Hokies’ Holt heading to wide receiver

By Nate Crossman  |   Thursday, September 21, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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It's been an interesting week for the Virginia Tech Hokies to say the least. Wide receiver David Clowney had an emergency appendectomy Thursday and running back George Bell remained at home in North Carolina, as it appears his injury-plagued career might be over. The most interesting development, however, might be backup quarterback Cory Holt moving to wide receiver.

The Hokies had been toying with the idea for several weeks, with Holt stuck behind starter Sean Glennon and splitting time with Ike Whitaker. He'd work out a little with the wide receivers, a little with the QBs. But this week he removed the yellow jersey quarterbacks wear and worked at receiver exclusively. And now that Clowney is unavailable, he'll most likely see time against Cincinnati as the fifth receiver.

First off, let it be known that the Hokies have a recent history of turning quarterbacks into receivers, at least on a part-time basis. In Marcus Vick's redshirt freshman year, he played wide receiver in the Insight Bowl against the California Bears. He played it very well, in fact, catching four passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Alas, Vick moved back to QB two years later, and we all know how that ended.

Vick's predecessor, Bryan Randall, enjoyed a relatively successful career, considering he didn't possess any of the physical gifts of either Vicks. He started in both the Insight and Sugar Bowl. But no matter how proficiently he ran the offense, there always seemed to be a desire by Hokie Nation to move him to receiver, or defensive back because of his size. Technically the Hokies did it this year when they moved Greg Boone to tight end. But Boone never played a snap at quarterback, and it's doubtful he ever would have.

Holt should do well. At 6-foot-4, 227-pounds, he's a big, athletic target. Head coach Frank Beamer is already comparing him to former Arkansas quarterback turned Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones. But most important of all, Holt is willing. He wants to play, and if his quickest way onto the field is wide receiver, then so be it.

And if it doesn't work out, Beamer has already said that Holt will be able to give quarterback another try in the spring. But don't hold your breath on that one. With Holt having a real chance to succeed as a receiver, and Whitaker and several other better quarterbacks in the pipeline, this move looks permanent.

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