Punt Returner Ryan Williams Excels as Virginia Tech's Special Teams Remain a Strong Suit

BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 18 -- There is talent but uncertainty at running back. There are holes to fill in the secondary and at linebacker. But Beamer Ball appears to be alive and well at Virginia Tech.

In preseason practices, the Hokies have utilized a dangerous punt returner, a long-armed punt-block unit and a consistent, capable kicker. Strong special teams play is Coach Frank Beamer's hallmark -- hence Beamer Ball -- and this year could be more of the same.

No player has made a bigger splash than punt returner Ryan Williams. As a running back, the redshirt freshman is competing for the starting role. But as a punt returner, he has seemed to distance himself from everyone -- including would-be tacklers.

Williams put on a show Saturday at Virginia Tech's first intrasquad scrimmage at Lane Stadium. He returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown, making just a few cuts before sprinting to the end zone.

"I love being in the open field," Williams said. "It's like a big playground. I can just run around everywhere."

Williams said it was difficult to distinguish who was blocking for him during the scrimmage because players wore similar-colored uniforms. In a game, he said, returning punts might be easier because "I'll be able to separate from which team is which."

The Hokies have used a rangy line in front of Williams on certain punt return formations. At practice on Tuesday, Logan Thomas (6 feet 6), Marcus Davis (6-4), Kam Chancellor (6-4) and Xavier Boyce (6-4) created a formidable punt-blocking line.

Meanwhile, place kicker Matt Waldron, a redshirt senior, has carried over a strong spring performance into preseason practices. Waldron went 5 for 5 on field goal attempts during spring scrimmages. Although he is unproven in meaningful, pressure situations, he performed well again during the Hokies' first scrimmage. He went 4 for 4, nailing attempts from 42 and 46 yards.

Asked if Waldron secured the starting job, Beamer said, "Yeah, I think he's the most steady one."

Trouble at Tailback

When running back Darren Evans suffered a season-ending knee injury, Virginia Tech opened competition for his starting position. But two of the three remaining running backs have been slowed by injuries.

Redshirt sophomore Josh Oglesby, who sits atop the depth chart, has been nagged by a sore right hamstring and a left heel infection. He strained his hamstring last Tuesday, and a blister on his heel recently became infected. He was receiving antibiotics and was considered day to day.

Freshman David Wilson, third on the depth chart, sustained a sprained left shoulder after a big collision in a scrimmage last Saturday. Although the injury is not considered serious, Wilson said he was initially not able put on his own socks. He has worn a blue, non-contact jersey in recent practices but was expected play in the Hokies' scrimmage on Saturday.