The Hokies' Greg Boone poses a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators: He's too big for defensive backs, too fast for linebackers. FILE/MIKE ZARRILLI/GETTY IMAGES View and ORDER more photos.

Boone gives Hokies versatility

Date published: 8/28/2008

BY JIM McCONNELL

BLACKSBURG--

When it comes to Greg Boone, Virginia Tech intends to keep opponents guessing.

"I think he's the most versatile guy we've ever recruited here, and I think we need to use that versatility," coach Frank Beamer said recently. "I think he needs to be at different places on the field and given the ball."

Boone's emergence as a playmaker comes at a perfect time for the Hokies, who must replace their top four receivers and top rusher from last year's Atlantic Coast Conference championship squad.

The situation grew even more desperate last week when sophomore flanker Zach Luckett was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.

Even with Luckett, Virginia Tech's receiving corps was greener than the grass inside Lane Stadium. Without him, only one of the Hokies' top six receivers--converted quarterback Ike Whitaker--has caught a pass in a college game.

By contrast, Tech's four tight ends (Boone, Sam Wheeler, Andre Smith and Chris Drager) have a combined 52 career receptions.

"[The receivers] are going to be good, but it takes time to mature," Boone said. "Since the tight ends have been here the longest, they're putting us in matchups to succeed."

Defensive coordinators won't have much fun trying to figure out how to match up with Boone, who was blessed with a freakish combination of size, speed and agility.

At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, the redshirt junior is too big and strong for opposing safeties to cover man-to-man. He's also been clocked between 4.6 and 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which means he can outrun most of the bigger linebackers.

Boone signed with the Hokies after a remarkable senior season at Chesapeake's Oscar Smith High School. A first-team all-Group AAA selection at quarterback, Boone amassed 2,234 yards of total offense and 35 touchdowns in leading his team to a 10-0 regular season.

He also was voted to the all-Southeastern District team at three positions: quarterback, defensive back and punter.

But Boone suffered a knee injury during the summer before his freshman year and he reported at a less-than-optimal 280 pounds.

This week, The Free Lance-Star profiles area college football teams Here is the schedule: TUESDAY: Maryland YESTERDAY: Virginia TODAY: Virginia Tech TOMORROW: State colleges

Date published: 8/28/2008