Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Experience will be key for Tech 'D'
Jeff Gilbert
Gilbert is the sports editor for The Roanoke Times
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BLACKSBURG -- Eight starters back on defense.
The top-ranked defensive unit statistically in the nation over the past two seasons.
"I think we're capable of being the No. 1 defense in the nation one more year."
Anybody on Tech's defense will tell you that. The coaches would probably hedge, but that's what coaches do.
The player who said it was Orion Martin. He's not one of those eight returning starters, but his play at defensive end along with the play of other new starters will have a lot to do with just how good this defense can be.
This defense is regarded as the best in the ACC, and the Hokies regard it as the best in the nation. But that's based on numbers. Ohio State thought it had a pretty sharp defense last year until Florida made the Buckeyes look like they were trying to run through a swamp.
Want to be considered a great defense? Shut down a fast and talented offense in a national championship game.
Chris Ellis, Carlton Powell, Barry Booker, Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi, Brandon Flowers, Macho Harris and D.J. Parker are fast, talented and proven starters.
"They're not going to let us down," Martin said.
And Martin doesn't want to let anybody down either as he takes over for the departed Noland Burchette at defensive end. Martin got off to a good start when he was named the most valuable defensive performer in spring practice.
Martin spent two years as a backup, playing in every game. Now a junior, he says he knows more will be asked of him and that he's prepared to contribute at the level expected of a starter.
"Most of the time when you're young and trying to learn the defense, you're second-guessing yourself," Martin said. "Sometimes you're thinking so hard it slows down your feet, but now it's just second nature. I'm a little bit older and a little bit wiser in the defense."
The Tech media guide praises Martin's work ethic as being unmatched. Certainly that makes Martin a good fit on a defense that has been marked by work ethic under defensive coordinator Bud Foster's leadership since 1995.
Not often the biggest defense, but often one of the fastest, the Hokies might be as deep as ever. Eight starters back builds depth, and you can expect eight or nine players to see time on the line. Depth on the line is usually a factor in having a great defense, and there's competition for playing time. Martin is the starter now, but sophomore Nekos Brown and redshirt freshman Jason Worilds will play a lot behind Martin and Ellis.
"If you don't get it right, you will be demoted," Martin said.
During a recent practice, Martin said the defense was slacking just a little, and it didn't take Foster long to notice.
"He got on our tails and ripped us a little bit," Martin said. "He's not going to let us drop off at any time, no matter who we're playing. He's going to make us practice hard to be the No. 1 defense."
That will be good for this defense. It's easy to become complacent when you keep hearing about eight returning starters and being the top defense in the nation.
Martin says he isn't thinking about a possible national championship.
"I'm not talented enough just to depend on my talent, so I've got to work just as hard to keep up with everybody else," he said.
And that will be good for Tech's defense, too.
