Tech notes

By Nathan Warters

Published: September 30, 2008

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said Tuesday during his media conference that the Hokies would request a medical hardship waiver for sophomore rover Davon Morgan, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the second quarter of Saturday’s 35-30 win over Nebraska.

“Yeah, we’re checking into it. … I know the NCAA is about what’s best for the kids. I think they would really look into that. … That’s what’s best for this guy, for sure,” Beamer said.

The NCAA typically doesn’t consider a medical hardship waiver if a player has played in more than four games, Hokies head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said.

Morgan played one quarter over the four-game limit.

“It used to be a three-game rule, and they just switched it last year and made it retroactive,” Goforth said. “(Tech tight end Chris) Drager would have been on the bubble last year because he was in the fourth game (when he suffered his season-ending knee injury). I wouldn’t say the door is completely closed, but we’re going to keep trying.”

Goforth said freshman wide receiver Xavier Boyce (knee injury) is scheduled to have season-ending surgery, and freshman linebacker Bruce Taylor (shoulder) is likely headed for season-ending surgery as well.

If they miss the season, both should qualify for a medical hardship, Goforth said.

Tyrod Taylor has MRI

A precautionary MRI on Hokies quarterback Tyrod Taylor revealed no ligament damage to a bruised right knee suffered Saturday against Nebraska.

Taylor will practice this week with a padded wrap around the knee, Goforth said.

“He banged his knee on the turf, so we just did an MRI. It was just a bad bruised knee,” Goforth said. “It came back negative.”

Vote for Tuttle

Many of the Virginia Tech players who attended Tuesday’s press gathering wore T-shirts that read, “Join the Huddle … Vote for Tuttle,” a reference to Hokies backup long-snapper Matt Tuttle’s campaign for homecoming king.

The slogan was on the front of the shirts and Tuttle’s name and number 63 were on the back in maroon letters.

Tuttle is a 6-foot junior from Chesapeake. His teammates say he’s got a good shot at winning the crown.

“He’s a real smart guy. … He can snap the ball pretty good. I don’t know about the man’s looks,” Hokies running back Kenny Lewis said with a laugh.

Anders to lead fly-over

Former Hokies snapper Cliff Anders will lead the fly-over during pregame ceremonies Saturday.

Anders, who played on Tech’s 1999 national championship team, is a captain in the United States Army and a member of the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C.

The former member of Tech’s Corps of Cadets will fly one of two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters prior to the Hokies’ home game against Western Kentucky.

“He tried out three or four times to be our snapper and I kept cutting him, and then (kicker) Shayne Graham told me, and I didn’t believe Shayne, but he said, ‘You better take a look at him again because he’s worked his way into being very accurate,’ and sure enough, he snapped for us there and did a great job, and now he’s flying (helicopters). I’m proud of that guy,” Beamer said.

“Git-r-done”

Comedian Larry the Cable Guy was one of several notable spectators on hand Saturday night in Lincoln, Neb., for Tech’s win over Nebraska.

Beamer is a big fan of the comedian, who is a big Cornhuskers fan.

“Oh yeah. Git R Done,” Beamer said. “Yeah, me and (radio commentator) Mike Burnop were sitting on the front row when he came to Roanoke. Heck, yeah. I tell you one thing, if I had known he was (at Nebraska), I would have looked him up. I can tell you that right now. Funniest guy I’ve ever … I think he’s funny.”

Political commentator Rush Limbaugh, astronaut Clay Anderson and Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman were also at the game.