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Former Hokie cornerback Stephan Virgil wasn’t selected in the 2010 NFL draft, but he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills. Less than two months later, they cut him.

Virgil was let go on June 8 after failing to impress. It looks like he hasn’t been able to fully recover from the knee injury that kept him out nearly half of the 2009 season. He was slow at the combine, running a 4.69 forty-yard dash and then an even slower 4.73 at his pro day.

At this point, it would be surprising to see Virgil get picked up by another team, but we’ll keep an eye out on the transaction wire. Perhaps he needs more time to rehab and try and get his times down.

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Nearly two dozen former Virginia Tech Hokie football players are expected to participate in Tech’s “Pro Day” on Thursday, March 18.

The following seniors expected to participate:

• Greg Boone, TE
• Brent Bowden, P
• Nekos Brown, DE
• Kam Chancellor, S
• Brandon Dillard, WR
• Richard Graham, OL
• Cody Grimm, LB
• Kenny Jefferson, RB
• Cam Martin, LB
• Dorian Porch, CB
• Matt Reidy, LB
• Sergio Render, OL
• Demetrius Taylor, DE
• Cordarrow Thompson, DT
• Stephan Virgil, CB
• Matt Waldron, K
• Ed Wang, OL
• Sam Wheeler, TE

A handful of former Virginia Tech players, as well as a former Purdue player with local ties, are also expected to participate: Jason Murphy, Derrius Monroe, Robbie Powell (Purdue – Cave Spring High School), Carlton Weatherford and Ike Whitaker.

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As expected, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated Michael Vick to the NFL, but with conditions. He is allowed to practice, but will not be eligible to play until week six at the earliest. That is assuming any NFL team will sign him and give him a second chance. Vick was suspended before the 2007 season amid dog fighting allegations to which he later pleaded guilty and served 23-months prison sentence.

Despite support from several high profile NFL players and even the respected former coach Tony Dungee, Goodell felt that an additional six week suspension to start the season was appropriate. I never thought I’d say this, but I agree with Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens – this added suspension is just kicking a guy while he’s down (actually, TO said ‘kicking a horse’ but that’s neither here nor there).

Vick served his time and has already missed two full seasons and now Goodell is basically suspending him for another half of a season. He’s already on a short leash (pardon the pun) so what good is another six games? Regardless, I am glad to see Vick get an opportunity to get back in the league and prove that he can change. And I sincerely hope that a team will give him a shot and that PETA and its cult of followers will give him the benefit of the doubt. PETA, afterall, believe that vicious pitbulls can become docile house pets, so why can’t a human being change for the better as well? Huh, PETA?

Read more at sports.Yahoo.com.

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Bruce Smith became the first Virginia Tech Hokie elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith played at Virginia Tech from 1980-1984; won the Outland Trophy his senior year, and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft.

Smith played 19 seasons in the NFL; 15 with the Buffalo Bills and his final four with the Washington Redskins. During his tenure with the Bills, he helped the team to four straight Super Bowl appearances. In 2003, Smith passed Reggie White for first place on the all-time career sack list, finishing his career with 200.

Read more about Bruce Smith’s election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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From the “you’ve got to be kidding” file of the NFL, Adam “Please don’t call me Pacman” Jones accused former Hokie Nick Sorensen of grabbing Jones’ … groin area … during a pile up in week one’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns.  NFL Fanhouse (an AOL Sports site) quoted Jones as saying, “I told that dude, ‘Man, you’re lucky I’m trying to do better, because I would have got 15 yards for kicking your [rear].’” I don’t even know what to say about this. But, I figured I’d pass it along because it’s not something you hear about ever day. Read the AOL Sports article.

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After a dazzling NFL debut, Eddie Royal has been nominated for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award. In his first NFL game Monday night against the Oakland Raiders, Royal caught nine passes for 146 yards and had a 26-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. The former Hokies racked up 185 total yards and made former All Pro and Hokie cornerback DeAngelo Hall look silly in the process. Though Royal had an incredible debut, he’s up against some tough competition as there were several impressive rookie performances in week one of the 2008 season.

Watch the nominees in action.

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