cause wound or injury and misdemeanor assault against a family member. - Roanoke Times

(DS#999 SS) rSr/2022

SS Devon Hunter, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
Share/Comment: Here

11/21/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Saturday was a special game for Marshall University's football team for many reasons. Obviously, the 42-14 win over Middle Tennessee fell on the date of the 1970 Marshall plane crash, giving the Thundering Herd a fitting tribute to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the greatest sports tragedy in history. In looking at the contest, however, it may remembered in the future for another side note that seems vital to the Herd's future. On Saturday, quarterback Grant Wells took a major step from being a game manager for a veteran offense to taking the team on his back en route to a win. Middle Tennessee loaded the box to take away reigning Conference USA Most Valuable Player Brenden Knox and Marshall's rushing attack, but Wells' precision made the Blue Raiders pay consistently.

"That's the next step that we've taken as an offense," Marshall head coach Doc Holliday said. "When people take certain things away, then we've got to be able to execute, win on the outside and throw the ball around a little bit, which we did." Wells said the rushing attack and passing attack are built to make each aspect stronger as a collective. "The run opens up the pass and the pass opens up the run," Wells said. "If the run isn't hitting for 15 or 10 a play, we're going to have to start hitting them deep and start throwing the ball to open the run game. When one's not working, we've got to rely on the pass a little bit more." - Charleston Gazette

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: Charleston Gazette
Share/Comment: Here

11/21/20 - Keshon Artis, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 5-11, 246 (DS#999 ILB) + More +

Virginia Tech linebacker Keshon Artis and defensive end Zion Debose have opted out of the 2020 season with three games left to play. They were two of the 11 players listed as unavailable against Miami on Saturday. "The conversation with them was like, classes are going to go all online at Thanksgiving and they would, I would imagine, just stay home," Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said Monday. Artis has been a stand out special teams player this season for the Hokies and wore Frank Beamer's No. 25 jersey against Louisville. The third-year sophomore had three tackles (two solo) in seven games this season. The linebacker played in four games last season before deciding to redshirt with limited playing time available at his position behind Rayshard Ashby. Debose has been in and out of the lineup this season. After playing in the season-opener against Boston College, he missed three of Tech's next four games. He had six tackles (one solo) and a sack this season. The fourth-year junior missed the entire 2019 season after suffering a foot injury during fall camp. - Roanoke Times

(DS#999 ILB) rSr/2024

ILB Keshon Artis, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
Share/Comment: Here

11/16/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

NOV 16 CONFERENCE USA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Marshall redshirt freshman QB Grant Wells completed 25-of-37 passes for 336 yards and five touchdowns (most ever by a Thundering Herd freshman) in a 42-14 victory over Middle Tennessee Saturday afternoon at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The contest was Marshall's annual game to remember those lost in the Southern Airways Flight 932 crash of 1970. Wells' numbers all represented career-highs and league-highs for the weekend. The Charleston, West Virginia native, who had 39 yards on the ground, also earned a helmet sticker from ESPN for his efforts. Wells threw one touchdown each to wideouts Corey Gammage and Willie Johnson, who had a career day himself with eight grabs for 137 yards. The other went to tight end Hayden Hagler from one yard out. Wells' 7-0 record as Marshall's starting quarterback ties him with Chase Litton for the second-longest win streak to start a career as the starting signal-caller in program history. - Conference USA Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: Conference USA Football
Share/Comment: Here

11/14/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Quarterback Grant Wells grew up knowing the story of Marshall football. The 1970 plane crash. The university's decision to continue playing. The winning years that eventually would come. And the importance of representing the school and honoring the fallen on the crash's silver anniversary. The redshirt freshman threw a season-high five touchdown passes and No. 16 Marshall commemorated the 50th anniversary of the worst disaster in U.S. sports history with a 42-14 victory over Middle Tennessee on Saturday. "We knew that this game was going to mean so much to this fan base and this community," Wells said "That's huge, no matter wherever we're playing or whoever we're playing. The fact that we could do this on the 50th anniversary is amazing."

Marshall (7-0, 4-0 Conference USA) got another standout performance from its defense and turned three turnovers into scores on a day when the university remembered the 75 people killed on Nov. 14, 1970. "Just a great day," Marshall coach Doc Holliday said. "A special day." Marshall wore special black uniforms and the No. 75 on its helmets to honor those who were lost, which included most of the Thundering Herd football team. The crash occurred as the team's plane was returning from a game at East Carolina. There were no survivors. Wells played high school football 50 miles away in Charleston and learned about the tragedy starting as a young child. "Walking out, there were a lot of emotions," Wells said. "Then after that, I had to snap back into playing Middle Tennessee." And play, he did. After several early overthrows, Wells found his groove and Marshall kept the momentum for good. Wells finished 25 of 37 for 336 yards, all season highs. Two of his TD passes each went to Corey Gammage and Willie Johnson. - AP College Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

11/09/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

NOV 9 CONFERENCE USA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Thundering Herd redshirt freshman QB Grant Wells recorded 257 yards of total offense in Saturday's 51-10 win over UMass in Joan C. Edwards Stadium. He completed 21-of-30 passes to seven different receivers for 228 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) to go with 29 more yards on the ground. Wells had touchdown tosses of 19 yards to Corey Gammage in the second quarter and 13 and 16-yards to tight end Xavier Gaines in the third quarter. The Charleston, West Virginia signal-caller led a Thundering Herd attack that registered 495 yards of total offense and clicked at an average of 6.8 yards per play. Through six games, he ranks in the top four in Conference USA in pass efficiency (2nd, 155.9), passing average (3rd, 223.0) and total offense (4th, 242.3). - Conference USA Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: Conference USA Football
Share/Comment: Here

11/09/20 - Khalil Herbert, rSr/2021, Virginia Tech, 5-09, 210 (DS#18 RB) + More +

Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert's kickoff return with 9:46 left in the first quarter was his first and only play of the game. A few minutes after the 12-yard return a Tech spokesperson confirmed Herbert was ruled out for the rest of the game with a hamstring injury. The Kansas transfer came into the game with 803 rushing yards (8.4 yards per carry) with six touchdowns. Coach Justin Fuente was tight-lipped about Hebert's status in his post game press conference. "He played one play and his hamstring was bothering him," Fuente said. "It's been a little bit of an issue for a little while." Tech relied on quarterback Hendon Hooker to power the team's rushing attack in the loss. Hooker ran the ball 20 times (one shy of his career high) for 156 yards. Rutgers transfer Raheem Blackshear had nine carries for 33 yards and Jalen Holston had one carry for 12 yards. - Roanoke Times

(DS#18 RB) rSr/2021

RB Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
Share/Comment: Here

11/08/20 - Khalil Herbert, rSr/2021, Virginia Tech, 5-09, 210 (DS#18 RB) + More +

By now, you've heard about Herbert's skills running the football. He's second in the nation in yards per carry (8.36), fourth in rushing yards per game (133.8) and has rushed for at least 100 yards in five of six games. Those eye-popping numbers have him in consideration for postseason honors as one of the nation's top tailbacks. What gets lost in his ability to be an explosive running back is what he brings in the kickoff return game, which is why he is among the national leaders in all-purpose yards per game (nearly 206). Herbert is averaging 31.8 yards on 10 kickoff returns, and he's been able to give the Hokies good starting field position when he's able to return a kickoff. When Herbert is able to touch the ball, he has proven he can make something happen. - Lynchburg News and Advance

(DS#18 RB) rSr/2021

RB Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
News Source: Lynchburg News and Advance
Share/Comment: Here

11/08/20 - Chamarri Conner, rSr/2023, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 209 (DS#15 FS) + More +

The 6-foot junior is the only defensive back to play in every game this season and has been asked to play most every conceivable position in the secondary. That extended playing time has benefitted Conner, who has developed into a reliable option. He leads the team with 48 tackles and he's the only player with more than 20 solo tackles (34). Conner has made plays in the passing game (two pass breakups and an interception) and when he's needed to be around the line of scrimmage (2.5 tackles for a loss, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble). - Lynchburg News and Advance

(DS#15 FS) rSr/2023

FS Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
News Source: Lynchburg News and Advance
Share/Comment: Here

11/02/20 - Brock Hoffman, rSr/2022, Virginia Tech, 6-4, 302 (DS#21 C) + More +

NOV 2 ACC CO-OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK: Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech, Jr., C, Statesville, N.C.,...Led a stout effort up front that helped the Hokies rush for 283 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 42-35 win at Louisville...Virginia Tech averaged 5.5 yards per rushing attempt versus the Cardinals. - ACC Football

(DS#21 C) rSr/2022

C Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech
News Source: ACC Football
Share/Comment: Here

11/02/20 - Chamarri Conner, rSr/2023, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 209 (DS#15 FS) + More +

NOV 2 ACC DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK: Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech, Jr., CB, Jacksonville, Fla.,...Tied for the team lead with nine total tackles and registered a pass breakup in the Hokies' 42-35 win at Louisville...Also recorded his first interception of the season, one of three by Virginia Tech's secondary in the ACC road game. - ACC Football

(DS#15 FS) rSr/2023

FS Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
News Source: ACC Football
Share/Comment: Here

10/28/20 - Jarrod Hewitt, rSr/2021, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 290 (DS#34 DT) + More +

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

(DS#34 DT) rSr/2021

DT Jarrod Hewitt, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
Share/Comment: Here

10/24/20 - Khalil Herbert, rSr/2021, Virginia Tech, 5-09, 210 (DS#18 RB) + More +

Kansas graduate transfer Khalil Herbert is averaging an FBS-best 148 yards rushing for Virginia Tech. Herbert had a 291-yard performance in 2017, but had just three 100-yard outings in 35 career games with Kansas. He's already had four with the Hokies and had 357 all-purpose yards – most in FBS this year – at Duke. - AP College Football

(DS#18 RB) rSr/2021

RB Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

10/23/20 - Dorian Strong, rSr/2025, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 185 (DS#22 CB) + More +

Tech freshman cornerback Dorian Strong has also played an unexpectedly key role in the secondary with the Hokies missing at least one scholarship corner in each of their first four games. Strong's first career start came in Week 2 when he was the only scholarship cornerback available. He was back in the starting lineup against Boston College with Jeramine Waller out of the lineup. The Maryland native went under the radar on the recruiting trail with his size - he's listed at 6-foot-0, 174-pounds - scaring most Power 5 teams off. The Hokies had no such reservations after seeing him play at one of their summer camps. Tech thought Strong would have time to develop coming into the season with All-ACC corners Caleb Farley and Jermaine Waller, but Farley opted out and Waller's lingering foot injury limited him throughout the season.

Strong, who has seven tackles (six solo) with a team-high three pass breakups, hasn't played like a typical freshman. "I think Dorian Strong is just a big-time player, and he works really hard at practice every day," Virginia Tech safety Divine Deablo said. "He's going to be big time. I already know. I can see it in his eyes. He comes to work and I think that has the biggest impact on him." Devin Taylor echoed Deablo's thoughts. "The biggest thing I see in him is just the confidence he has in himself," Taylor said. "He really has confidence in himself and like even in practice if he gets a ball caught on him he'll come back the next play and won't let it happen. He really just has a lot of confidence in himself really." - Roanoke Times

(DS#22 CB) rSr/2025

CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
Share/Comment: Here

10/21/20 - Raheem Blackshear, rSr/2022, Virginia Tech, 5-09, 194 (DS#51 RB) + More +

Blackshear's modest numbers in the 40-14 win - three carries for 33 yards with a touchdown, one catch for 9 yards - paled in comparison to the ones put by Hooker (275 total yards and four touchdowns) and Khalil Herbert (200-plus all-purpose yards), but the touchdown run was the kind of explosive play he hasn't made yet this season. "He came back (to practice) the day before the N.C. State game and was limited, hurt his hamstring and didn't practice much the next week," Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said after the game. "He's kind of found his footing." The longest play from scrimmage for Blackshear going into Saturday's game was a 14-yard run in the opener. He had four carriers go for 10 or more yards in the first two games, but none last week against North Carolina. He had seven rushes of 20 yards or more in his first two years at Rutgers and five receptions of 25 yards or more.

"He keeps working hard," Herbert said. "That was just really good run by him, I just loved to see that. He made some guys miss, broke a couple tackles, and you seen his speed on the outside." Fuente still envisions Blackshear developing into a dual threat of sorts at running back and receiver. Blackshear had a history of success at Rutgers in the multi-faceted role - as a sophomore he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten with 1,136 all-purpose yards - but during his slow start has only played a limited number of snaps in the slot receiver role. He came into Saturday's game with 31 carries for 120 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and three catches for one yard. Blackshear's teammates believe it's only a matter of time before he's able to consistently put his full skill set on display. - Roanoke Times

(DS#51 RB) rSr/2022

RB Raheem Blackshear, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
Share/Comment: Here

Previous 15 Notes

|Back to Page One|

Next 15 Notes

Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 56

Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 57

Virginia Tech Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

** Draft Scout Data **
(Everything Online PLUS)

Support Draft Scout

The Database Engine for NFLDraftScout.com, Draft Scout is being repurposed...Support the Future Development of ScoutNation.com...

Draft Scout Archives

** 2010-2022 Draft Scout Archives **
(Yearly Player Data Exports, Prospect Lists & More)

Draft Scout Future

100% Dedicated and Never Done

80% Innovated

45% Hidden

35% Built

2025 CFB/2025-2029 NFL Draft Scout

2024 CFB/2024-2028 NFL Draft Scout

2023 CFB/2024-2027 NFL Draft Scout

NFL Draft Scout History

2022 Draft Scout

Draft Scout by Conference

2023 Draft Scout Offense

2023 Draft Scout Defense

2022 Draft Scout Offense

2022 Draft Scout Defense

Virginia Tech Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

Support Draft Scout

Draft Scout Archives

Draft Scout Future

Synergization

Did You Know?

Hidden Designs

Future Development