Trying Times for Va. Tech Kicker Dunlevy

BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 18 -- Jud Dunlevy grew up as a Virginia Tech football fan in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and he is now entering his fifth season in the program. So he knows the Hokies' tradition and consistency at place kicker as well anybody.

In the past 11 seasons, Virginia Tech has used only three kickers: Carter Warley, Shayne Graham and Brandon Pace. Dunlevy, a senior, is next in line. Though Dunlevy endured a rough day Saturday during Virginia Tech's second intrasquad scrimmage of the preseason, he retained his spot as the Hokies' kicker. Dunlevy missed three field goal attempts -- two from beyond 50 yards -- and another was blocked.

"It's just one of those days," Dunlevy said. "I'm not going to lose any confidence over it. I'm not going to get down about it. I still feel like I can do the job."

Coach Frank Beamer, who also oversees special teams, maintained his confidence, too. During the week of practice, Dunlevy made every kick he attempted. On Saturday, both misses from beyond 50 yards were long enough. Beamer believes Dunlevy has a stronger leg than any of his predecessors.

"Obviously I've got a lot to live up to, especially coming right after Pace," Dunlevy said. "At the same time, I try not to look at it like that."

Beamer wanted Dunlevy to kick in a gamelike atmosphere, and he received that. About 15,000 fans filled Lane Stadium, including Virginia Tech's entire band. A public-address announcer described the action, and the video board showed replays.

Martin 'Whips' It Good

Outside linebacker Cam Martin continued his preseason ascension during the scrimmage, making a team-high five tackles, including a sack that caused a fumble by backup quarterback Ike Whitaker.

Martin, a sophomore, began the season No. 2 at Virginia Tech's "whip" position in a fight to replace Brenden Hill. He passed Corey Gordon this week for the starting spot, completing his comeback from an injury-plagued 2006 season.

Martin underwent two hernia operations before last season, then injured his foot during the year and partially tore his labrum during the Chick-fil-A Bowl. "Once one injury healed up, it seemed like another one came," Martin said.

He switched to the "whip" spot for spring practice, moving into a position that allows for freedom and demands playmaking. Beamer raved about Martin's work this offseason, citing improvements in his speed and learning the position, always finding himself in the correct spot.

"These past two scrimmages have been big confidence boosters for me," Martin said. "I haven't really played football in a really long time."

Big Showings

Sean Glennon began the scrimmage by heaving a 67-yard touchdown to Josh Morgan on a post pattern. Offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring sprinted down the field, his arms raised over his head. During the week, he chastised the offense for its lack of big plays in last week's scrimmage. The play came against Virginia Tech's No. 2 defense. . . .

Eddie Royal provided the day's biggest highlight, an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown. . . .

On Friday, the Hokies raised $4,000 for the Hokie Spirit Fund by washing cars in the parking lot of the athletic complex. . . .

Because classes start Monday at Virginia Tech, the Hokies will not practice again until Tuesday. At that point, they will begin preparing for East Carolina, their Sept. 1 opponent.