Beamer dismisses Branden Ore from football team
On Wednesday morning, Ore was dismissed from the football team by head coach Frank Beamer.
"During recent meetings with Branden Ore, we have decided that it would be best for Branden to pursue other opportunities," Beamer said.
Ore could not be reached for comment.
Despite a standout performance as a sophomore, Ore entered the 2007 season at the bottom of the depth chart because of missed practice time. Coaches also said that he had returned to campus in August out of shape. Ore was hampered by injuries for much of the 2007 season, finishing with 992 yards and nine touchdowns. After showing up late to a practice, Ore was suspended for the first quarter Orange Bowl.
Back in January while Tech prepared to take on Kansas in the Orange Bowl, backup tailback Kenny Lewis Jr. was apprehensive about replacing Ore as the starter while Ore served his time on the bench.
"Every opportunity I've gotten I've made the best of it," Lewis said in January during an interview in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. "Being behind Branden all year, he's the type of back that you're going to have to do way better than what the coaches expect. Even if I do perform above what they expect, just the talent that he is, he's going to have to be on the field."
Last year Ore was backed up by Lewis and Jahre Cheeseman. Now that Ore is out, Lewis, Cheeseman, redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby and incoming freshman Ryan Williams will be battling for the starting spot in the upcoming season.
Last season, Lewis ran 57 times for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Cheeseman contributed to one touchdown from 21 plays and 133 yards, including the longest rushing play of the season: a 70 yard play against Georgia Tech. Williams, who will join the team in August from Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, ran for 1,574 yards and 22 touchdowns his junior season, and 640 yards and seven 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.com.
Ore, whose explosive running style at times invigorated a lackluster offense, was considering the possibility of leaving Tech early to enter the NFL draft this year, eschewing his senior season.
Associate director of athletic communications Bryan Johnston said Ore had been in communication with an agent, but later said he would be returning for a final year of eligibility.
Despite a turbulent career, Ore had positioned himself to become the Hokies all-time rusher had he stayed on the team. Ore would have needed just 987 yards in 2008 to set the Tech record.
