The Virginia Tech Hokies are back at home this weekend, where they’ll host the Stanford Cardinal in another ACC matchup. The Hokies look to put last season’s embarrassing 51-28 loss to the SMU Mustangs behind them. That was the first significant loss of the James Franklin era, after the first two came down to the final play.
When Tech kicks off on Saturday night, it could have an important player back.
At Wednesday’s practice, redshirt sophomore left tackle Justin Terry was on the field, practicing
for the first time since injuring his leg in a Week 3 win at Maryland. After practice, Franklin gave an update.
“Today was really the first day that we have been able to have him for everything,” Franklin said. “We’ve been kind of working him in slowly—drills, indy, one-on-ones. So today was the first day we kind of had him for everything. So, he’s getting closer, and it’s positive for us; there is no doubt. So, where that will be by Saturday, I’m not sure yet, but it’s a positive for us; I don’t think there is any doubt about it. He’s probably a week ahead of schedule of where we thought. He’s really handled it really well and attacked it the right way. The training staff has done a phenomenal job, so I am proud of him, but it’s not like we are totally through it. We’ve still got the rest of the week, and it probably will come down to either a game-time decision or it will be he’s cleared, but we still don’t feel he’s gotten enough reps. A lot of things still to be determined.”
What is Franklin saying here? Stay tuned. He says he doesn’t mean to deceive the media, but no football coach will give you the 100% truth about an injury.
Terry is close to a return, whether it happens this Saturday or next. When he went down in Week 3, it looked like a potential season-ending injury, so this is excellent news. In his place, the Hokies moved guard Layth Ghannam over to left tackle, and he’s played well. If Terry can return, Virginia Tech’s offensive line will be as close to full strength as it’s been all season.
