Alvarez has tools to play for Tech

By Dave Fawcett

Published: August 14, 2008

BLACKSBURG –— William Alvarez continues to develop as he looks to get playing time this fall on the Virginia Tech offensive line.
The Hylton High School graduate is competing against red-shirt junior Hivera Green for the back-up role at left guard this season. The 6-foot-5, 327-pound Alvarez was redshirted last season as a true freshman.
“Right now, it is about the learning process with Will,” Virginia Tech offensive line coach Curt Newsome said. “He’s got the tools to physically play for us. As he develops, it is tying it all together. He shows he can do it in a drill situation. It’s carrying it over to an 11 on 11 situation. As he gets better in that area, he’s good enough to play, there’s no question about it.”
Joss Becker, a 2007 Osbourn Park graduate, is listed third on the depth chart at one of the defensive end spots. A walk-on, Becker missed last season with a back injury.

STILL BOUND FOR BLACKSBURG
Eric Martin will enroll at Virginia Tech in January.
The all-Group AAA tight end from Hylton High School signed with the Hokies in February, but his arrival in Blacksburg was delayed when his test score arrived a day after it was due at Virginia Tech this summer.
Martin talked to Hokie head coach Frank Beamer about the situation and Beamer said the Hokies looked forward to seeing Martin in January.
“It will work out and they will honor my scholarship,” Martin said. “Coach Beamer apologized for the inconvenience.”
In the meantime, Martin will continue to work out, while also helping the Hylton football team this fall.
“I’m disappointed, but you have to take it with a grain of salt and make the best of everything,” Martin said.