Four Hokies, Including Backup QB, To Miss Bowl Game
by Neal Turnage
December 18, 2006

Virginia Tech’s backup quarterback Ike Whitaker will miss the Hokies’ postseason appearance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Dec. 30, for personal reasons.  Three other Tech players, Jahre Cheeseman, Jared Develli, and Antonio North, will miss the game due to injuries.

Whitaker, a redshirt freshman, cited in a personal statement that his decision to miss the bowl game was part of the healing process for dealing with his alcohol-related issues.  

“I've come to the conclusion that I currently have a problem,” said Whitaker. “After consulting with family, Coach [Frank] Beamer, and others that I respect, I've decided to battle this head on, immediately.”

"I've entered an in-patient program. It hurts me greatly to be separated from my teammates and miss one of the biggest bowl games in Virginia Tech's history. But I realize I need help confronting this problem. I hope that I will emerge from the program a stronger and better person."

Beamer was supportive of Whitaker, stating “I really admire a guy who wants to help himself.  There’s no question in my mind that there’s going to be a successful ending to this story.”

Prior to the season, Whitaker was considered a strong candidate for the starting quarterback job which was eventually won by redshirt sophomore Sean Glennon.  As the season progressed and the Hokie offense struggled, Whitaker amassed a large fan following.  In five game appearances this year he went 10 of 16 passing for 119 yards and one touchdown.  He also rushed for 42 yards on nine carries.

Redshirt sophomore Cory Holt will move into the number two position behind Glennon in the bowl game.

Cheeseman, a redshirt freshman tailback/cornerback, is still recovering from an injury sustained in a jayvee game against Fork Union on Oct.2.  He had surgery on his left foot for a Lis Franc sprain (the same injury sustained earlier this month by former Hokie and current Detroit Loin Kevin Jones).  The team expects him to return for spring practice.

Develli, a junior placekicker, underwent hernia surgery on Dec. 13, and is slated to return in the spring.  In his absence, kickoff duties will be shared by senior Brandon Pace and junior Jud Dunlevy.

North, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, will no longer play football due to a herniated disk in his back.  Head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said that the medical staff has tried several medications to ease the pain, including epidurals, with little success.  North will remain on scholarship but he will not count against Tech’s scholarship numbers because he applied for and was granted a medical hardship waiver through the NCAA.