Résumé
By Admin | May 29, 2008
| Andrew T. Kinney |
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| 202 Jessica Drive - Yorktown, VA 23693 |
| 757-344-9108 - atkinney@gmail.com |
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08.24.06 - VTFB - Recruiting Feature
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Recruiting the Best
Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer
August 24, 2006 - The Collegiate Times
The Virginia Tech football team’s coaching staff has been extremely busy over the past month. With the Hokies’ season opener against Northeastern just around the corner, Tech has new reason to appreciate strong safety and outside linebacker coach Jim Cavanaugh.
Cavanaugh, currently entering the 10th year of his coaching tenure with the Hokies, serves as the team’s recruiting coordinator, a title he earned in 2002. Even before he headed Tech’s recruiting operations, Cavanaugh played a large part in recruiting several notable Hokies — Nathaniel and Xavier Adibi, Kevin and Jonathan Lewis, defensive lineman Chris Ellis and standout quarterbacks Bryan Randall and Michael Vick.
Recently, Cavanaugh’s recruiting program has been on a roll. This past off-season, Tech has garnered an NCAA-leading 23 verbal commitments, 19 of those being announced during July alone.
“The month of July was indeed a very productive time for us,” said Cavanaugh. “We were able to get a lot of early commits, something all the coaches and I were very pleased with, before heading into the summer practices. Being able to attract such a strong number of recruits in that time period was amazing.”
On July 21, during part of the Hokies’ remarkable recruiting run, Tech arguably landed the biggest commitment of the summer. Rivals.com five-star, dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor of Hampton, Va. committed to play for Frank Beamer and Co. next season. The 6-foot 1-inch, 200-pound high school senior is already being compared to Michael Vick. Taylor boasted several strong accomplishments as a junior last year, accounting for over 2,500 yards and 20 scores while leading Hampton High School to its 17th AAA State Championship. Immediately following the signing of Taylor, a flurry of action developed for the Hokies. Nine other recruits announced their decision to commit to Tech as freshmen in 2007, reiterating the after-effects of what signing such a highly-touted recruit can do for a program.
Among those who rode in on Taylor’s signing was four-star safety Davon Morgan from Richmond. Morgan is a two-way standout from Varina High School and has been rated the fifth-best prospect in Virginia by Rivals.com.
Taylor has also announced his intention to work with several other prospects who have expressed an interest in Tech. Taylor has mentioned contacting five-star wide receiver Arrelious Benn, five-star running back Caleb King and four-star wide receiver Jay Smith. Of the 23 total recruits that Tech has received verbal commitments from this past offseason, 15 play on the offensive side of the ball. This comes as a rather large discrepancy, especially on a team famous for its defense. Five offensive linemen and five tight ends have orally committed to Tech, possibly adding some much-needed depth to the Hokie offense.
Tech’s increased emphasis on acquiring offensive talent comes as a clever tactic to upgrade the offensive firepower for the quarterback phenom Taylor.
Reflecting on the Hokies’ successful July, Cavanaugh accredited the program’s mid-summer spike in commitments to two specific reasons.
“First, in July we had our Junior Day, in which several high school prospects came and worked out with the university and got affiliated with the program. Overall, we had a great response,” Cavanaugh said. “Second, along with the workout experience, the recruits saw our facilities, such as our new 18,000 square-foot academic area on the third floor of our stadium. It’s quite a structure and not only the players, but the parents as well, felt comfortable with their kids coming here and doing well both on the football field as well as in the classroom.”
Both the parents and the players were interested in the university’s graduation rate of 70 percent (ranked eighth in Division 1-A by the American Football Coaches’ Association.)
“Basically, the combination of our kids graduating as well as the facilities that the kids will go into academically, helped the recruits’ overall decisions,” Cavanaugh said. “Not to be forgotten too was the fact that all the kids got to know each other during our Junior Day and see our football facilities as well, which ultimately helped us to experience such a strong recruiting process this offseason. I’m really looking forward to next year’s class, for the future of Tech football sure looks bright.”
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09.02.06 - VTFB: Xavier Adibi & Vince Hall Feature
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Tech linebackers have opposing offenses calling ‘911?
Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer
September 2, 2006 - The Collegiate Times
There may be a relief for Hokie followers everywhere.
Amidst all the controversy and debate surrounding the Virginia Tech football team this past off-season, the highly-publicized Marcus Vick ordeal, the heated position battle at quarterback to lead what many consider to be an inexperienced offense, Tech fans know one thing has remained constant.
When it comes to this year’s pair of playmaking leaders who rank amongst the best in the nation, Virginia Tech fans can rest assured, that in any type of defensive emergency, they can always dial ‘911’.
This is the popularly growing term referring to the Hokies’ talented linebacker duo comprised of redshirt-juniors Vince Hall (No. 9), and Xavier Adibi (No. 11).
Heading into the new season, college football media outlets everywhere have been busy recognizing the two defensive standouts, with several football publication sources, such as The Sporting News, Athlon, as well as the infamous recruiting website rivals.com, going as far as to distribute amongst the duo a distinguished list of All-American and All-Conference preseason honors and accolades.
Both players, now returning for their fourth year under defensive coordinator Bud Foster, step back into their established roles at linebacker looking to pick up right where they left off from last season— prime contributors anchoring a Virginia Tech defense expected to dominate week-in and week-out.
Having worked specifically with both Adibi and Hall throughout the entire off-season, Foster gave no sign indicating any reason for a decline in production from the duo likely to occur come September, instead, speaking highly of their progress during the team’s off-season training sessions.
“Both of those guys had a heck of an off-season,” Foster said. “The intensity, leadership, and work ethic that they both brought to practice everyday was phenomenal. Overall, I’ve been really impressed with how they’ve both come along, and I expect them to make up the best linebacker corps in the country.”
Hall claims he and Adibi relish the opportunity to live up to their coach’s expectations, while at the same time stresses the importance of remaining humble in their overall demeanor as the season progresses.
“Every now and then, coach Foster will tell us that we can be part of the best linebacker corps in the nation,” Hall said. “Me and Xavier see it as a goal, a huge motivation for us to improve everyday. But in the end, he knows better than to tell us that all the time, because he knows once it gets to your head that’s when things start to fall, so that’s just the goal for us on the pedestal right now— for us to be the best.”
Hall, the team’s leading tackler from a year ago with 112 total stops, is a self-described ‘heavy hitter,’ and prides himself on his overall awareness to make a play, as well as his natural killer instincts on the gridiron, which surprisingly come as a deep contrast to his off-the-field personality.
“It’s funny. The way I am on the field is totally different than the way I am off the field,” said Hall. “When I step out there between the lines, I’m a monster. I go out there and try to be the meanest player on the field and get the job done. But off the field, I’m laid back and easy going. I’m just an overall humble, friendly guy.”
When it comes to friendships on the football field for Hall, perhaps no one serves as a better companion for Hall than fellow linebacker Xavier Adibi, who said he understands Hall’s style and has adapted his game to help account for Hall’s weaknesses.
Hall, in his response, was quick to agree with Adibi, explaining how the pair have accustomed their styles to accommodate each other on the field.
Having had the time to play side-by-side for several years now, each player has arrived to the point of having learned how to thrive off one another’s individual method of play.
“We’ve gotten used to playing with one another, (and) it helps both of our games,” Hall said. “When we first started out, we were saying how we need to come into Blacksburg and make an impact and set up a tradition in here, and now we both have a knack for each other. For instance, Xavier’s strength is his speed, and my strength is my power, so when we’re out there on the field, I know if anyone tries to run outside that Xavier’s not going to let that happen, and he trusts me that once he turns a guy inside that I’m going to make the tackle. That’s how we feed off of each other.”
Last year, feeding off each other’s performances didn’t seem to be too much of a problem for either Hall or Adibi. The duo started each and every one of Tech’s 13 games, putting up solid individual numbers, as well as emerging as reliable playmakers amongst a Hokie defense that ended the season ranked as the top overall defensive unit in the nation.
“Obviously, Xavier and Vince had very good individual seasons last year,” Foster said. “But they don’t let that get to their heads, and you can see that in how they conduct themselves and work so hard to improve their games. Ultimately, I’m just really pleased with the amount of progress they’ve made and quite frankly, I’m excited to see them play.”
With the new season for Hokie Football approaching, it appeared as if Foster wasn’t the only one displaying his apparent anxiousness for the season opener against Northeastern.
“It’s been crazy lately, all of us want to get the season started, especially me,” Adibi said. “I’ve been losing sleep at night just thinking about it. Playing (the Huskies) right now is the only thing on my mind, and I can’t wait to step out onto the field at Lane Stadium in front all of our fans and take care of business.”
It is Adibi and Hall’s goal-oriented attitude that helps keep them mentally and physically prepared for success every Saturday. However, Foster looks for the pair to set the bar high this season.
“I just want them to be leaders for this defense, as well as overall role models,” Foster said. “As linebackers, they’re in front of the huddle before every snap – they’re the quarterbacks of the defense. They set the tone and demeanor of our defense with each oncoming play.”
In the end, Foster has been keen on stressing the concept to the duo that if they consistently perform at their best effort and play to their full potential, the success and recognition for the two will inevitably follow.
“All we talk about is being the best we can be, and getting to the point where I see them as the best linebacker corps in the country,” Foster said. “But in order to do that, Xavier and Vince have to go out there and play the way I expect them to play – as consistent playmakers who do their job to the best of their ability and play 100 miles an hour. To get to where they want to be – to get that recognition as the best, both of them have to continue to work harder than ever before, and in the end I know that they will be able to do it. You can bet that when those Northeastern Huskies come to town, my guys will be ready.”
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09.27.06 - VTFB: Cary Wade Player Profile
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Wade wards off worries in senior season
Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer
September 27, 2006 - The Collegiate Times
Over the years, Virginia Tech football has become known for its talented group of players exhibiting a strong, “lunch pail” mentality, playing every down to the whistle and making it a point to never take any plays off. These players, no matter the circumstance, come to work hard each and every day, giving it their all and after a hard day’s work, hang their helmets having gotten the job done.
Cary Wade is one of these players.
A fifth-year senior at strong safety, Wade currently serves as one of Tech’s most committed workers, displaying his puritan work ethic in a program he has come to love.
“Our mindset here is all about the lunch pail and what it represents,” Wade said. “We all have a dedicated, hard-working mentality to get better, especially myself. Everyday I come to practice to work hard and take care of business. I just love being a part of this program and doing what I have to do to get better.”
Wade, currently serving as a backup to starting rover Aaron Rouse, may go under the radar by some in terms of notoriety and fame. Those around him though, such as his position coach Jim Cavanaugh, know exactly how important he is to the team.
“Without a doubt, Cary is a very valuable guy for us,” Cavanaugh said. “He’s got a lot of experience and gives our secondary added depth. He brings the strength of a leader not only to the field but to our meeting room as well.”
Adding to Wade’s value for the Hokies is the rover’s ability to perform at numerous positions on the field. Wade, who was converted to cornerback following his freshman year, added yet another position to his on-field résumé for the Hokies after having spent time this past spring at free safety.
“Earlier in the year, when (free safety) Cam Martin was out (with an injury), Cary was actually backing up both safety positions, at rover and at free safety,” Cavanaugh said. “With as many reps as he has was able to get in, he was really able to get comfortable with our defense. That’s what makes him such a valuable commodity to our program, because he’s versatile enough to play both spots.”
In addition to seeing playing time amongst the defensive secondary, Wade has served as a leading member of head coach Frank Beamer’s special teams, particularly as a standout of both the kickoff and punt return units.
“Cary is one of our biggest weapons on special teams,” Cavanaugh said. “Just a few weeks ago against Northeastern he blocked a punt for us. He’s done a lot for us out there. I guess you can call him Coach Beamer’s ‘Ace in the Hole.’”
Despite receiving complimentary words for his contributions, Wade has remained adamant in finding such titles unnecessary for personal motivation. “With whatever I do, I don’t expect much praise,” Wade said. “I don’t need it either. I just go out there on the field and try to be the player who all my coaches have put their faith in … they all know what I’m capable of.”
That being said, no one knows more of Wade’s true capability than himself. Heading into his final season as a Hokie, not only does the redshirt senior want to live up to the expectations of his coaches, but to his very own as well.
“With this being my last season, I don’t want any regrets,” Wade said. “I’m just going into every game with the mindset to let it all out (and) to not hold anything back.”
Off the field, Wade, a double major in communication and sociology who is expecting to graduate this December, has been keeping the exact same state of mind in handling his academics.
“I prioritize my schedule down to every last, little detail and that includes schoolwork and all my classes,” Wade said. “Basically, I’m not trying to waste any of my time. I know when I need to wake up, what I need to do, where I need to be, you name it. I just try to be prepared ahead of time for whatever I do so I’m ready and focused for that individual task.”
Even with a tightly structured schedule, however, Wade has seen the passage of time increase dramatically with each and every passing day. “This year, the time has been flying by,” Wade said. “I’m just trying to enjoy every bit of the time that I’m here (in Blacksburg). To be honest, I’m not too anxious for December to come around. Leaving is going to be tough.”
As that moment is set to arrive, Wade stresses the fact that much of the season is still here for the redshirt senior to enjoy, and that football at the next level isn’t just an afterthought.
“There’s still a lot of the season left, so for now, I’m not ready to hang up this VT helmet just yet,” Wade said. “I’m living it up; every week here is just another experience with Coach Cavanaugh and this defense. I’m just trying to embrace every moment of it, until the moment to leave comes. Hopefully after that, I won’t have to hang up these pads for too long.”
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10.17.06 - VTFB: Nic Schmitt Player Profile
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Kick the Schmitt Out of It
Andrew Kinney, Senior Staff Writer
October 17, 2006
There are typical punters, the marginally effeminate, 5’10” former futból-ers who scurry off the field after they’ve done their job. Then there is Nic Schmitt.
With his massive 6’2”, 276 lb. frame, Schmitt is the nation’s largest punter — an eye-catching statistic that Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer considers beneficial to his special teams unit.
“As far as I’m concerned, his size and weight just adds more power,” Beamer said. “Typically, guys that big wouldn’t have the flexibility to be a good punter, but in Nic’s case, he’s got it.”
Along with his great degree of flexibility, Schmitt has built a reputation in the Tech weight room for his strength. To date, the redshirt senior maintains a 390-pound bench press as well as a 605-pound squat, a Tech kicking specialist record.
“I’ve always taken a lot of pride in the weight room,” Schmitt said. “Just because I’m a punter doesn’t mean I have to be weaker than everyone else. I do all the same lifts that the defensive backs, wide receivers and running backs do, so there’s really no reason for me not to be as strong as them, if not stronger.”
Schmitt’s stature has caused many to take notice, including fellow special teams member and place kicker Brandon Pace. “He’s as strong as an ox,” Pace said. “He trains and lifts just as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen, and it’s paid off for him. He’s used that extra strength to turn into a real good punter. He gets the ball up quick, kicks it high and gets some good distance behind it.” Schmitt’s weight gain as a Hokie is almost unparalleled.
Since arriving to Blacksburg from Salem High School in 2002, a mere 29 miles from home, Schmitt has added over 50 pounds to his already substantial frame through the Hokies’ strength training program.
“I wasn’t as big back then because I didn’t really lift as hard,” Schmitt said. “Once I got (to Virginia Tech) though, I just started going at it, lifting and training harder than ever. I also started eating more, and since then it has worked out for the better.” It’s hard to argue with that kind of logic. But what do you eat to gain fifty pounds?
“Pretty much everything,” Schmitt said. “I try to stay away from fast food, but just about everything else is fair game. During the mornings, I’ll grab some fruit or something, maybe a turkey sandwich. Then, later in the day, I’ll eat a few more sandwiches, and maybe go and get a foot-long sub or two before practice.”
Of course, that’s not the end of it.
Following his afternoon workout session, Schmitt typically rounds out the day with a “few more turkey sandwiches,” followed by a satisfying supper, courtesy of his girlfriend Kelsey Hoffman, a senior catcher on the Tech softball team.
“At the end of the day, when my girlfriend and I get together, she’ll put together a nice dinner,” Schmitt said. “Usually she’ll throw down something tasty like chicken or steak, plus mashed potatoes and green beans — all that good stuff.”
Last year Schmitt muscled a total of 43.2 yards per punt, giving him the third-best per-punt average in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the second-highest average in school history.
As Virginia Tech navigates through its toughest stretch of games, Schmitt looks to significantly improve upon that mark, not only for his personal satisfaction but for the team’s overall well-being.
“Going into the harder stretch of the year, I’m focusing on getting more distance on my kicks and to not miss-hit any balls,” Schmitt said. “Against Georgia Tech, I had a slip-up, which was strange for me because I’ve never hit a punt like that. It was a lack of concentration on my part, but now I’ve learned from it, (and) I’m going to move on. I want to do all that I can to help this team win.”
Schmitt’s “slip-up,” a 14-yard punt in the first quarter of the Hokies’ Sept. 30 game against the Yellow Jackets, was the first miss-kick of his Hokie career, and unfortunately, one of the most memorable.
Despite his recent miscue, Beamer remains adamantly confident in Schmitt’s ability to deliver.
“Against Georgia Tech, Nic had a shaky punt, but that was just one kick,” Beamer said. “I still have all the faith in the world in him, and everyone else here does too. He’s always had power, but recently he’s been working on his consistency. I admire the guy for how hard he’s worked over the years. He’s been great for our program, and I just want him to keep being consistent. That’s the deal there, knowing what you’re going to get from the kid every time.”
Heading into his final semester, Schmitt has maintained a set routine specifically revolving around the three most important aspects of his life: schoolwork, football and Hoffman.
“If I’m not in class or at football practice, I’m spending time with the girlfriend,” Schmitt said. “During the day, we barely see each other since we’re so busy, but in the evenings, we’ll meet up and hang out. We’ll go out to eat or go to a movie, you know, ordinary stuff like that. Sometimes, we’ll go to the mall out in Roanoke, seeing as she likes to shop, so I’ll come out and just walk around with her … Basically, we just enjoy being around one another.”
That said, Schmitt also enjoys staying well-grounded with his family in Salem, who continue to support him as he embarks on his final season as a Hokie.
“With my family living fairly close to campus, we see each other more than often,” Schmitt said. “We’ll get together every so often and enjoy ourselves, and plus it’s always good to have them at the games. I appreciate their company (and) in the end, I just want to make them proud. I just want to make everyone proud.”
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11.30.06 - VTBB: Nigel Munson Feature
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Munson proves to be a class act for Hokies
Andrew Kinney, CT Staff Writer
November 30, 2006
The Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball team won its first marquee game of the season Wednesday evening with a 69-65 victory over the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.
“We got away from who we were for about seven or eight days of practice,” said Tech head coach Seth Greenberg. “Who we are is—we’re just a bunch of dirt bags that have to dig in and defend and check people…and we got back to our identity.”
Wednesday’s win was Tech’s first in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, and evens the Hokies’ record at 1-1 in the event and brings them to 4-2 on the season. Tech’s victory helped ensure that the ACC remains undefeated in the event; the ACC took this year 8-3.
“It was good to represent the league in a positive way,” Greenberg said. “It was good to show a positive atmosphere in the Cassell. I think that’s very, very important that people see us as a contributor to the conference—a team that has an ACC atmosphere. Obviously this event is a very big event because it does create, at least, some type of public opinion on where the league stands.”
The Hokies came out playing intense early, but that intensity didn’t bring with it sharp play. The Hokies missed numerous shots from point-blank range among other things.
“You know they say…stuff happens—maybe not stuff,” Greenberg said. “It’s not like those guys are trying to miss those dunks…That happens. You’ve got to just keep playing.”
Despite some sloppy play early, Freshman Lewis Witcher brought his A-game during the first half.
“It was real exciting to come out (in my) first start of the year,” Witcher said. “I’m just real glad (with) how well I played. I just had to go out there and do what I had to do to help my team out today, ‘cause they needed me.”
Witcher’s frontcourt mate, Coleman Collins, came off the bench in the first half to score on his first touch of the game.
“When I put him in the game I ran a set right at him,” Greenberg said. “He responded, he was aggressive.”
The Hokies went on a 12-3 run to finish the first half, and scored ten consecutive points with the game tied at 18.
“Tonight I thought we did some pretty good things early, but we did not finish the half well,” said Iowa coach Steve Alford. “I think the finish to the half was a 12-3 run to finish the half that was the difference in the first half.”
The two teams traded buckets for the better part of the second half, with the exception of a couple small Virginia Tech runs. Senior guard Zabian Dowdell went on a 5-0 run of his own.
“I knew I had to do something,” Dowdell said; the Hokie from Pahokee scored a team-high 18 points in 36 minutes. “I think the team was getting kind of flat and I just wanted to make a couple of plays to get the guys spirit back in it (and) to get the crowd back in it. Fortunately, it worked to our advantage.”
Dowdell stepped up in the absence of freshman point guard Nigel Munson who saw only three second-half minutes.
“A mistake a made (was that) I needed to get Nigel Munson into the game,” Greenberg said. “I think he could’ve helped us kind of pad that thing over a little bit.”
In an attempt to get back into the game late, the Hawkeyes began fouling the Hokies and were able to trim a lead that was once 16 points to four late in the game.
“In the last four minutes…we weren’t as tough as we needed to be,” Greenberg said. “And, fortunately, we made just enough free-throws to win the game.”
The Hokies went 17-33 from the charity stripe during the game and 16-32 in the second half.
“We(‘re) just going to keep on working at it,” Greenberg said. “I think some it’s mental, some of it’s physical, and some of it’s getting the right guys to the line. If you get Vassallo to the line all day you’re going to be a pretty good free-throw shooting team.”
Despite the valiant effort on behalf of the Hawkeyes late in the second half, Iowa was hurt by a lackluster performance from freshman standout Tyler Smith.
“Tyler didn’t have a very good practice yesterday—sometimes it’s not what others do to you, it’s kind of what you do to yourself,” Alford said. “I think that’s a learning curve for him. He’s very, very talented, but even the most talented have to practice extremely hard and have good practices, and when you don’t that’s your prep.”
The Hokies will look to continue their winning ways this Sunday when they take on the George Washington University Colonials in the BB&T Classic. The game is set to tip-off at 4 p.m. in the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Comcast Sports Net will televise the game.
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02.21.07 - VTFB: Tyrod Taylor Feature
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Tyrod Taylor hopes to head Hokies helm
Andrew Kinney, CT Staff Writer
February 21, 2007
Since the turn of the century, the Virginia Tech football team has had the divine fortune of being blessed with a plethora of talent at every position, most notably on defense.
In that timeframe, however, when it has come to the collective additions of new recruits, the football gods seem to have been a bit more rewarding toward the Hokies on the offensive side of the ball, particularly at quarterback.
Ranging from the recruitments of Michael Vick, Bryan Randall and Michael’s younger brother Marcus, Tech has seen its recent string of top quarterback recruits go onto enjoy success as leaders of the program, inspiring those around them and serving as miracle workers on the field.
Case and point, in the six seasons under the talented trio of play-callers, the Hokies finished a combined 69-20, capped off by a Marcus Vick-led 11-2 campaign in 2005 that ended with a 35-24 Gator Bowl win over the Louisville Cardinals.
In maintaining Tech’s winning trends at quarterback, 2007 Virginia Tech five-star recruit Tyrod Taylor looks to be heaven-sent.
Already being deemed as a future savior to Tech’s current struggles in the passing game (there is an actual Facebook group titled, “Tyrod is God”), Taylor will be greeted this fall not only with open arms from the Hokie faithful, but with tremendous expectations as well, an issue he is adamantly aware of.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Tech, but it’s going to be a new thing for me in adjusting to all the hype, all the fans and all the media,” Taylor said. “I’ve had pressure on me before, but not as much as it will be up there (in Blacksburg).”
Hailing from tidewater football powerhouse Hampton High, where he played under legendary Virginia football coach Mike Smith, Taylor comes to Tech as the nation’s top dual-threat quarterback, as ranked by Rivals.com.
Taylor accredited the familiarity he achieved with Tech’s coaching staff as the biggest overall factor in influencing his decision to attend back in July.
“Before I gave my verbal commitment to Tech, I went up there for several senior camps, and I felt very comfortable with the coaches and the players,” Taylor said. “Overall, I just had a very good feeling about the school when I went up there, and that’s what really influenced my choice in the end.”
Not forgotten by Taylor was the impact of the two most influential advisors in his decision—his parents.
“My parents really put the decision in my hands,” Taylor said. “But my mom really pushed for me to pick a school like Tech that was good academically, and I really liked staying in-state because it meant that my family could come watch me play. So in the end, Tech was a solid choice that we were all satisfied with.”
Coincidentally, Taylor arrives in Blacksburg as a solid choice that practically everyone is satisfied with, especially those that will be working him on a consistent daily basis.
Just ask the man most responsible for bringing the exceptional prospect to Blacksburg, Virginia Tech’s offensive line coach Curt Newsome.
“Tyrod is an absolute phenomenal talent,” Newsome said. “He’s a great passer, and with him being a dual-threat quarterback, he can also move around in the pocket and get himself out of trouble extremely well. The biggest positive about him though is the fact that he’s tremendously mature for his age. At just 17, he’s so level-headed, on and off the field, so what you’ve got there with him is the complete package.”
Newsome, who arrived from James Madison last year, was quick to offer his keen recruiting services to help catch the eye of the coveted Hampton recruit.
Throughout the recruiting process, an added source of motivation existed for Newsome in attracting Taylor to Tech — the fact that the Hokie coach hails from Hampton himself.
“With me being from that area, there was definitely an extra incentive to recruit him to the program,” Newsome said. “Hampton is where I grew up, it’s where I coached for many years … I think there’s great football down there and to sign a guy out of that area that is the number one player in the state, I think you take a little added pride coming away from that experience.”
Once Newsome conveyed Tech’s interest in the All-American play-caller, the senior quarterback’s decision to attend Tech was basically a sure bet.
“I knew for some time that Tyrod was really thinking a great deal about going to Tech,” Smith said. “But once Curt came to visit him, it really put the nail in the coffin. Curt’s a great guy, he’s like a part of the family around here, someone you could always trust. Even when he was recruiting from James Madison, he had a very close friendship with Tyrod.”
During the 2005 season, Taylor shook nearly every collegiate recruiter’s Richter scale, including that of Newsome’s. Playing in only his junior season, the talented quarterback led the Crabbers to a Division 5 AAA state title, capping off a season that saw him account for 2,588 total yards and 30 total touchdowns.
Taylor followed last season with another standout year, tallying a total of 2,326 yards and 36 touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Crabbers failed to repeat as state champions, as they lost in the first-round of the regional playoffs to Maury High of Norfolk, 30-28.
“That was a tough loss to deal with, with it being so close,” Taylor said. “But in the end, I just look to take it in stride and learn from the experience.”
Taylor’s uncanny ability to quickly improve on the field following a letdown is one that Smith acknowledges as an underrated, advantageous trait over many of his fellow colleagues.
“I think Tyrod’s greatest asset is the fact that he goes onto the field playing with confidence,” Smith said. “He doesn’t play out of fear — he plays with a great passion to compete. In that respect, if he makes a mistake, which they all do, he doesn’t fall into a trance, or get down because it happened — the thought just leaves his mind.”
Another crucial quality that Smith believes Taylor will bring to Blacksburg is his willingness to improve and be mentored by Tech’s coaching staff.
“Having worked with him for four years, the first thing that comes to mind about Tyrod is that he’s very coachable,” Smith said. “He makes a great, concerted effort to accomplish whatever he does. He’s a very intelligent young man and he’s got no problems learning by any means, so he should pick up Tech’s system extremely quick.”
In Taylor’s time at Hampton, Smith ran an offensive playbook he deemed “highly similar to the Hokies.” With that said, the possibility of Taylor finding the field as a true freshmen is something that many have pondered, including himself.
“When it comes to next season, with me being there for the first year, I’m sure there are going to be some big changes here and there that I’ll have to make,” Taylor said. “Odds are that next season I’ll probably redshirt so I can have more time to adjust, so if I were to play early, that’d be a decision on behalf of the coaches.”
Redshirting freshmen quarterbacks has been a habit for Tech over the recent years, as exampled by both Vicks.
“I don’t really think the question of whether or not Tyrod will play this year can be answered right now,” Newsome said. “He’s a young guy, and I think everyone will know where he stands once he gets here. It’s not hard to figure out whether they’ll have knowledge of the system or not.”
In the mean time, Taylor has continued to strength-train in the off-season, in between his other athletic commitment — a starting role as one of Hampton’s top players on the varsity basketball team.
In his latest outing this past week, the senior quarterback shined on the basketball court, scoring a team-high 20 points in a 77-61 district final win over rival opponent Woodside.
Taylor admits basketball has been an integral part of his life, all the while helping him stay sharp physically.
“I’ve been playing basketball just as long as I’ve been playing football, and right now, it’s keeping me in shape,” Taylor said. “In addition to the basketball though, I’ve been lifting and getting stronger, so altogether it’s helping me stay conditioned before I head into the summer practices at Blacksburg.”
As Tech’s official summer training sessions are set to commence in July, Taylor will have added supervision and insight on adding muscle to his already bulky frame. Standing 6′2″, 185 pounds, the future Hokie brings a substantial amount of size and speed (4.5 40-yard-dash), which Newsome feels will only improve.
“The quickest upgrade we will see in terms of Tyrod as a freshman this year will be with the amount of strength improvement that he will see in the weight room,” Newsome said. “Any time you come into a nationally ranked weight-training program, you’re going to get bigger, stronger, and in his case, faster, so we’re looking forward here to help him improve. The sky really is the limit with him, especially in this regard.”
Other areas of improvement, Newsome said, will come to Taylor, in due time.
“I think the biggest difference Tyrod will have to learn is the change in terminology and getting the system under his belt,” Newsome said. “At this level, the defenses are a little more complex, but we all know he’s more than willing to learn. He’s already alluded to how excited he is to come here and better himself. He’s a great student of the game, so I don’t think that will be a problem for him.”
Taylor’s high school coach, Smith, who has seen the likes of a pair of notable quarterbacks (Ronald Curry and Marques Hagans, both of whom are converted wide receivers in the NFL) up close and personal, has shown nothing but a similar mindset in praising the likes of Tech’s future redeemer at quarterback.
“Overall, I think down the line Tyrod is going to be a joy for Virginia Tech,” Smith said. “He’s going to enjoy playing there at Blacksburg, and in the end he’s going to make everyone proud. He’s an extraordinary talent all the way around, and every Hokie should be nothing short of ecstatic about what he is bringing to the table next fall. This kid really does have it all; he’s going to be something special. Somewhere down the road I can see him taking the Hokies to the big game.”
Even if they have to go through hell to get there.
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Resume
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Andrew t. Kinney
202 Jessica Drive - Yorktown, VA 23693
757-344-9108 - atkinney@vt.edu / atkinney08@yahoo.com
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Objective |
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Self-motivated, detail-oriented leader look to secure a rewarding position that utilizes my advanced oral and written communication skills. |
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Education |
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2008) |
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2004- 2008 |
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B.A. Communication; Minor in Political Science |
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þ Cum Laude Graduate - Final GPA: 3.51/4.00 |
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þ Virginia Tech Honors Program Member (Spring 2006 to Spring 2008) |
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þ National Society of Collegiate Scholars (Spring 2006 to Spring 2008) |
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Experience |
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2007 - 2008 |
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Virginia Tech Television, EMCVT/VTTV Blacksburg, VA |
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Sports Director, Writer, Editor |
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þ Produced weekly 30-minute sports program: Tech Total Access |
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þ Led, directed, and trained working staff of 12 college volunteers |
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þ Authored program scripts, edited video footage, and recruited station personnel |
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þ Interviewed numerous Division-1 NCAA athletes, coaches, and personalities |
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þ Developed and utilized interpersonal networking skills |
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2006 – 2007 |
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ESPN Radio AM 1430 Blacksburg, VA |
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Announcer, Writer, Analyst |
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þ Provided descriptive color commentary covering regional high school basketball in Southwestern Virginia |
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þ Gathered and recorded insightful statistics, news stories, and background information intended for specific broadcast use |
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þ Produced weekly football broadcasts, providing live on-air updates for listeners in the New River Valley |
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2006 – 2007 |
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The Collegiate Times Blacksburg, VA |
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Senior Staff Writer, Reporter |
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þ Published author with over 20 articles for the school newspaper covering Division-1 NCAA athletics, particularly Virginia Tech football |
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þ Conducted interviews with Virginia Tech athletes, coaches, and officials |
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þ Wrote event recaps and feature pieces while successfully meeting strict deadlines for the school newspaper (daily circulation = 15,000) |
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Skills |
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Field Related |
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þ Broadcast Journalism: news anchoring, writing, editing, and reporting |
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þ Print Journalism: writing, networking (establishing & maintaining sources) |
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þ Television Production: writing, recording, and editing video footage |
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Computer Related |
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þ Adept with both Max OS X and Windows PC operating systems |
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þ Proficient with following software: |
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n Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, iDVD, iMovie, iPhoto, Quicktime, VLC |
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n Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) |
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þ Strong working knowledge of HTML, Blogger, and WordPress |
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þ Website design, content development, copy writing and editing |
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Mission Statement
By Admin | May 29, 2008
Greetings, and welcome to my website. My name is Andrew Kinney, and I am a May 2008 graduate of Virginia Tech.
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