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SEPT 28 ACC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK: Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech, Jr., C, Statesville, N.C.,...Made his initial start at center for the Hokies in Saturday night's 45-24 win over visiting NC State...Led an offensive line that helped Virginia Tech pick up 314 yards on the ground...The Hokies gained 7.6 yards per rushing attempt in the win. - Atlantic Coast Conference Football

(DS#21 C) rSr/2022

C Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech
News Source: Atlantic Coast Conference Football
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09/24/20 - Dax Hollifield, rSr/2023, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 232 (DS#36 ILB) + More +

Dax Hollifield sees Virginia Tech's linebackers playing a key role in ushering the Justin Hamilton-era when the team finally sees the field. The Hokies have plenty of experience on defense, with eight returning starters, but no unit is more battle-tested than the linebackers. Rayshard Ashby and Hollifield started all 13 games together last season and have 43 combined starts over the last two years. Backup outside linebacker Alan Tisdale will also have a bigger role this season. "It's going to be a lot of fun this year, just seeing how we interchange and how we play different roles this year and how we get after it this season," Hollifield said. "I expect a lot out of all three of us." Hollifield expects to play more middle linebacker this season - his more natural position - which will help all three linebackers get an equal number of reps. - Roanoke Times

(DS#36 ILB) rSr/2023

ILB Dax Hollifield, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
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09/15/20 - Devon Hunter, rSr/2022, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 220 (DS#999 SS) + More +

Virginia Tech safety Devon Hunter has been suspended indefinitely amid reports the redshirt junior was arrested this past weekend and charged with strangulation of another, a Class 6 felony, and simple assault against a family member. Hunter was booked into Montgomery County (Va.) Jail on Sunday, was scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon and continues to be held without bond, according to court records. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19. In Virginia, a Class 6 felony is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. A misdemeanor assault conviction carries a maximum of one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Hokies Coach Justin Fuente announced Monday morning that Hunter, a projected starter, had been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. He declined to be more specific about the infraction during a Zoom call with local reporters, other than to say the suspension was a stunning development. A felony triggers an automatic suspension, according to Virginia Tech's code of conduct. Hunter was among the program's most highly regarded recruits, committing to the Hokies with the enticement of playing for legendary defensive coordinator Bud Foster. He played sparingly at whip/nickel as a sophomore before the coaching staff decided to move him back to his more natural fit at rover. - Baltimore Sun

(DS#999 SS) rSr/2022

SS Devon Hunter, Virginia Tech
News Source: Baltimore Sun
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09/12/20 - Jaden Payoute, rJr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 WR) + More +

Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaden Payoute broke some injury news for his followers on Instagram. Payoute posted photos and videos of himself at the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center on Tuesday. He had a boot around his ankle early in the day and was laid up in the hospital bed later in the afternoon. Tech coach Justin Fuente confirmed the injury news in a virtual press conference on Wednesday. Fuente expects the redshirt freshman to miss an extended period of time after suffering a leg injury in practice. "It was a hard thing for everybody just because he's worked so hard to continue to improve," Fuente said. "I think he's a great example of a guy that didn't have success as soon as he stepped on campus but didn't let that deter him." Payoute was expected to play a key role at receiver this season. The Hokies had significant attrition at the position in the offseason and were looking to Payoute, along with recent grad transfers Evan Fairs and Changa Hodge, to provide them some depth behind Tre Turner and Tayvion Robinson. - Roanoke Times

(DS#999 WR) rJr/2024

WR Jaden Payoute, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
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09/09/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Wells showed on Saturday that he could make all collegiate throws, grabbing touchdown tosses on a post route to Xavier Gaines, a corner route to Talik Keaton and a deep ball to Jaron Woodyard. Wells also got all of Marshall's receiving corps active, joining with backup Luke Zban to connect with 13 different receivers, including five tight ends. "One stat that stood out was just how many receivers got a touch," Wells said. "That was something that really stood out to me and was very impressive. That's the one thing about this offense and I've said this before - I don't care who is out there with me. Every receiver is going to make a play for me, and that's one thing that's huge, going into each game."

While the Herd's 59-0 win over Eastern Kentucky was memorable, Wells said that the performance - and, effectively, the honor - is in the past and the focus is forward. When asked how he planned to spend the rest of a scheduled day off for the team during a bye week prior to the Sept. 19 contest against Appalachian State, Wells answered quickly. "Get back to work," Wells said. "I know it sounds weird to say, coming off the high we're on right now, but we've got to get back to the feeling we had before this game - that's just get back to work. We'll start preparing for App State today." - Charleston Gazette

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: Charleston Gazette
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09/07/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

SEPT 7 CONFERENCE USA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Marshall redshirt freshman QB Grant Wells completed 16-of-23 passes for 307 yards, four touchdown passes and no interceptions in just two and a half quarters of action in a 59-0 win over Eastern Kentucky. He also rushed for 30 yards on six carries. Wells, who completed his first eight passes, became the first Marshall quarterback with 300-plus passing yards in a debut, exceeding the previous record of 292 by Stan Hill vs Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 11, 2002. Wells tied the school record for most passing touchdowns in a debut with four, equaling the mark set by Hill vs. Miami and Chase Litton vs. Norfolk State in 2015. The Charleston, West Virginia native helped lead an offensive attack that generated 627 yards of total offense, 34 first downs and did not punt in a game for the first time since October 21, 2006 vs. UAB. - Conference USA Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: Conference USA Football
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09/05/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Grant Wells threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns to set and tie school records for a debut quarterback and Marshall rolled past Eastern Kentucky 59-0 on Saturday in both teams' season opener. Wells, a redshirt freshman, was 16-of-23 passing with his 307 yards besting Stan Hill's 202-yard game in 2002, and his four touchdowns tying another mark. Marshall scored on every possession - eight touchdowns and a field goal - except those cut short the half and the game's end.

Wells threw touchdown passes in the first half ranging from 2 to 42 yards to Xavier Gaines, Talik Keaton, Garet Morrell and Jaron Woodyard. Brenden Knox ran for another TD and Shane Ciucci added a field goal for a 38-0 halftime lead. Wells completed his day in the third quarter by leading another touchdown drive. The Herd added two more touchdowns and finished with eight different players scoring TDs. The Herd piled up 627 yards offense, 345 in the air and 282 on the ground. The shutout was the first for Marshall since beating Kent State 21-0 in 2017. - AP College Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: AP College Football
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09/05/20 - Nasir Peoples, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 200 (DS#60 SS) + More +

Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente announced third-year sophomore Nasir Peoples will miss the 2020 season on Wednesday. The 6-foot, 195-pound safety suffered an undisclosed injury during practice. "Really unfortunate non-contact injury," Fuente said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday. "He's been making huge strides." The defender played in 12 games last season with most of his reps coming on special teams. He played three games as a true freshman and recorded two tackles, but redshirted. Fuente noted that Peoples is the only player as of now expected to miss the opener with an injury. "Knock on wood, we've been in pretty good shape," Fuente said. "Not that we haven't had our issues but nothing like what Nasir's dealing with." Peoples has played an important role this year in helping former Archbishop Wood high school teammate Raheem Blackshear adjust to Blacksburg. The Philadelphia natives won a state title together in 2016 and Blackshear spoke about their close relationship on Wednesday. - Roanoke Times

(DS#60 SS) rSr/2024

SS Nasir Peoples, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
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09/03/20 - Raheem Blackshear, rSr/2022, Virginia Tech, 5-09, 194 (DS#51 RB) + More +

Running back Raheem Blackshear will suit up for Virginia Tech this season. Tech was shocked when Blackshear's NCAA wavier request was initially denied, but ruling was overturned on appeal and the Rutgers transfer will be eligible to play this fall. Blackshear joined the team as an early enrollee back in January with the coaching staff envisioning a multi-faceted role for the speedy back that included playing time at wide receiver and special teams.

He excelled in all three areas at Rutgers where the 5-foot-9, 192-pounder had 211 carries for 912 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 80 catches for 810 receiving yards with 12 total touchdowns. He was honorable mention all-Big Ten (as voted on by the coaches) in 2018. "I've only seen him practice football four times, but he's a pretty remarkable talent," Fuente said. "There's probably four to five positions on either side of the ball that he could play. I mean, he is talented, highly intelligent and rarely skilled. So he's kind of a unique part of that. He can play in the slot, he can play tailback. He can do a lot of stuff." - Roanoke Times

(DS#51 RB) rSr/2022

RB Raheem Blackshear, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
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08/31/20 - Grant Wells, rSr/2024, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Since arriving on Marshall's campus in January 2019, Grant Wells has approached each day visualizing that he was the starting quarterback for the Thundering Herd. That vision is now reality as Marshall head coach Doc Holliday confirmed Wells will be the Herd's starting quarterback when the team takes the field against Eastern Kentucky at 1 p.m. Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. "I just think it's his job," Holliday said. "He's settled into that position and he's always had the skill set. We knew when we recruited him that he had the skill set to make all the throws and be extremely athletic." Wells' first action as the starting quarterback for Marshall will come in front of a nationally televised audience on ESPN. However, the Herd's new quarterback said it doesn't change his mentality moving forward.

"Whether the game is on TV or not, we're still going to prepare the same," Wells said. When Wells makes the start Saturday, the Charleston native and former George Washington High School standout will become the first in-state quarterback to start for the Herd since Mark Zban did so Sept. 16, 1995, against Georgia Southern - 25 years ago. Wells' arm strength has stood out during Marshall's camp, and that is not limited to being in the pocket. Some of Wells' top throws have come on the move, which offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey said is one of his best attributes. - Charleston Gazette

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
News Source: Charleston Gazette
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08/28/20 - Changa Hodge, rSr/2022, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 196 (DS#63 WR) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Changa Hodge, Virginia Tech,... Hodge led Villanova in receiving a year ago and was one of the most dynamic receivers at the FCS level in 2019, posting 65 catches and going over the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career with 1,118 yards and 13 TDs. Those 13 TDs tied for sixth among FCS players while his 1,118 yards tied for 14th. - Virginia Tech Football

(DS#63 WR) rSr/2022

WR Changa Hodge, Virginia Tech
News Source: Virginia Tech Football
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08/28/20 - Divine Deablo, rSr/2021, Virginia Tech, 6-3, 226 (DS#2 SS) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech,...Deablo started all 13 games at free safety in 2019 and finished second on the squad with a career-best 84 tackles (42 solo)...Also had an INT, a forced fumble and a 98-yard fumble return TD. - Virginia Tech Football

(DS#2 SS) rSr/2021

SS Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech
News Source: Virginia Tech Football
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08/17/20 - Jadan Blue, rSr/2023, Virginia Tech, 5-11, 192 (DS#177 WR) + More +

Temple Football head coach Rod Carey announced that three players have been awarded single-digit jerseys. Safety Amir Tyler moves from number 25 to number 3, cornerback Christian Braswell moves from number 14 to number 2, and wide receiver Jadan Blue switches from number 18 to number 5. A Temple tradition that was originally instituted by then head coach Al Golden in 2009, the awarding of single-digits has become one of the most symbolic in all of college football. The toughest players, on and off the field, as awarded by their teammates, has become an identity and badge of honor to those who are deemed "Temple Tuff." In fact, several other college football programs have copied the tradition. - Temple Football

(DS#177 WR) rSr/2023

WR Jadan Blue, Virginia Tech
News Source: Temple Football
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08/15/20 - Raheem Blackshear, rSr/2022, Virginia Tech, 5-09, 194 (DS#51 RB) + More +

So much is different for college football programs as they try to prepare for the possibility of a 2020 season this fall. But at Virginia Tech, one thing remains the same - the Hokies can't get a break from the NCAA when it comes to player waivers. Rutgers transfer running back Raheem Blackshear had his request to play this season at Tech denied by the NCAA, coach Justin Fuente said the team learned Thursday. "We were shocked and saddened by that," Fuente said Friday during an online media session. "Raheem was shocked. Our administration feels like we have a very strong case." Fuente said Tech will appeal the decision. "This comes through our administration and compliance," Fuente said. "But they feel good about our stance. They were surprised and I'm cautiously optimistic we can turn it around in relatively short order." - Roanoke Times

(DS#51 RB) rSr/2022

RB Raheem Blackshear, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
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08/10/20 - TyJuan Garbutt, rSr/2023, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 268 (DS#61 DE) + More +

Virginia Tech is down another defensive starter heading into camp. The Hokies originally were expected to return all but one defensive starter from the 2019 season before receiving news last week that first-team All-ACC defensive back Caleb Farley was opting out of the season. Before the team's first practice on Friday, Tech coach Justin Fuente added a second name to the list when he announced that the Hokies will likely be without defensive end TyJuan Garbutt as the Fredericksburg native remains at home dealing with a family issue.

"This is non-COVID, certainly non-discipline related," Fuente said. "This is a family matter, a personal family matter that he's having to deal with. I do not know -- he's still on scholarship, he's going to go to school this fall. I do not know if he'll play. It's a fairly serious deal with his family." Garbutt had 31 tackles (13 solo) with 3.5 tackles for a loss, a sack and eight quarterback hurries. He dealt with a collarbone injury early in the year after being taken out on what the coaching staff thought was an illegal blindside block in the team's season-opener against Boston College. He left the game after the second offensive series and missed the next two games. - Roanoke Times

(DS#61 DE) rSr/2023

DE TyJuan Garbutt, Virginia Tech
News Source: Roanoke Times
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