First, let’s point out this past week’s Spring Game was definitely not normal. Fans had to pay to attend the contest on a chilly Saturday afternoon. In addition, the defense scored points for the most “unorthodox” ‘results.
The Hokies versus Hokies contest featured the offense rocking orange jerseys and the defense wearing white jerseys. There was also the fact that both the defensive and offensive coordinators were just two months into their job.
While the defense had its early success, offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery found silver linings in the team’s performance. The Hokies pulled out some trickery for the fans as wide receiver Ayden Greene tossed a 57-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Cameron Seldon. Starting quarterback Davi Belfort set up the scoring drive using his mobility by adding 15 rushing yards early in the possession. Belfort’s fellow counterpart under center, freshman Kelden Ryan, posted the longest rush of the matchup with a 43-yard scamper late in the second quarter.
After halftime, Montgomery’s group quickly gathered steam as Belfort constructed an 11-play scoring drive capped by an 11-yard touchdown connection with Greene. Freshman quarterback A.J. Brand followed suit with an 11-play touchdown drive of his own on the very next possession. The orange unit tallied 77 rushing yards during the drive, with Brand adding 35 yards on the ground. Running backs Tyler Mason and Marcellous Hawkins posted carries of 13 yards and 12 yards, respectively, on back-to-back attempts.
Tech’s offensive scoring followed traditional scoring methods (six points for a touchdown, three points for field goals, etc.), while the defense utilized a modified scoring template with the following: Takeaway – four points, 4th down stop – three points, three and out – two points, safety – two points, stop – one point and sack / TFL – one point.
For the most part, the game was very vanilla. The offense showed nothing new and/or exciting. Instead, it was the defense that lit up the scoreboard in a fashion similar to the “lunchbox” gang of the 90s.
The defense showed some spark and a lot of depth.
Five things, we should know coming out of the scrimmage.
This year’s defense will have depth. A new coordinator means they are still learning a lot, and we might know their real identity until the first regular season game.
Second, despite coaches saying Kyrone Drones is QB1, we don’t really know. Belfort did show some spark secondary role. We just don’t know if that means he will be number two or number three.
Two freshman quarterbacks have a lot to learn before they take the field.
Third, the running back room might be more crowded than we expected. At least two backs moved to the front of the room this weekend with Tyler Mason leading the way.
Fourth, several transfers could make the starting lineup. But expect the Hokies to reach out in the transfer portal for several more players when it opens this week.
Fifth, we do not know what the Hokies will look like in the fall. There is a lot to learn during summer practices. We simply do not know what to expect from them or the coaching staff.
