⚡ CFB Dashboard

Week 1 is in the rearview, and the Hokies passed their first test with ease. VMI clearly didn't have the ability to keep pace with the Hokies, but it was a good opportunity to face someone other than teammates. James Franklin has already stated that the Hokies will not take the Monarchs lightly after the success they've had in the last few seasons.   Practice was open to the media for a 20-minute period today, giving us a look at the team's preparation for the Monarchs. The offense was running through individual drills in the indoor facility while the defense worked outside. We also got a look at a few players who may be unavailable when the Hokies take the field on Saturday. Offensive and defensive linemen worked through a few 1-on-1 drills, giving us a look at potential changes against Old Dominion.  OFFENSIVE INDIVIDUAL DRILLS  The offense was split up by position group working through individual drills when we arrived at practice. The offensive line was split off in the far corner working on the sleds and working through technique drills. The quarterbacks were throwing routes against air to both receivers and tight ends. We once again saw Ethan Grunkemeyer and Bryce Baker in orange jerseys while Troy Huhn and Bryce Baker were both wearing maroon #10 jerseys to simulate Quinn Henicle. Franklin stated after practice that both quarterbacks had given them good looks on practice team. The tight ends started with ball carrier drills and worked their way to pass catching drills shortly after. The receivers were working through the gauntlet drill that we watched running backs work through during Fall camp. They then moved to pass catching drills with the quarterbacks, and we witnessed a few receivers off to the side not participating. Luke Stuewe, Takye Heath, and Shamarius "Snook" Peterkin were watching drills in full pads, but they did not partake in any drills.   DEFENSIVE INDIVIDUAL DRILLS  The defense was outside working through drills at a much cooler temperature than they were last week. The heat has died down a little in Blacksburg with it being just below 80 degrees today. The defensive linemen were on the other side of the outdoor practice field, making it tough to see exactly what they were doing. It seemed like they were focusing on gap discipline and the ability to split a double team. The linebackers were working on staying low and exploding into the gap when they see the ball on the ground. They were also working with the entire defense on their alignment, and it seems like we could see more nickel usage this week.   INJURY UPDATES  Luke Stuewe, Takye Heath, Shamarius "Snook" Peterkin were all absent during the Hokies' 73-3 thumping of VMI. It seems that they might not be available again this week. All three were in pads but did not participate in any individual or team drills.   Emmett Laws was with the defensive linemen, but he was not in pads today. He appeared to be working off to the side some, but he's obviously still rehabbing his injury.   Bill Davis is confirmed to be out for a little while with no timetable for his return. Coach Norval McKenzie said they expect Davis to be back at some point this year, but they're not sure when that return will be.   Isaiah Brown-Murray and Kenny Woseley Jr are both healthy and ready to go this week. Coach Franklin said they had a few bumps and bruises, but they mainly didn't see the field due to the fact they never had a nickel corner out there.   LINEMEN 1-ON-1 DRILLS  The linemen ramped up the intensity in practice with the 1-on-1 period. Tommy Ricard made an appearance at center working with the first team. I believe Kyle Altuner may be working his way back from a minor inconvenience he faced during the VMI game, but it was interesting to see Ricard with the first team. Franklin said after practice that he had faith in Ricard's ability to help the Hokies if he's needed. Brody Meadows had a really impressive rep against Elhadj Fall, showing off his ability to wall up and keep Fall out of the backfield. The offensive line seems to be a much-improved unit this year, and practice tells the same story.   Stay tuned to VTSCOOP for more practice updates and with football season now underway, there's no better place to be.