Tight end trouble for the Hokies

By Nate Crossman  |   Friday, July 21, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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The tight end position for the Virginia Tech Hokies might as well be called the Island of Misfit Players.

Of the three on the depth chart - Ed Wang, Sam Wheeler and Greg Boone - only Wang was recruited as a tight end. Wheeler did not play the position until he arrived in Blacksburg, and Boone played quarterback as recently as the spring.

It wasn't always like this. As recently as two years ago, the Hokies appeared loaded at the tight end position. Jeff King was a standout tight end in high school, and he was a standout in college, earning second-team All-ACC honors his junior year and last season. The heir-apparent to King appeared to be Duane Brown, who showed more athleticism than King during practice. But Brown was moved to offensive tackle, and John Kinzer was moved from fullback to tight end in order to back-up King last season. Kinzer showed promise, but repeated neck injuries forced him to call it quits after the spring.

Having a mish-mash of position players at the tight end position isn't cause for alarm. But not having any clear-cut talent at the position is. At 6-5, 270 pounds, Wang would appear to be the odds-on favorite to win the position. But his media guide blurb is peppered with phrases like: "Needs to buy into the Hokies' strength and conditioning program," and "has to continue learning the system." That's coach speak for, "One million miles away from ready to play."

Wheeler appears stuck between positions. He was a star running back in high school and played a little bit of everything in prep school. At 6-3, 265, coaches believe he needs to get stronger, but may be forced to use him if no incoming freshmen step up.

Boone is definitely the wild card. He was a top quarterback recruit coming out of high school, but never had a chance to compete for the position with the Hokies because of weight issues and injury. Despite carrying around 270 pounds on his 6-3 frame, he was still able to be a standout quarterback and defensive back, which should say something about his athletic ability. Coaches have also left the door open for him to move back to quarterback.

Adding to the uncertainty about the position is the fact that none of the three have ever played a snap in a real game.

Whoever wins the quarterback position will want a safety blanket. For the last two years it has been King. Who it will be this year has yet to be determined. The answer could be none of the above.

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