Tech looking to replace three NFL-bound Hokies

By Nate Crossman  |   Monday, May 01, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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Three Virginia Tech Hokies were taken on the first day of the NFL Draft: Jimmy Williams, Darryl Tapp and James Anderson. Although they weren't necessarily the three best players, each one filled an important role on the team.

Williams, a defensive back, was arguably the Hokies' best athlete, and also represented the team's wild side. In fact, it's that wild side, or as NFL executives refer to it, “character issues," that caused Williams to drop to the second round. Tapp, a defensive lineman, was the Hokies' heart and soul. He regularly showed up bigger offensive lineman on the field, and off of it he was often the team spokesman and kept things running smooth in the locker room. Finally, Anderson, an outside linebacker, was the Hokies' inspiration. A deeply spiritual person, he transformed himself from good but not great player into a third-round draft pick through countless hours in the weight room and offseason program.

Williams, Tapp and Anderson are gone. What players on the roster are going to take their place?

Williams was a big talent, so it's going to take someone with an equal amount to fill his shoes. The player that fits that description right now is Victor “Macho" Harris, a sophomore cornerback who could also play some running back. Harris received playing time as a freshman at both cornerback and on special teams, so he already has the experience. And with a nickname like Macho, it's safe to say he has the bravado to match Williams, and his wild-child predecessor, DeAngelo Hall.

Tapp will be tougher to replace. It might take two players: Redshirt junior linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall. Both players are freakish athletes in the same mold as Tapp. Adibi is a little light to play linebacker, but makes up for it with speed and intensity. Hall is a little on the small and heavy side, but led the team last year with 112 tackles. Hall and Adibi have been in the spotlight since they were redshirt freshman, so they will also be able to fill the roles of team spokesmen and locker room leaders.

Who will replace Anderson as whip linebacker, which in the Hokies' defensive scheme is a linebacker/defensive back hybrid, is a tough call. Redshirt junior Corey Gordon has the inside track He's had plenty of time to master the system and appears to have finally caught on. And he is an intimidating physical specimen at 6-foot-2, 228-pounds, with speed. A dark horse pick is Brenden Hill, a converted wide receiver. Hill's claim to fame so far in his career is that he was one of three Virginia Tech Hokies, along with Marcus Vick and Mike Imoh, which were suspended two years ago for hosting an off-campus party that led to contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges. After four lackluster years, the redshirt senior appears to be embracing his final chance.

The NFL Draft happens every year, and players come and go. Someone has to replace them. Who will it be in 2006?
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