Roth Report
Lunch pail, keys to Tech's defense in Tapp's hands
The 
Roth Report
Roth Report
October 24, 2005
By Bill Roth Virginia Tech defensive end Darryl Tapp will make his 25th consecutive start Thursday night when the Hokies serve as the hosts to Boston College in a battle of two of the best teams in the ACC. Tapp's leadership on this football team - you see it frequently on the stat sheet, and every day at practice and in the locker room - has been one of the keys to Tech's defensive consistency. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 265 pounds. He runs like a safety and understands his position as well as any end Tech's had in recent years. But it's his drive and determination that make him a special player: polite and humble off the field, driven and focused on it. BCS standings? Tapp could care less. Might as well ask him about the exchange rate of the Indian rupee. What about being ranked third in the polls? "It's alright," Tapp says with a nonchalant shrug.
But try to take his lunch pail away from him, and you'll see the inside of a different man. Those eyes light up, the muscles tense, and the grip grows firmer.
The lunch pail is the symbol of Virginia Tech's football program. If you're a part of this program, you work hard every day and a huge replica of that lunch pail hangs in Tech's Merryman Center. The dented, battered original can be seen at practice every day and on the sidelines for each game.
But make no mistake, it's Tapp's lunch pail now. In the early days, the player who performed well in a game or at practice would have the honor of carrying that pail. It was a reward. That's until Tapp started earning the honor every week and now, he's in charge of it.
"I don't think anyone wants to take it away from him," defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. "I don't think anyone could."
Tapp has a firm grip on that pail in much the same way he has a firm grip on the pulse of Tech's 2005 football team. His teammates look up to him in admiration. So do his coaches. Tapp gets to keep that lunch pail each week because nobody works harder - and everyone knows it. Ask any member of the team. Or ask a coach. Heck, ask one of the managers or student trainers. Tapp's the man, even though he deflects all the credit.
"We got a lot of guys out there workin' hard," Tapp said.
He'd rather talk about Vince Hall or Jimmy Williams or one of his other teammates.
"I'm just one of 11," he says.
Of course, he's right. Tech has the nation's top-ranked scoring defense, allowing just nine points per game. The Hokies are second nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 238 yards per game. They swarm, they run, they 'fly around,' like their head coach loves to say, and it takes more than just one guy to post numbers like that.
But before and after every play, they look at No. 55. They see his eyes and see his confidence and they see his grip. They see the grip he has on the lunch pail and he's not letting it go because he's driven to win and show everyone that if you consistently out-work people, your chances of winning are pretty good.
Tapp walked off the field at Maryland's Byrd Stadium last week after the Hokies' 28-9 win and trotted into the visitor's locker room. People might not realize how close he came to wearing a Maryland jersey.
"Probably one step. No, make that a half-step," Tapp answered when asked how close he came to picking Maryland before signing with Tech a few years ago.
"It was down to Tech and Maryland until signing time and Virginia Tech came up on top," he said. "But, I liked the atmosphere up there. It's a great school with a good reputation for academics. Coach Friedgen had just gotten there and brought a brand new feel for football. My family infiltrates Maryland, too."
Tapp says he has no second thoughts. He says he recognized some of the Maryland players at the ACC's preseason media event in Hot Springs, Va.
"We all visited Maryland on the same weekend, so yeah, I know those guys," he said.
But Tapp's a Hokie who has been a solid citizen and sensational player. He's got four regular-season games left in his college career and his drive to succeed and his ability to lead others keep getting stronger.
He's got a tight grip on that lunch pail and Tech's defense couldn't be in better hands.
The Voice's Mailbag
Bill,
I was wondering why Lee Corso isn't doing the Thursday night ESPN broadcasts this year as he has in the past? You and Mike keep up the good work. Len, Crewe, Va. Len,
Lee is doing the Saturday ESPN Gameday show this season and letting Mike Tirico and Kirk Herbstreit handle the Thursday games. Doing both the Thursday game and the Saturday ESPN Gameday show made for a tremendous traveling burden, and this year, Lee is just doing the Saturday morning show. Remember, Lee is in his 70's, although he has the energy of someone half his age.
I enjoyed your article on the basketball team. Seth has done an amazing coaching job the past two years. I feel anything is possible this year. Do you agree? I think Vassallo will be an impact player this year and will be a star in the ACC before he graduates. Thanks Nat, Richmond. Dear Nat,
A.D. Vassallo will have a chance to contribute right away for Tech at the small forward spot. He has a nice jumper and a really good feel for the game, which makes sense since he's played high-level international basketball and his father played pro ball for years in Puerto Rico. I'm looking forward to watching him in the exhibition games in the next couple of weeks. He's got a chance to contribute, absolutely.
I know the Hokies love to play on Thursday night, and their results speak to that. But this is the first season that I've noticed teams playing consecutive Thursday night games, as NC State has the past two weeks and VT will these next two weeks. No complaints having the Thursday airwaves to ourselves, but is there a particular reason that ESPN is scheduling these repeat appearances? Keep up the great work. Jason, Moore, SC. Jason,
The ACC has worked with ESPN in scheduling Thursday games, but also is working hard to ensure that no league team is playing a game on a 'short week.' It's hard to prepare for a game, particularly a road game in just five days. By playing consecutive Thursday's, N.C. State and Virginia Tech both had a full week to prepare for their appearances.
I was listening to your feature on Big Dawg Sports Talk Monday (October 17th) and heard you say that Marcus Vick is demonstrating the same leadership qualities as Bryan Randall. This is perhaps the most incredible thing I've heard said about Marcus to date. In my opinion, there is no higher praise that could be given to a QB for this or any other team. Bryan Randall was (and presumably still is) a class act who I have always admired for his poise on and off the field. And while Marcus has had his issues, hearing you say something like that makes my willingness to forgive, forget, and move forward a no-brainer. Here's hoping for a bright future for the whole team. Go get 'em, Hokies! Andy, Christiansburg, Va. Andy,
I really like what I see from Vick both on and off the field. I'm glad you agree.
That's an interesting question. Justin has great size (6-3, 222) and I just wish he had three more years to really develop his skills in the defensive backfield. Ex-Hokie Nick Sorensen found a home at safety after several years on offense at Tech and has had a terrific NFL career. Hopefully, Hamilton can follow a similar path.
You can order Tech media guides through the Tech ticket office (800)-VATECH4. Or you can download the guide on hokiesports.com.
John, Fairlawn, Va. John,
Every play is reviewed. Just because the game doesn't stop, don't assume the Technical Advisor in the replay booth isn't making sure the call on the field was correct. In this instance, the T.A. felt Marcus was down before the ball crossed the goal line. However, I'm not sure that was the right call.
While the win/loss record may not show it, it always appears to me that the Hokie football team is sloppy after an open weekend. Frankly, over the years, I have come to dread games after an open weekend. The coaches usually give the team a deserved - but seemingly detrimental (in hindsight) - few days off. I don't follow other teams enough to know if they seem to lose their stride in the same manner, but last night's game with Maryland seemed to prove my theory again with respect to the Hokies' performance. Open weekends may help for injury recovery and rest, but otherwise, I don't like them. I don't feel the Hokies are ever on their game afterward. Do you or the coaches also feel this way? Charlie, Roanoke. Charlie,
Good pick-up. The Hokies are 20-11 following open dates during the Beamer era. There have been times when Tech's tackling has not been sharp following an open date, but having a free weekend is huge to help heal bangs and bruises and for freeing up some time for studies and social activities. There have been times when Tech has not been as sharp in bowl games, when Tech's had four weeks (or more) between games. Routine is important for all teams, perhaps more important for Tech than we realize.
The Hokies have those throwback white jerseys that are replicas of the late 60's Virginia Tech uniforms. We'll have to wait and see if they break those out sometime in the future. Coach Beamer lets his seniors decide if they'd like to change the look of the Tech uniform.
Have a question for Bill? Submit it on-line
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By Bill Roth Virginia Tech defensive end Darryl Tapp will make his 25th consecutive start Thursday night when the Hokies serve as the hosts to Boston College in a battle of two of the best teams in the ACC. Tapp's leadership on this football team - you see it frequently on the stat sheet, and every day at practice and in the locker room - has been one of the keys to Tech's defensive consistency. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 265 pounds. He runs like a safety and understands his position as well as any end Tech's had in recent years. But it's his drive and determination that make him a special player: polite and humble off the field, driven and focused on it. BCS standings? Tapp could care less. Might as well ask him about the exchange rate of the Indian rupee. What about being ranked third in the polls? "It's alright," Tapp says with a nonchalant shrug.
But try to take his lunch pail away from him, and you'll see the inside of a different man. Those eyes light up, the muscles tense, and the grip grows firmer.
The lunch pail is the symbol of Virginia Tech's football program. If you're a part of this program, you work hard every day and a huge replica of that lunch pail hangs in Tech's Merryman Center. The dented, battered original can be seen at practice every day and on the sidelines for each game.
But make no mistake, it's Tapp's lunch pail now. In the early days, the player who performed well in a game or at practice would have the honor of carrying that pail. It was a reward. That's until Tapp started earning the honor every week and now, he's in charge of it.
"I don't think anyone wants to take it away from him," defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. "I don't think anyone could."
Tapp has a firm grip on that pail in much the same way he has a firm grip on the pulse of Tech's 2005 football team. His teammates look up to him in admiration. So do his coaches. Tapp gets to keep that lunch pail each week because nobody works harder - and everyone knows it. Ask any member of the team. Or ask a coach. Heck, ask one of the managers or student trainers. Tapp's the man, even though he deflects all the credit.
"We got a lot of guys out there workin' hard," Tapp said.
He'd rather talk about Vince Hall or Jimmy Williams or one of his other teammates.
"I'm just one of 11," he says.
Of course, he's right. Tech has the nation's top-ranked scoring defense, allowing just nine points per game. The Hokies are second nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 238 yards per game. They swarm, they run, they 'fly around,' like their head coach loves to say, and it takes more than just one guy to post numbers like that.
But before and after every play, they look at No. 55. They see his eyes and see his confidence and they see his grip. They see the grip he has on the lunch pail and he's not letting it go because he's driven to win and show everyone that if you consistently out-work people, your chances of winning are pretty good.
Tapp walked off the field at Maryland's Byrd Stadium last week after the Hokies' 28-9 win and trotted into the visitor's locker room. People might not realize how close he came to wearing a Maryland jersey.
"Probably one step. No, make that a half-step," Tapp answered when asked how close he came to picking Maryland before signing with Tech a few years ago.
"It was down to Tech and Maryland until signing time and Virginia Tech came up on top," he said. "But, I liked the atmosphere up there. It's a great school with a good reputation for academics. Coach Friedgen had just gotten there and brought a brand new feel for football. My family infiltrates Maryland, too."
Tapp says he has no second thoughts. He says he recognized some of the Maryland players at the ACC's preseason media event in Hot Springs, Va.
"We all visited Maryland on the same weekend, so yeah, I know those guys," he said.
But Tapp's a Hokie who has been a solid citizen and sensational player. He's got four regular-season games left in his college career and his drive to succeed and his ability to lead others keep getting stronger.
He's got a tight grip on that lunch pail and Tech's defense couldn't be in better hands.
The Voice's MailbagBill,
I was wondering why Lee Corso isn't doing the Thursday night ESPN broadcasts this year as he has in the past? You and Mike keep up the good work. Len, Crewe, Va. Len,
Lee is doing the Saturday ESPN Gameday show this season and letting Mike Tirico and Kirk Herbstreit handle the Thursday games. Doing both the Thursday game and the Saturday ESPN Gameday show made for a tremendous traveling burden, and this year, Lee is just doing the Saturday morning show. Remember, Lee is in his 70's, although he has the energy of someone half his age.
I enjoyed your article on the basketball team. Seth has done an amazing coaching job the past two years. I feel anything is possible this year. Do you agree? I think Vassallo will be an impact player this year and will be a star in the ACC before he graduates. Thanks Nat, Richmond. Dear Nat,
A.D. Vassallo will have a chance to contribute right away for Tech at the small forward spot. He has a nice jumper and a really good feel for the game, which makes sense since he's played high-level international basketball and his father played pro ball for years in Puerto Rico. I'm looking forward to watching him in the exhibition games in the next couple of weeks. He's got a chance to contribute, absolutely.
I know the Hokies love to play on Thursday night, and their results speak to that. But this is the first season that I've noticed teams playing consecutive Thursday night games, as NC State has the past two weeks and VT will these next two weeks. No complaints having the Thursday airwaves to ourselves, but is there a particular reason that ESPN is scheduling these repeat appearances? Keep up the great work. Jason, Moore, SC. Jason,
The ACC has worked with ESPN in scheduling Thursday games, but also is working hard to ensure that no league team is playing a game on a 'short week.' It's hard to prepare for a game, particularly a road game in just five days. By playing consecutive Thursday's, N.C. State and Virginia Tech both had a full week to prepare for their appearances.
I was listening to your feature on Big Dawg Sports Talk Monday (October 17th) and heard you say that Marcus Vick is demonstrating the same leadership qualities as Bryan Randall. This is perhaps the most incredible thing I've heard said about Marcus to date. In my opinion, there is no higher praise that could be given to a QB for this or any other team. Bryan Randall was (and presumably still is) a class act who I have always admired for his poise on and off the field. And while Marcus has had his issues, hearing you say something like that makes my willingness to forgive, forget, and move forward a no-brainer. Here's hoping for a bright future for the whole team. Go get 'em, Hokies! Andy, Christiansburg, Va. Andy,
I really like what I see from Vick both on and off the field. I'm glad you agree.
That's an interesting question. Justin has great size (6-3, 222) and I just wish he had three more years to really develop his skills in the defensive backfield. Ex-Hokie Nick Sorensen found a home at safety after several years on offense at Tech and has had a terrific NFL career. Hopefully, Hamilton can follow a similar path.
You can order Tech media guides through the Tech ticket office (800)-VATECH4. Or you can download the guide on hokiesports.com.
John, Fairlawn, Va. John,
Every play is reviewed. Just because the game doesn't stop, don't assume the Technical Advisor in the replay booth isn't making sure the call on the field was correct. In this instance, the T.A. felt Marcus was down before the ball crossed the goal line. However, I'm not sure that was the right call.
While the win/loss record may not show it, it always appears to me that the Hokie football team is sloppy after an open weekend. Frankly, over the years, I have come to dread games after an open weekend. The coaches usually give the team a deserved - but seemingly detrimental (in hindsight) - few days off. I don't follow other teams enough to know if they seem to lose their stride in the same manner, but last night's game with Maryland seemed to prove my theory again with respect to the Hokies' performance. Open weekends may help for injury recovery and rest, but otherwise, I don't like them. I don't feel the Hokies are ever on their game afterward. Do you or the coaches also feel this way? Charlie, Roanoke. Charlie,
Good pick-up. The Hokies are 20-11 following open dates during the Beamer era. There have been times when Tech's tackling has not been sharp following an open date, but having a free weekend is huge to help heal bangs and bruises and for freeing up some time for studies and social activities. There have been times when Tech has not been as sharp in bowl games, when Tech's had four weeks (or more) between games. Routine is important for all teams, perhaps more important for Tech than we realize.
The Hokies have those throwback white jerseys that are replicas of the late 60's Virginia Tech uniforms. We'll have to wait and see if they break those out sometime in the future. Coach Beamer lets his seniors decide if they'd like to change the look of the Tech uniform.
