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Quote:Posted on Sun, Aug. 10, 2003 

No. 7 Virginia Tech: Junior plans to never leave field for Hokies
By WENDELL BARNHOUSE
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

DeAngelo Hall is a fast talker. He's also speedy in cleats; Hall has been hand-timed at 4.15 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

This season the Virginia Tech junior will see if he's quick enough to be in three places at once.

Hall's main position is cornerback and he's good enough to be one of the preseason candidates for the Thorpe Award that goes to the nation's best defensive back. But after a spring experiment, Hall will also play wide receiver. In fact, he's listed as a starter at flanker. The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder also will return punts.

"We just have to make sure we don't wear him out," Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said with a grin. "He really gives us something at receiver, no question about that. He's a threat."

Senior linebacker Vegas Robinson said that Hall will be a valuable player for the Virginia Tech offense.

"DeAngelo is going to be a killer over there," Ferguson said. "He can make guys look sick.`

Virginia Tech has the pieces in place for a potent offense. Junior running back Kevin Jones is a proven talent. Senior wide receiver Ernest Wilford set a school record with 51 receptions last season. Junior quarterback Bryan Randall and redshirt freshman Marcus Vick (Michael's brother) give the Hokies two choices at quarterback.

Hall said that he's not concerned about being a full-time two-way player.

"It's very doable," said Hall, who had four receptions for 47 yards and played offense and defense in the Hokies' spring game. "I'm trying to take my game to another level, and being able to do that puts you up there with guys like Champ Bailey and Deion Sanders. That's where I'd like to be."

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No. 7 VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

Conference: Big East

Coach: Frank Beamer (117-69-2 in 16 seasons, 159-92-4 overall in 22 seasons.)

2002: 10-4, 3-4 in the Big East, tied for 4th

Bowl: Defeated Air Force 20-13 in the San Francisco Bowl

Starters returning: 8 on offense, 9 on defense

Key players: Junior QB Bryan Randall, junior RB Kevin Jones, senior WR Ernest Wilford, senior C Jake Grove, redshirt freshman QB Marcus Vick, junior DB DeAngelo Hall, senior LB Vegas Robinson, senior K Carter Warley.

Cheers: The Hokies could have a powerful and balanced offense. Randall, who can run and throw effectively, came on strong at the end of the season. Jones is one of the best running backs in the country. Hall will play flanker in addition to being a shut-down cornerback.

Jeers: The defense fell apart during a late-season slump that saw the Hokies lose four of five games. If Randall or the team struggles, there'll be loud wails for Vick to take over at quarterback. A QB controversy is not what this young team needs.

It all means: Last year Virginia Tech was slowed by injuries and inexperience that ruined the last half of the season. If the Hokies remain healthy, they'll be a national title threat.

Datebook: The Big East Conference race and a shot at playing in the Sugar Bowl probably comes down to the first two Saturdays in November. On Nov. 1, Virginia Tech plays host to Miami then the following Saturday plays at Pittsburgh. Road games against regional rivals West Virginia (Oct. 22) and Virginia (Nov. 29) are dangerous.

Figuring: Virginia Tech is one of seven Division I-A teams to have played in a bowl game the past 10 seasons.

Extra points: Redshirt freshman Marcus Vick (he wears No. 5; older brother Michael wore No. 7) had an excellent spring and is seriously pushing incumbent starter Bryan Randall. "If they've got someone better than Randall," said Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni, "God help us all." ... Randall finished 10th nationally in passing efficiency last season. In the regular-season finale against Miami, he passed for 165 yards and rushed for 132 more. ... Senior defensive end Jim Davis, who's been a starter or backup his first three seasons, will miss this season after undergoing surgery for a torn chest muscle. ... Last season against Syracuse, Wilford had eight catches for a Big East-record 279 yards and four touchdowns. ... Linebacker Vegas Robinson is the only senior on Virginia Tech's roster.
08-11-2003 09:35 AM
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