\

Not that it should come as any surprise, but highly recruiting freshman running back Ryan Williams will redshirt this season, that according to Frank Beamer. Williams came to Tech partly because the coaches told him he would have the opportunity to play right away. But, with five running backs ahead of him, Williams quickly began to see the value in preserving a year of eligibility. It’s no secret that if it were purely a matter of running the ball, Williams is clearly equal to, if not better than the guys ahead of him; but running backs coach Billy Hite points to his inexperience and lack of knowledge with the Hokies passing game (please refrain from laughing or making jokes, I know it’s hard, but do try) to see more than 5 or so plays a game as opposed to 30-plus. Read what Williams had to say about redshirting.

Now, just from reading all of the reports and having seen Williams at the spring game, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say the he is expected to make a serius push for the starting job next season. This is a running back coach’s dream come true. Next year, Hite will have Kenny Lewis, Jr. (Sr.), Darren Evan and Josh Oglesby (both r-So.); and Ryan Williams (r-Fr.). That’s quite a stable of talent in the backfield. Jahre Cheeseman will  be a senior next year, but he’s moving to fullback this season to replace Kenny Younger who is out with a knee injury that will required surgery.

Having said all that, Richmond Times-Dispatch sports writer Darryl Slater did an interview with Ogelsby and the resulting article ran on Monday, Sept. 15. In the article, Oglesby said, “Coach [Hite] told me he’s playing three backs. I’ve only seen two.” Oglesby said a whole lot more and if you haven’t read the whole interview, you should. Slater is apparently getting a lot of heat from Hokie fans, which is ridiculous. Oglesby was an approved interview by the athletics department and he should know the drill by now. Don’t shoot the messenger. Kyle Tucker goes into more detail at his blog.

So, while I’m sure Oglesby will kiss and make up with his coach and teammates, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see him request a transfer, especially with the depth the Hokies have at that spot now. Though, it also wouldn’t surprise me to see Evans, Oglesby and Williams take over at the top three backs next season. Kenny Lewis will be a senior next year and he’ll be pushing 25 years old going into next season. Evans and Oglesby will be pushing 20 and Williams 19. That’s a lot of youth in the backfield.

I’m not trying to start rumors, I’m just pointing out a very possible scenario. Oglesby is a talented running back and as a true competitor, I don’t see him riding the bench for two or three seasons if he feels he can start at another program. I hope he stays because I think if given the opportunity, he could really be a dangerous weapon for this team. Only time will tell.

Lastly, the Hokies prepare for perhaps their toughest game of the season thusfar. I know, we said that last week, but that was last week and UNC is this week and after what the Tar Heels did to Rutgers AT Rutgers, there isn’t a player or coach on Beamer’s team that isn’t losing sleep over this game. Read what Beamer and FS Kam Chancellor had to say about the UNC game this Saturday.

Popularity: 6% [?]