Alright, so the big news dropping from head coach James Franklin is that new Virginia Tech safety DQ Smith is officially part of the team and practiced Tuesday. He’s cleared to play this season, which is massive, but here’s the kicker: he won’t be on the field for the season opener against VMI this weekend. Franklin said it’s an NCAA acclimation thing, not an eligibility issue, so get ready for him soon, just not right away.
The Waiting Game for DQ Smith, And Why We’re Here
It’s a bummer Smith isn’t lacing up for Saturday, but Franklin made it super clear this isn’t some shady eligibility mess. It’s an “acclimation period” which is kinda wild when you think about it, but hey, NCAA rules. Franklin went through the whole process, talking with the ACC, getting clearance, and even involving the defensive captains to make sure everyone was on board. This dude started for four years in major college football, so he’s got *serious* reps under his belt. Franklin even called South Carolina coach and Hokie alum Shane Beamer about Smith, which is a class move that apparently not every program bothers with. This isn’t just a body; Smith is expected to be a “big addition” for the Hokies on defense and special teams, bringing that much-needed depth and competition Franklin’s been talking about since he got here. We’ll have to wait a week, but the impact is coming.
George Ballance Grabs the Legendary #25
In other huge news, the legendary No. 25 jersey, famously worn by Frank Beamer, isn’t going to be handed out week-to-week anymore. Instead, redshirt junior linebacker George Ballance is getting it for the *entire season*. Franklin even got Coach Beamer’s blessing for this, which is just awesome. Ballance “epitomizes a Hokie football player” in Franklin’s eyes. The guy is passionate, he’s set to be a “multiple-unit starter,” maybe even every unit on special teams, and Franklin thinks he’s got “the chance to be a difference-maker.” The staff and captains agreed it was the right call, and Ballance, whose dad played for the Hokies and brother played baseball here, totally gets how important that honor is. You love to see it when a player earns a number like that for good.
QB Picture Is Set for Now
Franklin kept the starting quarterback under wraps all offseason, but then named redshirt sophomore Ethan Grunkemeyer as the guy on Monday. Everyone kinda knew it, but it was all about making him earn it. He’s doing the same thing with the backup spot. He wouldn’t officially name redshirt freshman Bryce Baker as the No. 2, but let’s be real, only Grunkemeyer and Baker were rocking the orange jerseys in practice. So yeah, the North Carolina transfer is our backup. Now we just gotta see them put it to work.
The season opener against VMI is this weekend, folks! We’ll finally get to see Grunkemeyer officially lead the offense, and the defense will start without Smith, but with Ballance rocking that iconic #25 all season. Let’s go, Hokies!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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