Marshall steps away as Virginia Tech football roster continues to shrink

BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech’s summer of attrition continued Monday.

Junior Corey Marshall, who was expected to be the Hokies’ top backup defensive tackle, will take some time away from the program to take care of what the Hokies termed “personal matters.” No return date was given, and his status will be determined at a later date.

Rumors swirled Sunday that Marshall had left the program, but Tech put out the news of his leave Monday after he met with head coach Frank Beamer.

The 6-foot-1, 257-pound junior from North Dinwiddie has played 27 games in his Hokies career at both tackle and end, starting five times and making 39 tackles, six tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.

Although he wasn’t going to start this year, Marshall was expected to have a key role on Tech’s defensive line, backing up starters Derrick Hopkins and Luther Maddy.

His absence leaves four players competing for backup roles. Woody Baron, a freshman who enrolled in January, is the top backup. Sophomore Kris Harley and redshirt freshme n Alston Smith and Nigel Williams are also in the mix, although Harley is dealing with a shoulder injury right now.

The Hokies have had trouble keeping the roster intact. Since the spring, nine scholarship players are no longer with the program because of dismissals, personal decisions or injuries, with the possibility that a 10th joins them. Marshall could be No. 11.

Running back Michael Holmes and receiver Kevin Asante were dismissed this summer. Cornerbacks Donaldven Manning and Davion Tookes, defensive linemen Jarontay Jones and Justin Taylor and offensive lineman Adam Taraschke chose to leave the program. Walk-on kicker Brooks Abbott also chose to transfer.

Offensive lineman Nick Acree (knees) and fullback Riley Beiro (shoulder) were medical disqualifications. Fellow lineman Jake Goins is currently excused from team activities for medical reasons. His future is yet to be determined.

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