It was a good day in Blacksburg as the Virginia Tech Hokies began their first of 15 spring practices. Although there were no pads on Friday, the players wore shorts and helmets, making it the first official practice for several players who enrolled in January.
Safety coach Pearson Prioleau spoke to the media after practice.
“We still have a long way to go, but that's what I'm looking forward to in the spring. We can come out here and take it one day at a time,” Prioleau said, via Hokie Sports. “We can evaluate the players and evaluate the players as we prepare.”
Others spoke out, including senior safety Jalen Stroman, whose activity was limited due to offseason shoulder surgery. Don't be surprised if Stroman doesn't participate this spring. Because he has no reason to encourage his return. Other Hokies like Mose Phillips have a chance to impress this spring. The Hokies need safety depth in the fall, and there has been a lot of buzz around Phillips since his arrival last year.
Announcements and notes from Friday's practice.
Gunner Givens finally joins the offensive line
Givens was once a valuable recruit for the Hokies as an offensive lineman. But he wanted to play on the defensive line. So Givens has been working at defensive tackle for the past two years. Now, the redshirt sophomore will move to the offensive line. At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Givens is well-suited to play guard.
Other injuries
- Stroman's absence is not surprising due to offseason surgery.
- Coach Brent Pry announced earlier this week that linebacker Kelly Lawson will undergo surgery and be out this spring.
- Tight end Benji Gosnell was sidelined with a knee injury.
- Tight end Nick Gallo was a limited participant. Gallo missed last season with a knee injury.
numbers
The numbers have changed, as well as the numbers for Tech newcomers who enrolled in January.
- LB Kelly Lawson goes from 21st to 0th place
- OL Gunner Givens moved from 32nd to 50th
- 3 — LB Sam Brumfield
- 5 — CB Joshua Clark
- 6 — WR Kaylen “Brody” Adams
- 12 — LB Gabriel Williams
- 13 — DL Kemali Copeland
- 16 — DL Aeneas Peebles
- 21 — DB Quentin Reddish
- 22 — DT Kelvin Gilliam Jr.
- 23 — RB Tyler Mason
- 32 — DL Derrick Dandy
- 55 — DE Gerald Johnson
- 66 — OL Montavious Cunningham
- 90 — DT Andrew Hanchak
