Aggressive Defensive Backs, A Quarterback Rotation And The Plan For Cole Beck

Andy Bitter

Senior Staff Writer

August 03, 2023 41

Virginia Tech safety Jaylen Jones has caught others' attention through two days of fall camp. (Ivan Morozov)

Virginia Tech didn’t have much going offensively in a red-zone 7-on-7 drill during Thursday’s practice, though tight end Nick Gallo had a sliver of space in the back of the end zone on one play. Safety Jaylen Jones closed fast, however, batting away the throw for an incompletion.

This article is for TSL Pass subscribers

Get full access to premium articles, recruiting intel, and analysis from the team that's covered Virginia Tech sports since 1996.

Subscribe Now Already a subscriber? Log in

Related Recruits

Antonio Cotman Jr. 2023 · CB Ishmael Findlayter 2023 · DE Cameren Fleming 2023 · CB Takye Heath 2023 · WR Braylon Johnson 2023 · CB Dante Lovett 2023 · CB Jonathan Pennix 2023 · WR Mose Phillips 2023 · S Aycen Stevens 2023 · LB Krystian Williams 2023 · ATH Thomas Williams 2023 · S Ezekiel Wimbush 2023 · TE Caleb Woodson 2023 · LB Devin Alves 2022 · ATH Xavier Chaplin 2022 · OL Mansoor Delane 2022 · CB Johnny Dickson 2022 · OL Johnny Garrett 2022 · OL Tucker Holloway 2022 · WR Malachi Madison 2022 · DT Brody Meadows 2022 · OL Braelin Moore 2022 · DT Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw 2022 · ATH Kyron Drones 2021 · QB Jack Hollifield 2021 · TE Jaylen Jones 2021 · WR Da\'Wain Lofton 2021 · WR Bob Schick 2021 · OL Jalen Stroman 2021 · S Parker Clements 2020 · OL Keonta Jenkins 2020 · S Jaylin Lane 2020 · WR Kaden Moore 2020 · OL Dorian Strong 2020 · CB Derrick Canteen 2019 · CB Nick Gallo 2019 · TE Jesse Hanson 2019 · OL Ali Jennings 2019 · WR Grant Wells 2019 · QB Cole Beck 2018 · RB

Article Virginia Tech Football Subscription Content

2023 Preseason Camp

Share This Article

Twitter/X Facebook

41 Comments

Coattail Hokie August 4, 2023 at 1:40 PM

I have a thought on the QB rotation as mentioned. If our offensive line improves and there's an average running game, then Wells should have more time for this throws. If the line can't block then the mobile Drones will the QB. Let's hope for the former.
moneal August 4, 2023 at 11:34 AM

How many of those punt returners: a) caught the ball b) actually ran with the ball
1. Andy Bitter August 4, 2023 at 2:31 PM
  
  They all caught it pretty well. Wasn't exactly a live drill, so tough to gauge the second part.
Blake843 August 4, 2023 at 11:25 AM

Andy, what did the depth chart look like at DE and LB’s?
1. Andy Bitter August 4, 2023 at 2:30 PM
  
  DE 1st: Nelson, APR 2nd: McCray, Burgos LB Mike: Keller, McDonald Will: Lawson, Tisdale Star: Jenkins, Cotman/Woodson
burchettjr August 4, 2023 at 9:12 AM

NEW....BAD ASS OC PLEASE!
Roland Lazenby August 4, 2023 at 8:55 AM

It would work to have a variety of click responses to comments, like facebook, especially a laugh function.
Two4VT August 4, 2023 at 8:54 AM

(TIC) It is nearly impossible to understate how excited I am for a QB rotation. I guess since blocking and running the ball were so well outside our schematic capabilities last year, we should probably level up and do the one thing that almost nobody ever does well.
WOJO August 4, 2023 at 7:30 AM

Great to see a position change possibly work out for Jaylen Jones. Thank you for such good info so early Here's to pulling for two surprise linemen on both sides of the ball to step up......
Smirnoff August 4, 2023 at 5:47 AM

Love this article…thanks Andy!
1. Motor City Hokie August 4, 2023 at 10:31 AM
  
  Yes. All good Stuff.
namibiahoke August 4, 2023 at 2:54 AM

Cole Beck, now there is a name from the past! Coach F showed some reluctance in recruiting him, eventually did and.... 'pfffff'! He certainly has speed, but does he have the dedication to contribute? If so, he will be hard for anyone to match up against. GO HOKIES!!
Two4VT August 3, 2023 at 11:17 PM

Sounds like the offense is still struggling
1. 5_4Hokies August 4, 2023 at 12:05 AM
  
  The defense is always ahead of the offense in pre-season camp.
VicDrit August 3, 2023 at 11:16 PM

Glad to hear they are working Cole Beck in. Just wish he was also on offense in some capacity like a flanker getting him the ball in space and taking advantage of that speed.
1. NMB Hokie August 4, 2023 at 7:41 AM
  
  I am sure they would if he had the required skill set with route running and catching the ball.
  1. Tafkam Hokie August 4, 2023 at 11:10 AM
    
    Given his lack of contribution in the past, I get that he is likely as much of a liability as an asset as a true flanker. But I still need someone to explain to me why he couldn't run a jet sweep about 2-3x a game (with 2-3 fake jet sweeps in there too so we aren't telegraphing the play). That sure seems to me like the way for him to contribute, offer a legit chunk-yardage potential for an offense that desperately needs it, without overly handicapping the offense with his shortcomings.
    1. Coattail Hokie August 4, 2023 at 1:21 PM
      
      You may have answered your own question. For him to run 2 or 3 jet sweeps he would have to be a part of 15 to 20 plays as a receiver, otherwise the opposing D will know what's coming. I don't think the coaches want a liability on the field for the occasional jet sweep.
      1. atlhokie1 August 4, 2023 at 5:36 PM
        
        Yep, would have to waste plays with him just in there as a decoy.
2. bbowser August 4, 2023 at 9:33 AM
  
  Sounds like a perfect use for Cole on Special Teams! We’ve got tons of talent at receiver, no need to coach up a super senior project. He should have been used by past staff. Now speed on KO returns and gunner sounds perfect, could be game changer stuff! Holt calling Patriots for advice shows they think Cole can be a contributor.
vtgriff09 August 3, 2023 at 11:14 PM

Total shock- Defense is better than the offense. We can bring in a brand new entire skill position group, that habe had great collegiate success, but we will still be very bad. Then we will cry about the talent level. The reality is it just doesn't appear Bowen is cut out for this job. Hope he completely burns me abd proves me wrong...I would bet otherwise. It will improve, it has to..but it will be hard to watch still
1. HokiesandHerd August 4, 2023 at 12:05 AM
  
  It was the second day of practice.
  1. steves13 August 4, 2023 at 5:34 AM
    
    +1
    1. fishnpack_hokie August 4, 2023 at 8:25 AM
      
      +2, sheesh
      1. VBHokieman August 4, 2023 at 8:40 AM
        
        +3, double sheesh
        
        bbowser August 4, 2023 at 9:27 AM
        
        +4 Sheesh to the max!
        
        WestEndHokie39 August 4, 2023 at 10:14 AM
        
        Sheesh infinity! But this is Griff’s schtick…
        
        No_Limit_Hokie August 4, 2023 at 4:55 PM
        
        Truth.
2. pebblebrookhokie August 4, 2023 at 7:27 AM
  
  Were you there? Did you watch? If not then calm down. As others have said the D is always ahead of the O at this point.
3. truhoky August 4, 2023 at 8:30 AM
  
  I agree 100% - he is not the answer. His hire was a mistake.
  1. HokiePilot August 4, 2023 at 11:35 PM
    
    Oh great sage one......and you are able to make this pronouncement from the comfort of your desk chair and having not seen a single practice.....you truly are a soothsayer. Listen, you are entitled to your opinion along with a few others, but I cannot imagine being this negative after less than 6 hours of practice and the coaches haven't even been able to work with the players since the spring.......and by the way.....it is not even the same group playing every play... You do you, and I am not even sure if you know what your "standard of excellence" entails. I sincerely hope that when the season ends you will find the need to tell everyone how wrong you were in August. If it turns out differently, I will sadly admit that I was wrong. That would mean the Hokies stunk up another season.
    1. phoenixhokie August 7, 2023 at 10:37 PM
      
      Well said. These ‘fire em all’ after 1 season guys are rubes.
4. am3gregt August 4, 2023 at 8:35 AM
  
  It’s day 2
5. Patrickl68 August 4, 2023 at 8:48 AM
  
  Take a breath…
6. OKDokeyHokie August 5, 2023 at 7:33 AM
  
  How many sheeshes in a baker's dozen???
7. 134465Hokie August 5, 2023 at 11:25 PM
  
  Then don't watch !!!!
Gsvt4 August 3, 2023 at 11:04 PM

Any info on weights from spring to fall camp? A lot guys are still listed at their spring/summer weights.
1. MDHokie79 August 4, 2023 at 10:05 AM
  
  Its still summer, not Fall, so...
134136Hokie August 3, 2023 at 10:18 PM

Want more of your reporting. Good job!
SCHokie1103 August 3, 2023 at 9:25 PM

Thanks Andy. Enjoy your articles much more and would like to see you post more with you experience and knowledge as an analyst and writer. I always look forward to your articles and posts and your experience and knowledge you share the most on TSL. Happy Will brought you on board.
TomTurkey August 3, 2023 at 9:10 PM

Ramping up. Good information. Looking forward to a season of these jewels.

Aggressive Defensive Backs, A Quarterback Rotation And The Plan For Cole Beck

This article is for TSL Pass subscribers

Related Recruits

Share This Article

41 Comments

Leave a Comment — replying to Cancel

Leave a Comment — replying to