Three former Hokies to play in showcase games today
Three Virginia Tech seniors who just wrapped up their college careers — wide receivers Marcus Davis and Corey Fuller and linebacker Bruce Taylor – will show off their stuff at all-star games today.
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Davis and Fuller will participate in the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., at 4 p.m. It’ll be televised by the NFL Network or you can listen to it live online here. Both are on the East roster. Davis is No. 15. Fuller is 83.
Davis sounds like he could use a big game after a so-so week of workouts, according to observers.
“Davis came into the week as likely the highest rated receiver (and one of the highest players overall) at the event,” wrote Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting. “And with his natural size and ideal body type, he looked as though he would impress. But he struggled more than any receiver I’ve ever seen to track the ball vertically, struggled with getting separation on in-breaking routes at times, and had inconsistent hands all week.”
Taylor will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at the Home Depot Center in Cason, Calif., at 6 p.m. It’ll be televised on ESPN2.
Taylor, who did this Q&A earlier this week, has drawn rave reviews at practices. Here is Optimum Scouting’s Mark Dulgerian‘s take:
“The linebacker group showcased the best player at the NFLPA Bowl practices in Bruce Taylor. Playing in a different scheme than what he was accustomed to at Virginia Tech, it took some time for Taylor to grasp fulltime strongside responsibilities, but he became acquainted quickly and it was obvious he was one of the more instinctive players on defense. He’s slightly undersized at under 6-2 but built well with really long arms. He showed very good route recognition during team sessions and diagnoses plays quickly. He also uses his hands well in traffic to keep trash away from his feet and blockers out of his body. He made several plays on the ball during team sessions.”
January 19, 2013 - 9:48 AM
AB -
Ah, the real Marcus Davis revealed, good insights by Mr. Galko. It would also appear those of you who thought MD would be drafted in the second round will be disappointed, and those of you who precicted 5-7 rounds would be more accurate.
Best to Aaron on his continued recovery:
RT
Wow. So Marcus Davis didn’t even care enough to give full effort in workouts? Much less games over a four year career? I guess now we understand why he only started by default in his senior season.
I suppose Marcus will eventually understand that he won’t get to play in the NFL just because he looks pretty in a picture. He’ll absolutely get the chance he doesn’t deserve, but he’ll blow it by not producing in practice. And then people will post on message boards that he wasn’t given a fair shot because his unsubstantiated numbers at VT don’t cause NFL people to swoon when the money is on the line.
Too bad he wasn’t coached properly during his four years at VT, right Stinespring – former Offensive Coordinator? Enjoy cashing that fat paycheck…
Crooked Road, I believe Kevin Sherman was Marcus Davis position coach wasn’t he? Oh that’s right, you look for just any reason to throw Stinespring under the bus. Try to be just a little bit objective Crooked Road. Oh that’s right, you can’t.
I’m with CR except I don’t think Davis will make the NFL. Maybe get drafted because of his size, etc., but it just looks like he is wasting gifts.
So, on the coaching changes. According to the Roanoke times, your new OC was QB coach for the Lions in 2008. They went 0-16 that year. Hope for your sake your Hokies fare better.
#3 child – you might want to google chain of command. Once you understand that term, then you can graduate to providing actual content in a post beyond trolling for a reason to jab at me. Just another bug on my windshield…
Zman, we’re in close agreement. I feel sure that Davis will get drafted, because so many of the NFL guys are suckers for impressive workout/combine numbers, and have disdain for heart. I also feel sure that Davis will not have a career in the NFL, because he just doesn’t care enough to do so. If he lasts one full season in the NFL, I would be shocked. I really don’t think he’ll even make it through a single training camp.
Davis is a physical freak that does possess ability to really get after the football. He may not be a Julio Jones or Calvin Johnson type of player, but if he is properly motivated, he can be a force. I think that’s the most frustrating issue fans have had with Davis. Everybody who have functioning brains and eyes can see that Davis is really talented. For too long, he half-assed it on the football field, runs his route lazily, and then throws tantrums when he don’t get the football.
Game tapes will only show his highlights rather than the entire picture, which is why observation made by Galko, will be an important piece for scouts to read.
Damning? Hardly. More than anything, it is a reflection on coaching by Sherman and Stinespring for not properly motivating him and preparing him for each game.
Corey Fuller is an example of the type of receiver I like. Work hard, doesn’t half-ass it, and makes every effort to get the football. How many times have he jumped on loose balls to keep the drive alive? That’s one thing that can’t be taught. It’s all internal.
Bruce Taylor is a bit of a mystery. He has tons of skills and he can really bring the lumber. The draft this year are going to be loaded with top rushing linebackers and I fear that Taylor might not get drafted at all. He can land on a team through the free agency route. He is going to have to work hard to prove his worth.
Long post, but just some thoughts from me.
I am not sure who made the statement that Stieny, may have ruined the career of Boone. I may have to agree to an extent. Part of the responsibility falls on the coach and part to the player however, the coaches must be able to coach the players up. I have seen players lose confidence and their abilities decrease. I don’t understand the coaches, when they say they don’t trust a player. I believe more reps will build confidence. With proper coaching the coach will be able to trust the player. What the coaches are really saying is,they don’t trust themselves. They want players who can come in and play rather than having to work and coach a player up. I see a lot of talent wasting on the side lines. Makes one wonder if a player needs to have some sort of connection to play.
When VT starts losing their games this year, who are you going to blame since you can’t blame Stinespring. Doesn’t sound like you are going to fare much better with the replacement coaches, not that impressive. The oddsmakers say the 49ers will win tomorrow; I disagree, the Atlanta Defense can stop Kapernick if they shut down the outside lanes. The Falcons have a more balanced offense and a tough defense at home. The Falcons by 2 touchdowns. Patriots will demolish the Ravens.
I love Corey Fuller. I am a fan of all of them. We could always use another one from that family.
Coaching is a two way street. You need someone to coach and someone to accept coaching. If Davis didn’t “get it” at Tech, why is the NFL going to be different? You think money is more motivating than the promise of money?
If entitlement is the problem, the NFL won’t change him. As for highlights, its true. Only the good stuff. Thats why scouts see tons and tons of film and games so they aren’t fooled by highlight reels.
Bruce Taylor just came up big with interception, leads to score for the Nationals. Big day for the Hokies; I think I saw Stinespring at the game.
Stinky needed to go you hard headed knuckle heads. Go ahead and defend the man. Wins, yes, against the mediocre. Bad coaching is responsible for Tech loosing every big game. Mostly bad calls on offense that kept Tech defense in impossible positions and on the field way more than any defense should. As for the Detroit comment. Nobody can win in Detroit. Sorry! That problem existed for so long and the ownership is so lost I wouldn’t hold it against the new guy for a 1 year stint. Congrats that he figured out quickly that you can’t win in Detroit. Come to think about it you cant win with Stinespring as OC either. If you had to win a game in the college world would any sane person pick stinepring to call their plays? Give it up!! HE STUNK. On the other hand he is a pretty good recruiter. TA DA that is where he is!! Lets move on shall we?
Corey Fuller looked good and Bruce Taylor just intercepted a pass!!!
The good news: Corey Fuller leading receiver for the East at 2 catches for 29 yards (Marcus was for 16 yards). The bad news: Former Hokie Xavier Boyce outshining them both at 3 catches for 29 yards and a touchdown (in the 3rd).
Mike
Loeffler got fired in Detroit! Fired from Auburn too! Good luck with that guy.
One thing is certain, if VT can beat Alabama, then they will be a great position for the National Championship game. At least they control their own destiny. Their biggest challenge will be Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Wonder if wannabe little berry from NeverNeverLand will ever realize that she is the laughingstock of this board?
I’m no where near Stinespring’s biggest fan, but some of you guys seemed to be obsessed with trashing the man. Trevor, Davis’ biggest problem was his coaching from Sherman and Stinespring? But you’re impressed with Fuller who has the same coaches. The same coaches who coached Boykin and Coale. Believe me, Davis’ problem was his attitude. That’s his responsibility to change.
Loafler was hired because he needed the job, you never want to hire someone who doesn’t need a job because they won’t follow your program, they will be too independent. Beamer needs “yes” men to follow the VT sinking ship program.
The Indy NFL combine will thin out the herd as it usually does. Davis is a physical freak but perhaps a mental midget as a receiver. Very late round pick at best with a team that can teach him the fundamentals.Fuller and Taylor rounds 3-5.
Corey Fuller was our saving grace this year, I really wish him the best. Same with Taylor. I think his injury slowed him down at the beginning of the year but he was a terror the second half of the season. Probably a late round draft choice. He’s got NFL linebacker size though. As far as Davis who knows what’ll happen he’s a train wreck.
Stinespring is over so we should all move on, but he fielded a bottom feeder offense most years he was the OC and had to go. Don’t care how many VT records he set, even in his best years we were a mediocre offense. I must admit I’m not particularly excited about the new coaches, but really who was surprised when Frank hired a coach to run a boring conservative run first offense. I think we got away with that when we were fielding a stable of NFL ready running backs but not with this group I think.
Still, there is hope where there was none. I too suspect another tough year for VT with new receivers, current running backs and another reshuffled offensive line, but you never know what is going to click with a new message and motivation from a new coaching staff.
I’m sorry for misspelling Loeffler’s name.
Barry From Ivy Why are you on this blog? Its for Virginia Tech Fans not haters !! Go back to Ga Tech! or West Va!
Stinespring had to go. The key to all VT’s losses to ranked teams in the past decade has been the inability to block. Even when we had a decent O line we could not block against decent teams.