Going into 2005, the Virginia Tech Hokies appear loaded in the offensive
skill positions, and the defense seems rock solid on the line and linebacking
corps. But the D still has a large question mark in the secondary, where only
one of the four D-backs is a returning starter. It helps when that “only one”
is all-American Jimmy Williams, but still, the lack of experience in the
defensive backfield is a major cause for concern heading into this season.


Three of the starting DBs from last year’s team were NFL caliber; two are
now playing professional football and the other¾Jimmy
Williams¾returned to
play his senior season with the Hokies. Playing second fiddle to talent like
that is no knock on a player, particularly when the backup players are
underclassmen. Backing up Eric Green last year was a true freshman, D. J.
Parker. Parker played in over 100 snaps for the 2004 season, registering 10
tackles and forcing a fumble. He has 4.37 speed. While backing up Jimmy
Williams, Roland Minor played in all 13 games, where he recorded 15 tackles,
five pass break-ups, and two interceptions. He has 4.35 speed, hits hard, and
makes plays. After the 2004 regular season, The Sporting News named Minor to the
All-ACC Defensive Freshman Team. Though Minor and Parker are not returning
starters, they come to the field with significant playing time.