Mike Shroyer/SPPSVictor "Macho" Harris tosses a football during practice on April 9, 2008
While those players have moved on, the secondary does return two starters from last year's successful unit in senior cornerback Victor "Macho" Harris, and junior free safety Kam Chancellor. Both Harris and Chancellor have been named to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back each year. Under their leadership, the secondary hopes to continue a trend of stingy defense that has become synonymous with Tech football.
This offseason, both Harris and Chancellor changed positions to fill the spots vacated by Flowers and Parker. Harris moves from the field corner position to the boundary corner to follow in a long line of Hokie corners who include DeAngelo Hall, Jimmy Williams, as well as Flowers. Chancellor has made the switch from the rover to the safety position, giving him a chance to call the shots on defense.
Harris has taken a liking to his new role on the defense, as the boundary spot is often saved for the "shut-down" corner.
"It gives me opportunities to make plays," Harris said. "I'm very excited to showcase my talent."
After listening to him, you might forget that he had five interceptions at the field corner spot last season. He hasn't let the move affect his preparation, though. In fact, Harris seems to be working harder this offseason than ever before. Along with many of the returning players, Harris has been in Blacksburg all summer working on getting better.
"Summertime is where you make a difference," Harris said.
At the free safety spot, Chancellor is ready to make a difference. At 6'3", 225 lb, he is bigger than a typical safety while maintaining the athleticism to cover from sideline to sideline. Chancellor displayed his athleticism in the spring game, picking off quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and returning the ball 55 yards.
After watching Parker start at the safety spot, Chancellor has some shoes to fill, and he has taken that responsibility head-on.
"I think it's a great change," Chancellor said. "I like to call the shots, it puts the responsibility on my shoulders."
Chancellor has also improved as a leader. Whether it has been keeping guys motivated, picking guys up or just keeping a positive attitude, Chancellor has been leading by example this offseason.
Defensive backs coach Torian Gray has been very impressed with his returners this offseason.
"Macho has moved to the boundary corner and should continue a high level of play." Gray said. "Kam moves to free safety and brings leadership and intangibles."
Both players and coaches are very excited about the talent that is looking to fill the open spots in the secondary. At the field corner spot there is a three-player battle between junior Stephan Virgil, redshirt sophomore Rashad Carmichael and redshirt freshman Chris Hill.
Gray said Virgil has separated himself from the group and is the projected starter going into the season. He spent last year backing up Brandon Flowers at the boundary corner spot, but because Harris has switched positions, he has been moved to the field corner spot.
At rover, redshirt junior Dorian Porch is the projected starter. Sophomore Davon Morgan will also be pushing for playing time this coming season, as he will back up both the rover and safety positions this fall.
Gray said fans should be watching for exceptional performances from both.
"Porch and Morgan are very well capable of making a name for themselves," Gray said.
With all the newcomers to the defense this season, the team is very excited about what could happen this year.
"We see something special coming," Chancellor said. "The whole team has been coming together. We've got great chemistry."
Macho has also noticed an improvement in the team, especially the younger guys. He praised the hard work everybody has put in during the offseason and said, "This is the year where I really see a difference in work ethic … all positions are open, and everybody is giving 110 percent."
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