BREAKING: Ore dismissed from football team
"During recent meetings with Branden Ore, we have decided that it would be best for Branden to pursue other opportunities," Beamer said.
Despite a standout performance as a sophomore, Ore entered the 2007 season at the bottom of the depth chart due to missed practice time. Coaches also said that he had returned to campus in August out of shape. Ore's name floated up and down the depth chart the entire season amid poor performances riddled by injuries. His most notable departure was his first quarter suspension during the Orange Bowl for showing up late to a team practice.
During the turbulent parts of his career, sophomores Kenny Lewis and Jahre Cheeseman replaced the starter at the tailback position. Now that Ore is out, Lewis, Cheeseman, redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby and 2008 letter of intent signee Ryan Williams, will be battling for the starting spot in the this upcoming year.
Last season, Lewis ran 57 times for 205 yards gained and four touchdowns. Cheeseman contributed to one touchdown from 21 plays and 133 yards, including the longest rushing play of the season for 70 yards against Georgia Tech. Williams, who will join the team in August from Stone Wall Jackson High School in Manassas, ran for 1,574 yards and 22 touchdowns his junior season, and 640 yards and 7 touchdowns his senior season despite missing three games. Williams was one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation, listed as the No. 2 player in the state and No. 47 in the country by Rivals.
Ore, whose explosive running style at times invigorated a lackluster offense, was considering the possibility of dropping from Tech early to enter the NFL draft this year, eschewing his senior season. According to associate director of athletic communications Bryan Johnston, Ore had been in communication with an agent, but later announced he would be returning to the Hokies for a final year of eligibility.
