DT Battle done for year
Virginia Tech defensive line coach Charley Wiles hoped for the best after Saturday's first preseason scrimmage.
He knew second-string tackle Kwamaine Battle had injured his left knee — the same knee in which he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during last season's second game, which forced Battle to miss the entire season.
"If he's hurt, that would be terrible, for him and for us," Wiles said. "So I hope that's not the case."
It is. Tech announced Sunday that an MRI revealed Battle tore his ACL again. Surgical options are being evaluated, but Battle is definitely done for the year.
Battle has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He had surgery on both shoulders while redshirting as a freshman in 2007. He played as a backup in 2008 and 2009 and was starting last season before he got hurt.
This year, he was on track to be a second-stringer, behind brothers Antoine and Derrick Hopkins of Highland Springs High. Now, Wiles likely will move up true freshman Luther Maddy to replace Battle. Fourth-year junior Isaiah Hamlette is the other second-string tackle.
Battle can appeal to the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility if he wants to or is physically able to continue playing. Battle, who turns 22 on Aug. 24, already has graduated with a degree in residential property management and is working on a second undergraduate degree in sociology.
Demler moves up
Junior Scott Demler has moved ahead of senior wide receiver Danny Coale in the punting competition — the only position up for grabs during preseason practices. Coach Frank Beamer, who supervises the punters and kickers, indicated after Saturday's scrimmage that he probably would go with Demler if he continued to progress.
DeChristopher progressing
Right tackle Blake DeChristopher, a fourth-year starter from Clover Hill High, is a week ahead of schedule in his recovery from a strained left pectoral muscle. Trainer Mike Goforth has said all along that DeChristopher probably wouldn't miss any games. Now, it looks like DeChristopher will be back in plenty of time for the Sept. 3 opener against Appalachian State.
Two transfer
Redshirt freshman tight end Jerome Lewis, who already had left the team, is transferring to Massachusetts.
Junior wide receiver Xavier Boyce is heading to Norfolk State. He had been indefinitely suspended since his arrest in March for an alleged child abuse incident involving his infant daughter. He was indicted by a grand jury and has an Oct. 25 court date in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Christiansburg to face a felony child endangerment charge.
Darryl Slater
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