After a long offseason, Virginia Tech will open practice for the 2013 football season on Monday night at 7pm.
Here are the key dates for the preseason…
August 5: Practice #1, 7pm
August 10: Media Day, Noon-2pm
August 10: Scrimmage #1, 7pm, open to public
August 17: Scrimmage #2, 7pm, open to public
August 24: Scrimmage #3, 11am, closed to public
August 26: Classes begin, game week preparations for Alabama begin
Almost all practices in the preseason will begin at 7pm, which is a slight change from the past.
TSL will be on hand for all media opportunities during the preseason. That includes Mondays (selected coaches), Tuesdays (top 8 offensive players as selected by the media) and Wednesdays (top 8 defensive players selected by the media) of each week, both open scrimmages, and Media Day.
Abbott to transfer, while Beiro gives up football
Placekicker Brooks Abbot, who handled Virginia Tech's kickoff duties for much of last season, has elected to transfer. He came to Blacksburg as a US Army All-American, and he did not redshirt last season. However, Tech has a commitment from 2014 kicker Michael Santamaria, and Richmond transfer Remington Hinshaw is sitting out this year as well.
Fullback Riley Beiro injured his shoulder early last season, and he never got over the subsequent surgery. He has decided to give up football for medical reasons after playing in 20 career games for the Hokies.
Greg Gadell (r-Jr.) and Fuller Hoepner (r-Jr.) were tied atop the depth chart at fullback coming out of spring practice. This will battle it out for the starting job this month.