Hokies’ secondary could surprise

By Matt De Lima  |   Sunday, August 27, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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With former cornerback talents like DeAngelo Hall and Jimmy Williams now in the NFL, it appears the Virginia Tech Hokies may have discovered a formula for finding diamonds in the rough at the DB position.

After his senior year at Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, Kam Chancellor was a three-star QB recruit who gained little recruiting attention besides Virginia Tech. You'd expect to see the Hokies redshirting this 6'4", 217 lb. true freshman; instead he's now the No. 2 field cornerback. In spring scrimmages, he simply marveled the coaches with his athleticism and instinctive feel for the game. In a recent scrimmage, he blocked a punt and had an interception. Rarely do true freshmen get a chance to shine for the Hokies but Chancellor looks like the real deal and should be able to pull it off.

"He doesn't play like a freshman," head coach Frank Beamer said about Chancellor. "He's mature and he's got football sense. I like that guy. He blocked one yesterday, too. The game just makes sense to him."

With sophomores Brandon Flowers, Victor "Macho" Harris and last year's starter, Roland Minor, the Hokies have a great set of playmakers to provide depth at the cornerback position. Their play, especially early in the season, will be crucial, considering the defensive line is sporting three new starters who need to get some real game experience under their belts.

Perhaps the player most deserving of attention in the Hokies' secondary would be rover/strong safety Aaron Rouse. With a build like an OLB, Rouse is a devastating hitter with ball-hawk mentality. Along with the top-notch tandem of inside linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, the Hokies just might have one of the best back sevens in the nation.

The coaching staff asked Rouse to be more of a leader and he has responded with much improved pass reading abilities. The Sporting News has named him the No. 3 strong safety in the nation and he will likely attract a lot of attention from the NFL this season. Somehow the Hokies manage to keep reloading every year, and this year is no exception, even with a secondary that hasn't yet received the accolades it deserves from the media.
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