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VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTEAND STATE UNIVERSITY

�� VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 1

2002 Football Schedule

Day Date Opponent Location TVSun. Aug. 25 ARKANSAS STATE Blacksburg, Va.

(Hispanic College Fund Football Classic)Sun. Sept. 1 LOUISIANA STATE Blacksburg, Va. ABCThur. Sept. 12 MARSHALL Blacksburg, Va. ESPNSat. Sept. 21 at Texas A&M College Station, TexasSat. Sept. 28 at Western Michigan Kalamazoo, Mich.Thur. Oct. 10 at Boston College* Chestnut Hill, Mass. ESPNSat. Oct. 19 RUTGERS (Homecoming)* Blacksburg, Va.Sat. Oct. 26 TEMPLE* Blacksburg, Va.Sat. Nov. 2 PITTSBURGH (Hall of Fame)* Blacksburg, Va.Sat. Nov. 9 at Syracuse* Syracuse, N.Y.Wed. Nov. 20 WEST VIRGINIA* Blacksburg, Va. ESPN2Sat. Nov. 30 VIRGINIA Blacksburg, Va.

(Dominion Virginia Power Classic)Sat. Dec. 7 at Miami* Miami, Fla. ABC

*BIG EAST Conference gameTimes and TV to be announced.

Quick FactsLocation: Blacksburg, Va.Founded: 1872Enrollment: 26,000President: Dr. Charles W. StegerAthletic Director: Jim WeaverOffice Phone: (540) 231-3977Faculty Chairman of Athletics:

Dr. Larry KilloughTicket Manager: Sandy SmithOffice Phone: (540) 231-6731Nickname: HokiesColors: Chicago maroon and burnt orangeConference: BIG EASTFootball Began: 1892All-Time Football Record:

588-401-46 (108 seasons)Stadium: Lane Stadium/Worsham FieldCapacity: 65,115Turf: GreenTech ITM natural grass

Head Coach: Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech, ’69)Best Time To Contact: Through SID OfficeRecord at VT: 107-65-2 (15 years)Overall Record: 149-88-4 (21 years)

2001 Record: 8-4(including Toyota Gator Bowl loss)

Final Ranking Last Year: 18th in both pollsConference Record (Finish): 4-3 (tied for third)Offensive System: MultipleDefensive System: 4-3Lettermen Returning: 41 (17 off., 18 def., 6 spec.)Lettermen Lost: 28 (12 off., 15 def., 1 spec.)Starters Returning: 13 (6 off., 5 def., 2 spec.)Starters Lost: 11 (5 off., 6 def., 0 spec.)

The Hokies “reach for excellence” as they take the field in

one of the great traditions of Virginia Tech football� The

Hokies’ endeavor to be the best goes far beyond Lane

Stadium� however� extending from academics and

support to facilities and anything else that can help

student�athletes reach their potential in all that they do�

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2002 Schedule, Quick Facts ..................... 1

2002 Football FeatureA look at how Virginia Tech footballis reaching for excellence ................ 3-14

The OutlookSneak Preview ........................................ 162002 Outlook ..................................... 17-25Rosters .............................................. 26-27Recruiting Class ...................................... 27Depth Chart ............................................. 28Lettermen/Returning Starters .................. 28

The CoachesStability Equals Success ......................... 30Frank Beamer ................................... 31-37BeamerBall ....................................... 38-39Assistant Coaches ............................ 40-52Assistant AD John Ballein ....................... 53Football Support Staff ............................. 54

The PlayersDressed for Success ............................... 56Player Profiles .................................. 57-111Pronunciation Guide ............................... 57Hokie Newcomers .......................... 112-115Tech’s Walk-on Program ................ 116-117The Hokies by States ............................ 118

SupportBuilding the Mind and Body .................. 120Academic Support Services .......... 121-124Student Life ................................... 125-127Athletic Performance ..................... 128-134

Strength & Conditioning .......... 128-132Sports Psychology............................133Nutrition............................................ 134

Sports Medicine ............................ 135-138Videography Department .............. 139-141Radio Network, ISP ....................... 142-143Tech’s Web Site: hokiesports.com ........ 144hokiesports the newspaper ................... 145Athletic Fund (Hokie Club) .................... 146Monogram Club .................................... 147NCAA Compliance ................................ 148

FacilitiesCurrent Projects .................................... 150Lane Stadium ................................ 151-154Lane Stadium Series, Records ..... 153, 155The Merryman Center ................... 156-157Other Athletic Facilities ................. 158-162

Last SeasonTech’s NCAA Rankings in 2001 ............ 164Season in Review ......................... 165-167Game-by-Game ............................ 168-1782001 Honor Roll .................................... 1792001 Statistics, Superlatives ......... 180-182

The BIG EASTWhat the BIG EAST Means to Tech ...... 184The BIG EAST Conference ................... 185Administration & Staff .................... 186-1872001 BIG EAST Honors ........................ 188Tech’s All-BIG EAST Players ................ 1892001 Statistics and Rankings ........ 190-191Records Held by Tech ................... 192-1932002-2003 Bowl Information ................. 194

OpponentsComposite Schedule ............................. 1962002 Opponent Information .......... 197-209Series Records vs. 2002 Opponents .... 210

Record BookTech’s NCAA Marks .............................. 212Scoring .................................................. 213Rushing ......................................... 214-215Passing ................................................. 216Pass Receiving ..................................... 217Total Offense ......................................... 218Interceptions ......................................... 219Punt Returns ......................................... 220Kickoff Returns ...................................... 221Punting & Place-kickers ........................ 222Team Defense ....................................... 223Individual Records ................................ 224Team Records ....................................... 225Season Records ........................... 226-227Miscellaneous Records ......................... 227Last Time/Longest Yards ....................... 228

CreditsMost of the pictures on the covers of this year’s Virginia Tech Football

Media Guide were taken by David Knachel, Tech assistant sports informationdirector. The NFL photos were provided by various photographers.

Knachel also provided most of the photographs inside the book. Otherphotographic contributors were Gene Dalton, Alan Kim, John Cook and WayneScarberry of The Roanoke Times, Woody Veasey, Bill Setliff, Bill Hall, RuthBabylon, Kacy Jahabini, Teri Hoover, Jim Baninger, Jim Hudelson, GregL’Heureux, Jack Gaking, David Silverman, Tom Wolf, Robert L. Smith, BryanJohnston, Damian Salas, Scott Cunningham, Dan Grogan, J.C. Ridley, the BIGEAST Conference, Frank DiBrango, Steve Franz/LSU Sports Information, NFLCommunications and Virginia Tech Visual Communications. Special thanks toRick Griffiths and Jane Talbot of the University Photo Lab.

ContributorsBryan Johnston, Assistant SID

Bill Dyer, Assistant SIDTorye Hurst, Assistant SID

Larry Hincker, Clara Cox and Sherry Bithelof the University Relations office;

Donna Smith, Sports Info. SecretaryJed Hurt, Julie Greco, SID Interns

Jimmy Robertson, Bill Roth,Kimberly Folkes.

Special Research:Ed Moore, Doug Kern

HistoryCollege Football Hall of Fame ............... 230History of Tech Football ................. 231-242Tech’s All-Americans ..................... 243-246Retired Numbers ................................... 247The Outland Trophy .............................. 248The Nagurski & Lombardi Trophies ...... 249Tech Sports Hall of Fame .............. 250-251Hokies in All-Star Games ...................... 252Southern Conference Honors ............... 252All-Time Lettermen ........................ 253-257Coaches, Captains & Records .............. 258Year-by-Year Scores ..................... 259-264Record vs. All Opponents ..................... 265Tech and the AP Rankings ............ 266-267Football Team Awards ........................... 268Tech’s Bowl History ....................... 269-2832002 Gator Bowl ................................... 283Bowl Superlatives ................................. 284Bowl Team Highs and Lows .................. 285Televised Tech Games .......................... 286

Tech’s Pro PlayersPride & Joy ............................................ 288Hokies in the Pros ......................... 289-296Tech Players in the NFL Draft ............... 297Superbowl/Pro Bowl Hokies .................. 298

The UniversityTown of Blacksburg ............................... 300This Is Virginia Tech ...................... 301-305President Charles Steger ...................... 306Director of Athletics Jim Weaver ........... 307Athletics Administration ................. 308-310Staff Directory, Photos ................... 311-312

Media InformationHokie Spirit ............................................ 314Media Information ......................... 315-317Tech Sports Information Directory ......... 315Opponent SID Information .................... 316Game Day Media Setup ........................ 317Media Outlets ........................................ 318Team Travel Headquarters .................... 319Driving Directions .................................. 319Campus Map ......................................... 320

EditorDave Smith

Sports Information Director

DesignAnne PanellaAssociate SID

David KnachelAssistant SID

PrintingSouthern Printing Company

Blacksburg, Va.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Equal Employment Affirmative Action Office, 336 Burruss Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0216 or call (540) 231-7500

Contents and Credits

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When Coach Frank Beamer took thejob at his alma mater� his goal was toreach a consistent level of excellence�Now entering his ��th season atTech� the fourth�longest active

streak in college football�Beamer has led his

teams to ninestraight bowl

games� threeBIG EAST titlesand has theHokiesconsistently“reaching forexcellence�”

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Virginia Tech has had numerous greatplayers over the years� but thereis one position that has thrustthe Hokies into the nationalspotlight more than others�Tech’s defensive ends havewon national individualawards while helping toearn the defense anannual reputationas one of thebest in theland�

The Outland Trophy.The Nagurski Award.The Lombardi Trophy.These three topindividualnational defensiveawards were wonby former Tech greatsBruce Smith (78) andCorey Moore (right).

�� VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 5�� VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 5

All-America endCornell Brown holdsTech’s storied lunchpail, which isawarded to thedefensive playerwho grades out thehighest in theprevious game.This symbol ofthe Hokies’extraordinarywork ethic istaken by thatplayer to everyworkout,meetingandgame.

Three current defensive ends — Jim Davis (95), ColsColas (99) and Nathaniel Adibi (83) — look to carry onthe Virginia Tech tradition of excellence at the position

started by Bruce Smith, Cornell Brown and Corey Moore.


From human�highlight reel MichaelVick to record�setting Don Strock�Virginia Tech has had severaloutstanding athletes over theyears on offense� The Hokieshave used a powerful runninggame and a wide�openpassing game to put upgreat numbers both onthe scoreboard and inthe ‘W’ column�

Don Strock (15) led thenation in passing yards in1972 as a classic drop-backquarterback. In 1999,Michael Vick (7, maroonjersey) took the collegegame by storm, electrifyingfans with his unbelievableknack of making theimpossible look simple.

Numerous great offensive linemen have mannedthe trenches for the Hokies over the years. Jim

Pyne (left) was Tech’s first unanimous All-Americanin 1993. Junior Jake Grove (64) is looking to follow

in the footsteps of outstanding Tech centers.

Michael Vick led theHokies to a nationalchampionship game andwon an ESPY as the CollegeFootball Performer of the Year.He was later taken as the No. 1overall pick by the AtlantaFalcons in the 2001 NFL Draft.


Tech has had some great ball carriers over the years. In 1983, Desmar Becton, Eddie Hunter and Maurice Williams (left) were tabbed the “Stallions,” and that moniker has since been applied to all Tech’s backfields. Sophomore Kevin Jones (7, above) is the latest in a long line of great runners to don the Orange and Maroon.

A single linkfrom a chain, carried

by each member of theVirginia Tech offense, is asymbol of the teamwork

the Hokies exhibit on andoff the field and serves as

a reminder of theresponsibility each

player has toassure thesuccess ofthe team.


Coach Frank Beamer takesgreat pride in Virginia Tech’sspecial teams and the nationhas taken notice of their annualexcellence� In �� SportsIllustrated did a piece onBeamer and his “Pride andJoy” as the Hokies earneda berth in the nationalchampionship game�

“The Kick” as it has come to beknown (above), gave Tech its first

bowl win in 1986, when ChrisKinzer’s boot lifted the Hokies over

N.C. State in the Peach Bowl. Tech’sall-time leading scorer, Shayne

Graham (right) earned All-BIG EASThonors four straight years and was

tabbed the conference’s SpecialTeams Player of the Year in 1999.


The Hokies havehad some greatreturn men overthe years. BryanStill (17) got the ballrolling in Tech’s 1995Sugar Bowl win overTexas with a puntreturn for atouchdown andRonyell Whitaker (2)could be the nextin a long line of greatHokie return men.

The Hokies haveblocked 90 kicks in174 games underFrank Beamer. JeffHolland had a bigblock that led to atouchdown (left)in the 1993Independence Bowl.In Tech’s near-upsetof eventual nationalchampion Miami lastyear, Eric Green (1)blocked a punt thatalso led to a score.

The Hokies have earned the prestigious Lambert Trophy twice over the past seven years, signifying Eastern football supremacy.


Quarterback Grant Noel (above left)graduated in the spring of 2002 witha degree in communication studies.

Jim Davis (top) takes time to visit patientsin a local hospital. Colin Howlett (center

at left), who works closely with thefootball team, helps Kevin Lewis and

Curtis Bradley with their studies.


Excellence … On and Off the FieldThough honored as an All-BIG EAST wide receiver and

All-America punt returner, André Davis collected most of hisaccolades for his academic achievements. He accepted theSocrates Award given to the college athlete who bestembodies the Socrates Creed “mens sana in corpore sano”or “a strong mind in a strong body.”

Davis’ top honor, though, came from the NCAA HonorsCommittee when he was named one of the NCAA’s Top VIIIAward winners. That award recognizes the student-athlete forathletics, academic achievement, character and leadership.Davis went to the NCAA Honors Dinner held in Indianapolis(right, with receiver coach Tony Ball) and was chosen by theother seven winners to speak to the audience on their behalf.

Davis also spoke to the audience at the National FootballFoundation and College Hall of Fame’s Awards Dinner inNew York on behalf of the 16 National College Scholar-Athletes. He earned an $18,000 postgraduate scholarshipwhich is handed out by the National Football Foundation to all16 winners.

Davis, a four-time member of the All-BIG EAST footballacademic team, was drafted in the second round of the NFLDraft by the Cleveland Browns.

A family atmosphere and an outstandinggroup of support personnel help provide an

environment in which all student�athletes atVirginia Tech have the opportunity to reach

their maximum potential — in the classroom�on the playing field and in life�


With the new south end zone addition (left),Lane Stadium will seat 65,115 for the 2002 season.


Artist’srenderingsshow thesuites (left)and clubareas (below)that will givefans anopportunityto watch thegame from anew angleand inultimatecomfort.

“Blacksburg is a place that has an absolutelove affair with its football program� It’s

a �� percent crazy� loud stadiumenvironment� You can go places with

�� people and Tech’s stadium is just asloud� or louder� especially for night games�”

— ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit


DeAngeloHall is just

one of a hostof young

Hokies withoutstanding

potential.

Building on the foundation formed bythe great players of the past� VirginiaTech continues to reach for excellence

in everything it does� From thefacilities to the quality of athletes�

and everything in between� the futureis bright for Virginia Tech football�

Given the process of capital funding, plans call forLane Stadium's west side to get a stunning new look(as shown above) along with additional seating,luxury suites and a refurbished press box.

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