HIST 402: Defensive Greats Carved In Hokie Stone

0:53 Welcome back to the boundary Corner podcast. I'm Curtis Wilson on this side of the RV. A on the west side, on the east side. I've got Ryan Siegel. How's it going, buddy? Hey buddy, he's be a saying. We used to work together in corporate when technology works. It is wonderful. Yeah, I mean wonderful. But when that should messes up, dude, it hamstrings you a little bit. Just a little bit man. We plan on starting this recording about what 35? Ago, give or take 35 minutes ago but due to some technical issues, half of my cocktails now gone around. I was working diligently on this and trying to get things going. I've only consumed about a quarter of mine. The good news is I did grab a tallboy ham so I have a little bit more than I'm used to back up is ready. Backup is ready.

1:54 Also well, guys, Texting and having a lot of fun. Last few days. You've been good. I'm good man. We've been leaving throwing some. Some names back and forth. I would say that that would be the the polite way to put it. We've been throwing a lot of names back and forth and some have a debate on a couple things over here, man. Oh for sure in case y'all didn't know it's a defense Mount Rushmore week so is welcome but welcome. But before we get into that and the stories of how this list was comprised, got a few things I want to hit.

2:39 People brought before I get into the football stuff. Have you watched shits Creek? I have not. It's on the list. Everybody says it's Al area so I'm sure I'll get to it. Holy God, hilarious me and the wife about 10 days ago, we were kind of okay, what can we find you? We've been watching some more dramatic dramatic stuff. So like let's get away and in we both had heard of it. Like let's do it. We're like in the season for dude, hilarious show Eugene. Levi, Catherine, O'Hara. I mean, just crack you up. Chris tell you, it's in it and it is worth it. It's one of those things where they have been several nights where it's like right at 10 which normal time we go to sleep and right you want to try and get two more in for we go to bed. Yeah let's go to also show check it out. How much do it, man?

3:31 We've been watching last night, we call it like the first couple episodes of Waco and then a couple episodes of Westworld We're playing catch-up on West world. So you've always always been big in the west-world. Something, when I cut the HBO, I lost the access to so won't want long. That's sad. It's be there right after Game of Thrones, exactly. We have occasionally added it back for a series or two, like for one month here and there. So, yeah, but it is what it is. Sometimes you got to make budget cuts for certain reasons. Remember true but you know who is going to have some bigger budgets in the future? Well man it looks like Collegiate athletes are going to be able to take some money for sponsorships and autographs and use of their likeness looks like the ncaa's moving forward. That we you think, buddy?

4:31 It's pretty wild man. As I take a look at it and I started seeing like some of the tweets that went out, you know, from my life, Michael Gray. Jean Smith style Ackerman you know the big one was throughout the efforts to enhance support for college athlete. The NCAA has wrought upon considerable feedback from an engagement of our members including student athletes from all three divisions, allowing promotions and third-party endorsements is Uncharted Territory. But it seems like they want to modernize the game that giving each division for January 2021 to come up with their plans. Something that you said would be the most beneficial in the East is way to go.

5:17 As far as paying the players you have been on that boat. I feel like for the last 10 years, it's the path of least resistance because for the most part, anybody that's not in a NCAA. Sanctioned sport has been able to do this forever. Whether it's running their own seminars or whatever. As in their field camps, things like that. But these athletes have not been able to use their abilities, their status, whether it be because, of, because of football, because of their talents and football or basketball or whatever, maybe you're going to start, start seeing them be able to profit off that, it looks like they're not going to be able to use any sort of school related paraphernalia when they are doing. Of these adore endorsements or things like that. So I think that's good because it takes The Branding of the individual School away from them as being a platform. So I think that's that part of it's good. It's going to be interesting to see how it shakes out at the conference level.

6:27 Once they put their proposals out there of how they're going to handle it, we've talked about this before. Obviously, oversight is going to be a big part here because the players seemed are going to have to disclose Endorsements that they have to the NCAA and any money taken, hundreds of table can can result in fines suspensions Etc by by the NCAA. Yeah, whether it's, you know, finds towards the school because it was a directly booster related and then obviously the student athlete would probably be hit at least with some sort of suspension as well. Yeah, another big piece about this and it and you talk about. How's it going to look under the table? Taxes.

7:11 If you're doing this and you're selling your image in your likeness, you're now going to get taxed. So somebody goes out there and, you know, looking up here on the wall and I see a few, you know, Trey Turner does it deal with tears you apartments in Blacksburg to be their spokesman, they pay him three thousand dollars. Awesome. Hey Trent. Hey guys, the governor wants their money and if you don't, hey, could we potentially? See, and I laugh at this and this is a complete joke, but it's still funny. Could we potentially see in an athlete in their junior season who hasn't paid taxes for two years. He's going to be in jail during the season.

7:52 Why tax evasion? Oh wow. So hopefully with this, there be some more folks hired on staff to help these guys. Figure that out. But let me ask you this front just for the Hokies perspective. I've got five names listed here. Who do you feel like of the Five Guys, that could definitely reap the benefits of this door course of this next year with endorsements. So right out the gate, I mean just in terms of the their Persona and things like that. I think you've got to say Trey got to say Dak. You gotta say probably heading hooker just for because of the status as a quarterback and big play ability. I'd probably Out James Mitchell and Kayla Farley I aimed right out the gate.

8:45 Do you got? I'm three or five on that. I'm trying back some Hendon but I think Brock yeah brother's body breaks things. So yeah, but the other guy would be Devon Hunter because of the prized recruit if he comes out this year and he balls five star. Now he's killing it at Rover, he's going to get so much. So so all the pokefans listen in the 757 that have some extra, you know, small businesses, hey, calm down, get him some money. But yeah but I think it's a good thing. So you know and you know what? It's also part of my long-standing plan. If they start getting paid eventually, we're going to draft players.

9:34 You want to draft Curtis once the NCA a-- draft, hey, we're going to do it the soda. That is some point in time we're going to you're going to find all those text messages over the last like four years of my grand scheme, which you have agreed could potentially work. I mean, guys, it's going to be probably the longest episode we've ever recorded if we ever get into it. Just because I can't, I can't count the number of texts I've got on this, but he does actually have a plan that's thorough enough that, it's just convoluted enough that the NCAA would say, say hey, That's good because you know, the NCAA doesn't always make the best choices. Hey, hey, hey well, speaking of draftsmen certain guy from the Hokies got drafted last weekend.

10:22 Last round pick 10 12. The New England Patriots. Ouch. Yes. Oh that's stinging me a little bit. I mean it's going to be I'm going to have to probably back off a little bit of My the Colts in anyone, the Patriots are playing philosophy going forward, just because of Cain, but I do want to Pat myself on the back a little bit on this. You called it a few, a few episodes back. Somebody said that, you know, based on the combine and based on this players, versatility, Dalton Keen was a late day to possibility. And yeah, late day to right on the money. You did nail it, man.

11:06 And now Dalton's gonna have himself some money. I seriously I'm not joking about this him going to the Patriots, his athletic ability how he blocked, how he catches, how he does so many things so, well, I mean, I think, within a few years he could be potentially one of the best titles as bleep. He's got the potential like I said he catches everything in his area. He's great after the catch and he's great at blocking in space and he's good enough and blocking in line for my tiny perspective as well. So I mean there's nothing that he does bad, there's not a part of his game. That's a weakness and he's got a few of those that are really good strengths like I said with catching and the run after the catch walking in Space.

11:53 So I think he's really going to ascend if especially knowing the Patriots and how they get. The most out of the players that are smart enough and capable enough to take advantage of that. So absolutely shall see. Ya one other hokey pretty quick got undrafted Reggie Floyd heading to the cards. What is it about in scos teams? Taking Virginia Tech safeties that aren't 49ers even though we have x a few years so you know it? Yeah. I mean, they do, they do Really. Yeah. The they loved Virginia Tech players and generally they drafted tap yeah.

12:37 We draft a cam. I mean yeah. It's the NFC West really. You see them have Hokies in there a lot. I mean exim got brought in as a free agent with the Niners and he stuck three years, he started some games last year, he was getting cut back and forth on and off but I mean I mean Excellence been a leak six years so good for good for him, good for Reggie getting signed Brian how you feel about the Colts draft personal here? Yeah, I feel really good. I feel really good. I thought the taking Taylor in the second with that second pick in the second round was a little. I didn't see it coming but I like it the more I look at it because I think we're in a situation now where we're not going to re-sign any sort of running back of this point.

13:22 We're going to draft, a guy in the first three or four rounds, every three or four years and then I came up with no veteran cast offs, that are still got something left in the tank, I don't think we're going to be re-signing running back to any sort of lucrative deal at this point. So I thought that was good. You know, we get to meet positions. We didn't probably get as much of a pass rush that I would like to see in, but other than that, I think we filled all are all of our all our boxes there. So, what about you, buddy? I'm going to give my niners, a B+ that could be an a -. And I'm going to get into that in just a second. But we got Javon kinlaw second, rated defensive tackle out of South Carolina, it immediately slips into Buckner's place where he gave to y'all for 18 million dollars, less than excited about that.

14:10 We have kept room. So I'm cool with and we wanted to address on a couple of those websites and a lot of fun and he had always fell out right outside. The second round right outside the first round. Early second. And when they got him as a person was, like, kind of stinks we missed on CD, we didn't get Jerry. We took in law, which makes me think Ken law was so high on the board. You can't turn that down, but then I started watching this tape and some highlights. And it's like, oh, I see while Kyle Shanahan wants him. This is scary for the NFC West. The other three guys and I'll mention is we have a small draft Colt mckevitt out of West, Virginia to offensive tackle.

14:58 But I think I see their scheme of they're going to find mid-level offensive zone, tackles and college, and try to slip them inside. As long as they've got a nasty streak, Charlie want a big block and tight in. I would Georgia and big receiver Juwan Jennings, how to Tennessee. But the biggest move we made was after until they found out, probably a couple days before Joe Staley retired makes me sad. They go out and get the best offensive tackle in his own scheme for a third and the fifth and Trent will. Williams and he's got something to prove. If we get him extended, this trap is an A minus because we immediately feel to needs or actually immediately feel three needs.

15:44 So I feel great about it, man. Good for you buddy. Good for y'all. Yeah, I feel really good about what we did. Like I said, we filled in some holes. I think we're gonna, you know, I think we got a good good value for Eason where we took him, if he ends up playing behind Philip for one or two years and could be the next guy up. So that could be big. If not, we didn't waste anything with a fourth-round pick so I could get all broken up about that. So I think we're good to go. Awesome. Did you see see you a DJ hah? RVs top five came out a few days back. I did big guy along with some heavy weights in, Texas and USC and another in-state guy for him. Another West Coast with Kalyn organ, I'm going to mention a couple things because I don't know if you got to read the 24/7 article where he went through each of the each of the school's, kind of what he likes a lot about coaches, but there was one thing that he mentioned about Virginia Tech, he did not mention about the other two places, and we see his His dad seems to really care about his son, but he's not boast terrorists.

16:51 He a lot of encouraging tweets for not only his son, but the entire 2021 class. But the three things first of all, he says BTS family atmosphere, he did not mention family atmosphere in any of the other four schools. He did not, he did not huge. And when you hear about it, talk to in that way, that says something. Also, we're showing the commitment to him. I'm the zoom call. Yeah what was it? Justin Fuente. Ron Smith and Justin Hamilton I believe so no dude it was everybody on staff. Oh the entire staff was there for him. Wow and then he talked about just how upfront and honest we are with them. They potentially like him doing things on both sides of the ball and he says that Honesty up front, you know they talked to him for comparing them like what a Dory Jackson did so That makes me those three comments and, you know, he'd like the other schools talked about the coaches, but those three things kind of stuck out to me.

17:56 Yeah, that's big. And like you said, I mean, his dad has been, he's on Twitter a lot but he's like, you said, very positive and I don't see a whole lot of other heavily. Complimentary things said about the other school from him, like I see him talking about Virginia Tech and so that's got a that's got to make us feel feel pretty good, even if Obviously it's going to be ultimately DJ's decision as to where he goes, but I feel like we've got a, we've definitely made our impression on the dad. I think that's really going to go. Go far for us, hopefully. Yes, sir. I brought on, let's get to it, man. The Hokey Mount Rushmore their defense for deals. This this was let's set the stage man. Gonna set the stage for us.

18:42 Well, first of all, before we started Fussing. This is an episode with offense and defense, we said let's do offense first, that won't be as tough defense is going to be insane. It's gonna be a nightmare because you got everybody's got their favorites but also just the sheer number of talented guys that we've had and way. Yeah, every time you listen to name your like damn, I got to move somebody down to move somebody up and it just got off and going, man. So brutal. Well, we kind of started talking about it. Last Wednesday after the episode dropped 20 texting and then on draft night you know me and Brian facetimed, your wife called us FaceTiming, my wife laughed at it on Facebook it was pretty funny. Yeah, that's what about now we were both drinking beer watching the draft and debating who was going to be on the Rock, who is going to be honorable mention and who we were. Just going to talk about for a little bit. Yeah but here's the thing that night so we're FaceTime were chatting and being Brian, both had list. And we just start reading.

19:49 And we kept reading and we kept talking and we kept going while watching the draft kind of laughing at a couple pics. Like why did they do that thing? Okay. Okay, move on. In the end, it was proud. We were what we were borderline, 25 players and we're going to go through these guys in a few minutes here and then over the course of the next Friday Saturday Sunday and Monday. We finally kind of came down to it, we were texting back names and some stats and hear some good articles and read on this, read on that. And before we even get to the honorable mentions, we're just going to go through the list.

20:36 And it shows it really shows how in the history of this school, how great the damn defense has been. And Brian, I'm going to give you the honor this week. Exercise. I'll let you start with just the guys on the outside. These are just the guys on the outside of the honorable mention and Hokies and Mount Rushmore ho Keystone looking in before he starts man's. Don't hate us for anything. We're doing today. This was difficult. We dare you just ride. We're going to probably ask you to try but let's let's start off this mask for out the gate, any RV, a guy's gonna probably be like, what the hell are you doing?

21:19 But outside of our honorable mentions, we got Macho Harris. Holland Springs, High School in the RV, a two-time first-team, all-acc ended up with a fifth round. Draft pick to the Eagles. Unfortunately didn't didn't work out for him there, but mean, one of the great all-time Hokies that we're talking about here, you know, also on that list we had Brandon Flowers out of the Delray Beach pipeline. That Virginia Tech is established two-time All-American, second-round pick earned a Pro Bowl in 2013. Next up in, this is going to sting a little bit for our Southside Virginia listeners, but Tremaine admins.

22:07 First-team all-acc first round draft. Pick to the Buffalo Bills and the earned a Pro Bowl in 2019. Only a second here. He wasn't even 21 right? Yeah. This turn 21 when he crazy when he got the Pro Bowl. It's crazy to think about man. Next up, Kyle, Fuller and there's going to be A trend here for the, the folder name. I'm going to run three off here pretty quick, obviously, Maryland, native. He went to Mount Saint Joe's. High school was a two-time. All ACC was a one-time second team, All-American. First round, draft pick to the Bears two-time pro bowler, and he got his first first-team All-Pro in 2018.

22:57 Next up, Kendall. Maryland native obviously cancel High School two-time, all ACC one-time, second-team All-American. Third round draft pick Super Bowl, 50 for Champion that was sealed with his interception. Sorry, Curtis that one. It's all good, though. It is. Next up, we got the the last Fuller. Pensive, brother, Vincent, Fuller, Woodlawn. High School played a key role in that 04 ACC Championship team that we're all really fond of here. Versatile player, quarterbacking also played in free. Safety was a fourth-round pick.

23:47 Spent seven years in the NFL. Good all-around player, you know, mostly a role player in the NFL, but you did his job for seven years there. Next up, Willie pile, Northern Virginia, West Potomac, High School, standout player owns defense from 2000 to 2002. Second team, all-big East, 2002 seventh-round draft. Pick to the Chiefs Next up, Tyrone Drake for South Carolina, native out of North Central was a key. Secondary key member of the secondary. In those early good, Frank squads career leader in interceptions at Virginia Tech second round draft pick and one Super Bowl 29 with the 49ers.

24:39 Yes sir. Next the last year we got Chris Ellis Bethel. High School product. So we got A 757 representative here. He was key part about the of those defenses in the, the mid-2000s that were just so good. First team, all-acc in 2008 and drafted by the pills and the third round. And last on my, my list here is going to be frank Lauria the 0 g of D. Bu Played in the secondary. Returned punts played beside a famous other Frank that we all know and love, I don't know if you're aware of whom I'm talking about.

25:21 Yes sir. But this Frank was a two-time All-American and tragically. Unfortunately, I don't and I know both of you guys know the story here, but he was on the plane and 1970 that was carrying the the Marshal football team when that plane crashed. So, unfortunately, we didn't get to see what type of Coach he was going to become but definitely one of the all-time. Great hope he's. Alright, so I'm going to finish off the list guys because we're still not done with guys just on the the outside that we talked about so much for the last few days I'm going to start with Ike Charlton. Orlando's the Florida V T connection. That started way back.

26:03 When part of the 99 team, he was a first-team All-American. Second-round draft, pick played in the league for six years. Vince Hall, Western Branch out of 757 first-team all-acc in 06 one of the big leaders of one of the greatest defensive all time. We ever saw in school history one The Dudley in 2006 John engelberger not who he seems a pit balls Springfield. High School in Springfield Virginia. Lee High School three-time, all Big East first team, s times s All-American second-round pick of the 49ers had an eight-year career. Cody, Grimm Oakton High School up in Northern Virginia, the Grim Reaper to gravity.

26:53 Yes, sir, 2009 all. First teen ACC all 13, All-American Dudley winter guy. We overlooked a lot of times. Also whip Deep Creek, James Anderson out of Chesapeake. Definitely. You can say, in, in, when he was in school, probably overshadowed by Vincent and Xavier by was running mates, but great. Well, third-round pick change play The League nine years. He just retired a couple years ago. Yeah, it's crazy. Dorian Gray, Lakeland, Florida three-time all Big East free. Safety second round. Pick that guy retired way too early his knee messing up in the early part of the 2000s.

27:37 Then obviously coaching dbe's from 06 to 15 here. Another name man, Anthony midget. Clearly Florida 13, All-American first team. Biggie, secondary coach, he's doing secondary coach in the NFL for six years, man. Says a lot about type of player. He is Jason World Cartier. New Jersey second-team all-acc, 08 and 09 a second round. Pick to the Steelers for years. He played then he retired abruptly and my cousin's a huge Steelers fan. I can remember you tired and he said, dude, he was ready to take over at the end spot but Jason, I can remember what had happened mean, you kind of talking about it, he sort of he got his money and he was just like, I'm ready to stop and So yeah, a couple more guys here Jr.

28:26 On host Lee pointin Beach, Florida first-team all-acc, and 2010's second-team All-American. And in in 2011 for the ACC first-team All-American in 2010 that Year, I hope you record nine picks in one season. Third round draft pick of the Giants and this is kind of the guy. Crying. I know I've tried we couldn't get in there maybe over the next few years. When we do this again, he'll wind up, Kam Chancellor, Bam, Bam, Maury High School, Norfolk, Virginia to Star Quarterback recruit coming out with just two offers, he played every secondary position at Virginia Tech.

29:10 Dorian Gray said, he could be the greatest safety in this program's history in 2009. Second team. Amal ACC him fifth round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks four-time pro bowler, Super Bowl champ and a physical freak, A guy who could hit you like a linebacker but still cover you. And folks, if you really can remember, he laid some hits in college. But I'm going to take one to the program as a Niners fan Vernon, Davis going up the sidelines and it was a good pass and clam knocked the shit out of him. Sorry. I don't think you know how we always think about that one man, because they show that one all the time they do it when you. And I remember is a Niners fan watching that it was a Monday night like I was illegal, Darcy dirty play crushes people with his shoulders so these are the guys just on the outside and these are great players me and Brian clearly got to see some of these guys play and it was tough but Brian. We're going to move on.

30:18 All right, so so I'm going to mention. So I know with the offense episode, we gave you all to honorable mentions, but we felt the defense. We need it. For our honorable mentions. We needed for guys that we were going to dive a little bit deeper on that. We're going to be off of the rush for for defense here. So I'm going to start off here with one of my favorites. Xavier adibi, the Phoebus High School 757, LED them to their first state championship, his junior year and Senior year, they're LED them to their first undefeated season. So they were back-to-back state, champions played both ways, he was a fullback and a linebacker.

31:01 One of those fullbacks that frequently could go over 100 yards and that's not even their primary running back. So, that's that's an impressive stat right there. Obviously, went to Virginia Tech. He was the primary backup at backer, his redshirt freshman. Year took the starting role at backer is a sophomore in 2005 and held that role. 2007, some of the best defenses. The Hokies have ever had had Xavier DB at Guam backer, backer 266 combined tackles nine sacks in this career Regent collegiate career. He had eight career interceptions and to pick sixes along with one.

31:42 Fumble recovery for a touchdown. Now if you remember anything about a Be a DVD was one of those backers that, or than I can remember. He was getting pics. You don't, you don't see those backers, getting a ton of pace, but a DB just always had a nose for the ball. Always seem to find it, and that's what I loved about him, loving watching them play because he could, he get out there and cover. Absolutely good at dating, the quarterback in the throwing his Direction. And I love that in his career, he was a second-team all-acc in 2006. First team, all-acc in 2007, AFC a All-American in 2007, and instance, of the, the little brother showing out more than big brother Nathaniel here, because that's what the hell of a player and defensive end for us. He wasn't, it was savior came in there and definitely took that one step further.

32:40 And as we know the Hokies like to keep it in the family, so we get, we got a lot of lot of brothers here that are only Odds. So yeah, thanks for seeing seeing another one. Go out there and show out, drafted to the Texans played several seasons in the NFL and now he's coaching. So that's our first one. There is a savior DP. Yeah, man. He was just, we got to go to so many of his games when we were like in college, and he was such a physical freak, and he talked about all the pigs he had. And again, it's that set of brothers that keep playing at Tech, man and know. I mean him and Hall just just unbelievable combination there in the middle for those those Seasons.

33:23 But, uh, I got one for you from that time frame, man. All right, let's hear been Jimmy Williams. Oh man. Oh baby 63 210 pounds, defensive back Hampton, Virginia out of Bethel High School. Start his career off as a free safety backup, that Willie pile, we've already mentioned willy willy had some hell of an Acca Hayes. He took over that position in 2003 from Willie, so he was part of that 2003 team and then in 2004 he was moved to corner and Brian is me and you had this conversation. He started excelling. And and and and this is one of those things is put out there.

34:07 You mentioned it to me and we were content. I was just reading and doing some research and watching some tape, some people consider, and if he's not dead, He is. He's right. There is maybe the best cover corner to ever play this position attack. He started at safety. So he would lay a lik when he had to watch some of those old films. He popped guys on the sidelines man, but there's two. There's two plays that stick out to me and luckily doing all this reading old articles and these were by think I've built Roth brought these up. Two plays you guys go back and look at the 2004 year. He walked down Albie Pearman for UVA. He was on the opposite side corner. If he walked him down and save it touchdown, you watch it and you just see him he starts going. Bye guys.

35:05 And it's like, oh my God, he's going to catch any caught him, insanity and then in the Sugar Bowl that same year against Auburn. Just This beautiful just the beautiful coverage that hips flowing back and then he just he cut that little hook pattern will come back pattern, and he just got right there laid out and makes the catch. Although we didn't score on that drive. It was a momentum, swing and Driver down, 16. Nothing Hokies 413 unanswered, fall short. And if you go back and look at the history books that play, got it in field goal, range, and Brandon Pace. Mr. Short. Evolved.

35:46 So what could have been? You know, nine career interceptions in 2005 was the year man, unanimous unanimous, first-team All-American, he was a finalist, not only for the fort. He was also a finalist for the Nagurski that year. And then later in 2000 in the draft in 2006, second-round, pick of Atlanta so Jimmy Williams. May, what more can you say about that? I mean, I just remember watching Jimmy. I'm like when he moved to Corner that was the move. That really kind of, I think set things off in terms of those defenses that came in those mid 2000s, man because it went from like you just couldn't throw on with, with Jimmy out there and you had Macho coming in.

36:38 I mean, it was just crazy. It was crazy, dude. It was crazy. And I just remember those defense. And so finally, man, I've got another one for you. Yeah, this is up. So obviously you all know that I have a great affinity for mr. Darryl Tapp so that's parents went on the list. Here is Darryl Tapp Deep Creek. High School product, lettered in football, basketball and track. You gotta love those. Multi-sport athletes, man. Yes, sir. For us, he played a special team and Reserve role from 2002 to 2003. Memorably. He had the fumble recovery for the touchdown against UVA and 02. Yes, sir.

37:21 We promised called that a couple episodes ago. So, took over the starting role in 2004 and that's, that's when things started to happen because Darryl Tapp, once he got in there, he out worksheet and he punished you. And took his 2004 campaign and took it even a step further in 2005 where he had a career year. But again the most important thing is that I look at Darryl Tapp that's kind of like the Jake Grove of the of the defense. He is the epitome of lunch pail so much so that you got to keep it. He didn't let it go. No I didn't. It wasn't giving it back.

38:02 Never gave it back. Nobody without work you and he would out hustle you and he would go in there and just Just, he wasn't giving up until he got the job done. His work ethic ethic in Virginia Tech just remains legendary. Its terms of numbers, he had career stats 175, tackles combined combined, 23 and a half tackles for loss 13, sex three forced fumbles, punt, blocked punt, return for a touchdown. He was a two-time all-sec. First team in 04 and 0.5. And as I've said, my personal all-time favorite hokey taking in the second round to the Seattle Seahawks 11-year NFL career. That is both the starter and a rotational player. And obviously current member of the Hokies coaching staff TNT. Yes, he is man.

38:58 So let me just again, my all-time favorite, hope you play or in somebody that, yeah, every time I see him, every time he even likes or Retweet. So my stuff on Twitter I'm like oh man that's the stuff right there. You're right man and down tap was the heart and soul that lunch pail defense in those Glory years and it's awesome. Having him back on staff. And in dude, again, we've mentioned this in episodes before we got the opportunity to meet him and he talked us for 45 minutes with his kid hanging out back, and we joked about the lunch pail. He took he was so gracious to taking the photos with us and It's all my Twitter timeline somewhere and I'm so tempted to repost it all the time with this.

39:42 He's he is that guy and when they had in the staff this year you talked about if there's anybody slacking in the oh yeah, oh God. All right man. So we got one more before we get to the Mount Rushmore and y'all just this is how damn good. Again, we've been on defense. So many great players difference of programs. But it has to start somewhere and that's Cornell Brown. He was one of the first big Virginia recruits that chose the Hokies and Frank always said it was the Turning of the tide in the state of the recruiting six years.

40:22 And if Chen year six-foot defensive end out of EC glass in Lynchburg at the he was ranked number two in the state. When he committed, he was number six in the Mid-Atlantic region, you kind of do the math. That basically, Made Cornell roughly a top 50 player at worst as a freshman part of the 93 team that started the bowl Street and probably one of the biggest leaders of the 95 Sugar Bowl win, that really put this program International prominence, 95 unanimous, All-American 103. Tackles that year 14 sacks, the Big East defensive player of the year and then 96 Eric and again even though he missed three games 36 sacks in his career Dudley Award winner. Got drafted by the Ravens was on their Super Bowl team as a key Reserve special teams player played seven total years in. You know there's always a spot that in 1993 with getting him was that of Fortran protect And the question is and I'll ask you and just kind of put it out there for the Hokie fans. if we land, Some of the guys who are on the top and this year is that sort of the brawl breakthrough for Justin Fuente as Cornell was for Frank.

41:56 So you know I like to put those correlations out there but but Brian, what do you got on this guy? Yeah I mean you said a lot about Cornell and I think the biggest thing that we're talking about here is that he was the one that kind of brought the the tide in for the Hokies in terms of recruiting and in terms of getting that That ball rolling, two things, the step from good team too, we're going to compete for Biggie's titles. Every year we're going to punch you in the mouth because that's what we do on both sides of the ball. But particularly on defense. He's the guy that kind of started all that and I think that's that. That's what you got to say about it. In terms of just establishing the tradition, establishing an identity for that defense.

42:44 That's what Cornell will Brown was all about. So, That's the big thing that I want to take away from that. Is that he was the guy that kind of started the tradition that we're still celebrating right now. And unfortunately, just outside of the big four for us in terms of our deliberations, which I know is going to be probably a sore spot for some folks because we've already had some folks, some people over again on on Twitter as far as what, where they want to go. And Cornell seems to be one of the ones that's keeps popping up. Exactly. And you know, and and then this again, this was tough man. But we're here we are at the Rushmore. We have went past.

43:25 Wonderful memorials to get here. Yep. But this should not should I lead off here. Should I lead off you? Let me leave with mr. Vic I shall let you leave sir. Okay. Well my first one is the biggest no-brainer in the history of Virginia Tech Sports Bruce Smith, this sack man. Yes, sir Booker T Washington, High School, Norfolk 757 didn't really focus much on football till these later, part of high school. But once he did that things really took off for him. Woo. Yeah, he literally redefined the position of defensive end when he would go into Tech and everything.

44:10 I mean before that there wasn't guys that had linebacker speed at the Russian position, and he comes in 22 sacks in his junior year alone. God first team, All-American selection that year somehow senior year, he outdid that he was consensus, All-American selection that year and Outland Trophy winner. That's a big one. So draft an 85, you know, where he went buddy, that would be you know, Uno. Yes, sir 11. First overall, pick to the Buffalo Bills took the hype of being the first overall selection and turned it into 11 Pro bowls. 8, First Team, all Pros to Second Team all Pros to time defensive NFL player of the year for time AFC defensive player of the year and the all-time sack record.

45:09 But two hundred sacks. He was also named to the 100th anniversary all-time team. So we're talking about about one of the Great's to ever lace them up here, not just in hokey history but in in terms of all professional football and he had one of the best lines in Little Giants. Ha ha ha, let me see your game faces. That's second. Only to it's a couch cushion, sun, god. Brian you you pretty much. I mean, what more can be said for him.

45:49 He is a tech player of his stature that still rings. I mean, we weren't old enough to see him play at Virginia Tech. We weren't we were in freaking diapers when he was there, but we got to see him play in the NFL and you got to see how Hominid. He was and also the one thing you gotta love about Bruce's, I mean, he's always there. Bruce's nipple, always in Blacksburg on game day, he continues to support preferring with you. Just awesome. I'm hoping one of these years now with me and you make that truck up 64, then cut take a left down, 81 back down for 60 and to the Smoke mountains.

46:31 Do we get to meet him? And I can't say, Much more man. It's just Bruce Smith. He's at the front. He's the 11. There is no question that he is the greatest defensive player in Virginia. Tech History Go sir. All right buddy, I'll let you go with number 2 here and this one shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Either shouldn't be a surprise to anyone either also a defensive end. Corey Moore. Oh yeah, defensive and 6-foot 225 pounds. Cory came to us, Virginia Tech from homes, Junior College in Memphis, Tennessee.

47:13 Court was actually originally set to enroll in Ole Miss, but right about that time he was going to enroll is when one of the biggest Gamble's broke down there. So he kind of backed off. He almost, you know, called it quits from plane. Football, which is kind of crazy thing, because he was going to go to an SEC school and, you know, he goes to a junior college about that time. Charlie Wiles comes in, Charlie had some connections in the area, Charlie got him up here and you know, number 56 was kind of quiet as first couple of years but then in 1998 he absolutely exploded on the scene. 13 have sex all Biggie's, first team defense, Pensive Player of the Year couple interviews, he talked about when they play they lost to UVA 98.

48:06 But you can see those conversations about when they went to the Music City Bowl about how he wanted the way he wanted to take his seniors out. They shouldn't go out like that and then they preferably went out stomp a mudhole in Alabama. 38 nothing. So, but then man 1999 came yesterday because those eyes when those eyes. Zoned in. He was going to come for the quarterbacks head and try to kill them and Clemson's Brandon Streeter nationally became his first victim on that wonderful Thursday night, Affair and Lane Stadium. When Bill Ross considers it, The Hat Trick, The Strip, the sack, the fumble recovery touchdown, his total stat line just for that night, right? Go back and look at it.

48:55 I mean we've watched that game And you see the replays and it's crazy two sacks for tackles for loss, five hurries along with the strip's. Axon before touchdown. That's 11 place. He was in the backfield. This was at a time when teams were running between 50 and 60 plays the other quarter of the time, also that night on the sidelines or other man the nation watching, he coin something That lane Stadium when it is pink, it becomes, what era do college football, but no one could block him. He could out block you at the point of attack. Will he run by you at the point of attack? That season in general, Brian 17 sacks. Unanimous unanimous Big East Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year unanimous All-American ma'am Dudley Award winner for the state.

50:15 Lombardi Award winner essentially says he was the best offensive or defensive lineman in the country anyone to Nagurski the best defensive player in the country. 35 career sacks 58 tackles for loss. He became a third-round draft pick. I mean only played a few years and the one big piece about that is they tried to make him a linebacker. Yep. Something Bud Foster has said, is That wasn't this thing to do. That wasn't Cory. Cory was attacking the edge attacking the quarterback. He is fiscally dirty was coming after you. That was what he wanted to do.

50:56 This is my opinion, my opinion, only I think you've Cory. I would even say in today's age, but I think if Corey is for 25 years later and that would put him around 2000. What 425? I think. Cory goes to the league and probably has a 9 or 10 year, career. Oh yeah. What is he? What is he doing for? You is one of those. Those attacking four, threes and yeah, ones, where the defensive line of the give its veins are coming at you. I mean, even, like the Colts had with free and Mathis, man. I mean, I can definitely see him. You haven't having a similar type of tumor type of game as to, as, for any there.

51:38 So exactly. But but for him for that 1990, 19, I mean, he said it off and You know, in all those accolades. And if you ever want some entertainment, folks just laying around here in covid-19 crisis. Go look up, Corey Moore at the Sugar Bowl, press conference. Yep. He was not bad. He's just pulling exactly but great. Great player and brown will throw it up to you, man. You got to you. Got somebody that kind of close to my heart. Yeah, man.

52:24 So, next, we're going to go to D Creek High School, another Deep Creek product going to be Daryl Taps best buddy, DeAngelo Hall. Yes, sir the ol D whole. So what can be said about D Hall? D Hall is the epitome of a playmaker. He was also the epitome of a trash talker but he's placed spoke for him to. So let's let's, let's keep it moving as a true freshman. He played in all 11 games, he started one game. Game at 33 combined, tackles three picks, three pass breakups, followed that up with another foreign, or the 400 ception and a in a forced fumble as a sophomore.

53:04 And in 2002 to go with another 44, combined, tackles and 12 passes, broken up. You also had to punt returns for a touchdown. All right, junior year took his game to the next level 3 punt. Returns for a touchdown, had an interception and took a ball from somebody and took it for a touchdown Brian. Give it to ya, Rosco, I'm crying, I'm crying. Just ripped it from Roscoe's hand and said nope! No this is mine. I'm going to run it in any way and you know, there was no throwing his way that junior year.

53:44 I mean he was in complete shutdown mode. That point, they were scared to throw his weight because of interceptions, but he was also really good at coverage, even though that part of his game, didn't do the loudest talking. He also scored two offensive touchdowns that year, they were they use them in about what four or five games on offense mostly in. I think UCF was the game. He was used most heavily that year and he said scored two offensive touchdowns, you know, special teams Return Man on punts. He was a first team All-American. Thousand three and a semi finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2003. So despite his numbers going down that junior year in terms of interceptions, he was on the national radar in terms of his abilities that corner. So I want to I want to throw that out there that just because there's numbers went down, didn't mean that his play was going down.

54:35 He was absolutely in shutdown, mode in 2003 and first round pick to to the Atlanta Falcons. We have a three-time pro bowler. Spent a bunch of years in the league man, especially with the Washington Redskins and really turned his career around after, having some really great years with the Falcons out, the gate was open Redskins. Play, do what you're told, but then move then move to safety. And that's something that tells you what kind of football player who was is later in his career. On, you know, he did make that move and he made it pretty successful and In some people, you know question of it will never come off Corners. Now he went to free safety played really good. Yeah he was there it was a great free safety for he's been about three or four years three safety after he moved from corner and you know, some of his best years obviously were with Atlanta but you know, he wasn't getting getting exactly picked on until you know that last year or so when he was playing corner for the skins and when they moved in the free safety, it was a pretty smooth move and he was able to take those. Those ball hockey skills of the always had and kind of, you know, play center field a little bit and makes a noise that way. And he was always a willing hitter. So he moved to safety was definitely a natural fit for him as he lost a little bit of a step there at the end. Yeah, you're right man.

56:01 You said so much. He was a lockdown player. I mean, so special as an athlete so special great personality to Men. He loves the school, you see him tweet about it, a lot when guys get drafted and guys get paid. That are Hokies, you see him talking about it. I mean, I personally would love to see him back in the program. In some way, I don't know if you will because he does have that such a dynamic personality and he's making his way up in the NFL world in the end. Yeah, circles. Yeah. But nonetheless in Nathan and it can be fought about, but maybe the greatest defensive back in the school's history. Yeah, it can.

56:48 It's arguable because have how many weakening? But ain't much, I think roughly all-around athlete at the position. He's at the top and that's why he's sitting in our or Mount Rushmore here. Yes, sir. All right buddy, we got one more here. This one might not be as much of a no-brainer is Is the previous three some let you take it away. Oh you putting this on me, huh? Yeah. The controversial decision of the of the defensive Mount Rushmore for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Well folks we went back forth back forth so many great players and but we landed on this guy Ben Taylor linebacker out of Bel Air. Ohio 1998 comes in Starts making his name, and if you're a Virginia Tech Hokies where do you make your name? Special teams.

57:43 Yes, sir played in every game that year. 15, tackles 1999 Big Year, Redshirt sophomore year. He is a starter at linebacker started for 10 games that season. He finished third on the team. With tat, in tackles five, tackles for loss. One sack Venom Became Big Time 2000 2001. He accelerated. 2101 tackles seven, tackles for loss, one and a half sacks, all-big East team. Third team, All-American, semifinals for the Butkus 2001, he upped it a little more 121 tackles 118.

58:30 Tackles for loss, four and a half sacks, and the pick All-American again, second team that year semifinalist for the buckets award again and again I ran into a what I was doing. My research Mentor into a lot of Bill Ross stuff, and I love Bill and Bill mentions about it. He has on the temple player so I go find it. The VT freak God Rest, his soul, thank him for doing what he did and we saw I saw the hit Jesus. Lord, he's a linebacker. The coverage and then he proceeded to kill the temple wide receivers Body and Soul.

59:10 It was just awesome and brightly I've got to stop there because I had to do some writing for documents. You looked at it, what do you what do you do again? Couple plays later, odo's back that glaze and boat out like so the first one was like, an out is that he had, he had the flat, he had a flat coverage and on the out, and he came up and just laid upon him, then the next player, It looks like the virus. He was running the big from the slot and as soon as the ball was delivered, he just ran up and came from the other side. So running towards where the route is being run. So running literally freight trains running at each other and he just cleans his clock. It was it was it was so fun to watch me. Like he's one of these guys is we were talking to some folks And you mentioned ban and you kind of mentioned exactly as people like, oh oh God Ben did what? Yeah, it was all that gay was but but what I think of Ben Taylor I kind of reflect on the type of player that he is and he's kind of player built this program been was a three-star undersized linebacker coming about how when he was recruited, um, and he built himself.

1:00:30 He became a fourth-round draft pick. He spent Five Seasons in the NFL for those brown. John's one year with the Packers and I know this is gonna probably just controversial pick because we have so many great players. But when you think of a guy, we always talk about, you know, the accolades and, you know, but when you think of like that was when he came in, it was 1997, overall, that 95 year. Those were the players were still building the program and How he turned himself into a three-star undersized to an All-American. Semifinals for buckets, getting drafted, in the fourth round, playing multiple years in the NFL, that's what the program is built on. And and that's why I lobbied Brian can tell you. I lauded really hard for Ben to be. There we were be able to several guys who around the outside and that's one of the big reasons I lobbied for him to be. If he was, he was the one that we Both had kind of been that what 4 to 6 range.

1:01:34 Yep. On our list and we were like we were throwing back and forth. It was like I think it was him Cornell and Jimmy were the kind of the. Yeah, this is free. We were debating. We were like, you know, based on bit what Ben did and when he came through and just accolades, you know, it makes sense because he's a linebacker that we can put on there. I mean all things being equal, you know that. I think that was the tie breaker for me. I knew Curtis had him in there anyway, but that time A breaking for me was that you know, I couldn't argue with the numbers relative to what you know, the guys I was comparing them against and we didn't have a linebacker in there. So let's put Ben in there. Absolutely. All right, fans, Tom, we got to know yours.

1:02:17 So what is your poke Mount Rushmore? It's gonna be out binds going to pop it on Twitter as we release the Pod, tell us and yes, we are. Admitting this will stop this hell. We need actually, maybe we should do, instead of a Mount Rushmore behind next year. Let's do a monument collection where you put like 19 guys up or y s. How about we do a Mount Rushmore for every position? Yeah, let's I will shout out our buddy over there at the two-minute drill field, that was the suggestion on one of the Twitter boards. Yeah, maybe maybe by position.

1:02:59 So let's let's take a look at that next time but you know, we what do you when you said that I had to drop the the quote on him from A League of Their Own, man. It's the hard that makes it. Great very true, my friends, very true, it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. So that's why we did it. We did it for you guys. We went out there and we look through 30 plus names, and we said, we got to put four on the Hokie Stone, the Mount Rushmore of Virginia Tech defense. And we did it for you. Yes we did. So definitely give us yours. Give us your opinions. We look forward to this tomorrow. It's probably going to make my work day.

1:03:39 Go by a hell of a lot quicker about yours too Brian. Yeah absolutely. Alright guys so that wraps up this episode of The Boundary corn podcast. My name is Curtis Wilson, I'm Brian seagull. We always let our buddy. Jason Long play us out, catch him on Spotify and apple music. We thank you for listening. Listening, follow us on Twitter. Facebook, your favorite podcast doors and as always, let's go. Oh keys.