The Virginia Tech Hokies football team has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at a high level in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The 1998 season was a notable one for the Hokies, as they finished with a 9-3 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the ACC. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 1998 Virginia Tech football roster and highlight some of the key players and moments from that season.
Season Snapshot
The 1998 Virginia Tech Hokies football team was led by head coach Frank Beamer, who was in his 12th season at the helm of the program. The team finished the season with a 9-3 overall record, which included a 5-3 mark in the ACC. The Hokies were ranked as high as #16 in the country during the season and finished the year ranked #23 in the final AP poll.
One of the highlights of the season was the Hokies' 38-17 victory over Clemson, which marked the team's first win over the Tigers since 1986. The team also had notable wins over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Offense
The 1998 Virginia Tech offense was led by quarterback Al Clark, who threw for 2,114 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. Clark was a junior at the time and would go on to have a successful collegiate career, finishing as the school's all-time leader in total offense.
The Hokies' rushing attack was led by freshman running back Shyrone Stith, who rushed for 1,137 yards and 8 touchdowns on the season. Stith would go on to have a successful collegiate career, earning All-ACC honors in 1999 and 2000.
The receiving corps was led by senior wide receiver Angelo Harrison, who caught 53 passes for 734 yards and 6 touchdowns on the season. Harrison was a key contributor to the team's passing attack and finished his collegiate career as one of the top receivers in school history.
Defense
The 1998 Virginia Tech defense was led by defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who was in his 10th season with the program. The defense was known for its speed and aggressiveness, and finished the season ranked 14th in the country in total defense.
The defensive line was led by senior defensive end Corey Moore, who recorded 45 tackles and 10 sacks on the season. Moore was a dominant force on the defensive line and went on to have a successful NFL career.
The linebacking corps was led by junior linebacker Pierson Prioleau, who recorded 108 tackles and 2 sacks on the season. Prioleau was a key contributor to the team's defense and went on to have a successful NFL career.
The secondary was led by senior cornerback Anthony Midget, who recorded 45 tackles and 3 interceptions on the season. Midget was a shutdown corner who was known for his speed and agility.
Special Teams
The 1998 Virginia Tech special teams unit was led by kicker Shayne Graham, who connected on 15 of 20 field goal attempts on the season. Graham was a consistent performer who went on to have a successful NFL career.
The punting duties were handled by junior punter Jimmy Kibble, who averaged 42.4 yards per punt on the season. Kibble was a consistent performer who went on to have a successful NFL career.
1998 Virginia Tech Football Roster
Here is a list of the 1998 Virginia Tech football roster:
- Offense:
- Al Clark (QB)
- Shyrone Stith (RB)
- Angelo Harrison (WR)
- Emmett Johnson (WR)
- Derek Carter (TE)
- Dwight Vick (OL)
- Dave Kadela (OL)
- Tom Schobel (OL)
- Will Adams (OL)
- Defense:
- Corey Moore (DE)
- Chris Ellis (DE)
- Pierson Prioleau (LB)
- Michael Crawford (LB)
- Anthony Midget (CB)
- Ike Charlton (CB)
- Kevin Brooks (S)
- Brian Edmunds (S)
- Special Teams:
- Shayne Graham (K)
- Jimmy Kibble (P)
Gallery of 1998 Virginia Tech Football
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1998 Virginia Tech football team:
Q: Who was the head coach of the 1998 Virginia Tech football team? A: Frank Beamer was the head coach of the 1998 Virginia Tech football team.
Q: What was the overall record of the 1998 Virginia Tech football team? A: The 1998 Virginia Tech football team finished with a 9-3 overall record.
Q: Who was the starting quarterback for the 1998 Virginia Tech football team? A: Al Clark was the starting quarterback for the 1998 Virginia Tech football team.
Q: Who was the leading rusher for the 1998 Virginia Tech football team? A: Shyrone Stith was the leading rusher for the 1998 Virginia Tech football team, with 1,137 yards.
Q: Who was the leading receiver for the 1998 Virginia Tech football team? A: Angelo Harrison was the leading receiver for the 1998 Virginia Tech football team, with 53 catches for 734 yards.
We hope you enjoyed this look back at the 1998 Virginia Tech football team. The Hokies had a successful season, finishing with a 9-3 record and a ranking of #23 in the final AP poll. The team was led by quarterback Al Clark, running back Shyrone Stith, and wide receiver Angelo Harrison on offense, and defensive end Corey Moore, linebacker Pierson Prioleau, and cornerback Anthony Midget on defense.