BLACKSBURG -- Because Dorian Porch didn't give a hoot about a lot of loot three years ago, the once unresolved rover spot on Virginia Tech's football team has seemingly become a moot point.

While he's still facing stern competition from sophomore Davon Morgan as Tech's spring practice period nears a conclusion, Porch figures to be the starter at the all-important rover spot when the Hokies open the season Aug. 30 against East Carolina in Charlotte, N.C.

Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster can thank Porch's mother for a major assist in the matter.

Porch said the Arizona Diamondbacks were eyeing him as a potential second-round pick out of high school because of his prowess in center field.

But when her son was contemplating a big-bucks offer from Arizona, Lynette Porch was quick to throw in her two cents.

"I was actually going to go into the [Major League Baseball] draft, but my mom was big on the school thing," Dorian Porch said Monday. "She was like, 'What if something happens and you never get to go back and get your college degree?'

"So that was the whole thing with that. It would have been a lot of money. The Diamondbacks were thinking about $300,000 out of high school. But baseball was my second love and football was No. 1. And you couldn't be at a better place for football than right here. I don't regret my decision a bit."

Especially now that he's on the verge of becoming one of the main men on Foster's retooled defense. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound redshirt junior from Calhoun, Ga., has been one of the most impressive performers in spring workouts. He's ready to take over the spot held last season by junior Kam Chancellor, who has moved to free safety.

"I'm feeling real good about things," Porch said. "I've been here. I've got the experience. I've been able to see everything I've been watching the past three years and put it into play now."

Porch's work has turned Foster's head the past three weeks.

"Dorian has really taken his game up to another level, and we needed that," Foster said. "Moving Kam allowed us to moved Davon over there just to create some battle over there at rover. Dorian has stepped up and is playing with a lot of confidence. He's playing within the position and understands ... the sense of urgency at his position.

"I'm glad he's done that. Because our rover is kind of a play-making spot for us, just like safety. We wanted a guy with some experience [at safety], which was Kam, and we also wanted a guy who had some play-making abilities and Dorian has shown those things so far. I feel good about that spot right now."

Porch certainly has the athletic skills to fill the bill. In winter workouts, Porch posted a team-best vertical leap of 41 inches. It marked the third consecutive year that Porch has paced that competition.

"That's getting on up there," a grinning Porch said. "It feels like flying! I've always been pretty strong in my legs."

Sounds like he's given Tech a leg up at rover.

Tech tidbits

Sophomore quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who missed last Saturday's scrimmage with a left foot sprain, was back on the practice field. Tech coach Frank Beamer and QBs coach Mike O'Cain said they think Taylor will play in Saturday's spring game. The annual Maroon-White game will be played at 2 p.m. at Lane Stadium. Taylor and senior Sean Glennon remain as co-No. 1s on the depth chart. ... Dustin Pickle, a senior from Salem, was listed No. 1 at tailback before Monday's workout. Redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby are listed as co-No. 2s at a position that was depleted by the loss of juniors Kenny Lewis Jr. and Jahre Cheeseman to injuries late last week.