Tech running back returns earlier than expected

By Nathan Warters

Published: August 6, 2008

BLACKSBURG — Kenny Lewis Jr. isn’t going to let an injury decide his fate this preseason, not with a heated battle expected among at least five players for Virginia Tech’s starting running back position.

Following mid-April surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Lewis was expected to be out of commission for at least four months, possibly longer.

He was back much sooner than that. He said he was cleared after two-and-a-half months.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be out six months,” Lewis said. “That’s just how I felt. I was brought up to attack everything that’s in front of me. You’ve got to prepare for the obstacles.”

He credits his faith and some offseason rehab work for getting him back much sooner than expected.

“I couldn’t sit still. It was hard just sitting there with my arm in a sling. I did (rehab exercises) that didn’t hurt, and if it didn’t hurt, I kept doing it,” Lewis said.

Lewis and Jahre Cheeseman, both juniors, were on the field Monday for Tech’s first preseason practice. They both went down with injuries within a few days of each other during spring practice. Lewis was expected to be out longer than Cheeseman, who broke his left fibula.

The two are competing with redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby, senior Dustin Pickle and true freshman Ryan Williams for the top spot.

“I think we’re all good backs. We all bring a little something different. We’ve just got to put forth the effort to get that spot that we want,” Cheeseman said.

The plan is to get all the backs contact work in the next couple of weeks, which should reveal if Lewis and Cheeseman are indeed fully recovered from their maladies. Tech coach Frank Beamer said Monday he’d like to narrow the group down to three sometime soon in preparation for the Aug. 30 season opener against East Carolina.

“It’s a good problem to have. We’ve got good talent. We’ve just got to make some calls as to who needs to be on the field,” Beamer said.

Like old times

Freshman wide receiver Marcus Davis was a little rusty during his first Virginia Tech practice. He spent the better part of his senior high school season throwing the football, not catching it.

He admits it’s a little unusual playing wide receiver again, but he’s fine with it. He has an opportunity to get on the field early in his career.

“Not only playing, but contributing to the team is something I want to do from the beginning to the end,” said Davis, who was recruited to Tech as a quarterback and spent much of the offseason preparing to play quarterback. “I’m just ready to get out there and play.”

Davis practiced at wide receiver last preseason at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach before his team’s starting quarterback went down with an injury. He was pressed into duty and never caught a pass again — until Monday. He made the decision to switch back to receiver on Sunday.

“It felt real weird at first, but I got used to it,” Davis said.

The 6-foot-3, 228-pound Davis is currently listed as the Hokies backup split end, behind redshirt freshman Danny Coale, who has never played a college snap.

The Hokies assigned Davis jersey No. 4, which was worn for four years by standout wide receiver Eddie Royal. Royal, who graduated last season, is currently participating in the Denver Broncos’ preseason camp.

“I feel I have some big shoes to fill,” Davis said. “But I’m ready to play.”

Extra points

Sophomore offensive tackle Aaron Brown missed the first couple of days of practice with a shoulder injury. He could miss more time. His shoulder will be evaluated again today. … Offensive linemen Brandon Holland, Clark Crum and Eric Davis are no longer with the team. Holland, who made one career start at right guard, will attempt to transfer to Division II North Carolina-Pembroke, according to Beamer’s Web site. Davis graduated and is working as a graduate assistant in the Hokies athletic department, according to a Tech athletic communications spokesperson. … Six-foot-5, 307-pound freshman Vinston Painter will begin his Tech career as a defensive linemen. He was recruited as an offensive lineman but is currently practicing as a backup defensive tackle. … Senior Cory Holt, who practiced at wide receiver in the spring, was back at quarterback Monday. He is currently listed as the Hokies third-string quarterback.