Hokie rookies look to make impact at training camp

RICHMOND, Va.- Three rookies are trying to break into the 2018 Washington Redskins lineup, and all three are on the defense.

Rookie lineman Tim Settle             Doug Aylestock / CCS

Defensive linemen Tim Settle was drafted in the fifth round, and defensive back Greg Stroman was drafted in the seventh round. Adonis Alexander was a sixth round supplemental draft choice and missed all of the OTA's and mini camp. Alexander signed with the team just prior to the start of training camp.

Settle, a Stonewall Jackson (Manassas) graduate, Settle did not play as a true freshman in 2015 and chose to redshirt.

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Settle played in all 14 of Virginia Tech's games, recording 17 tackles (seven for loss), two quarterback hurries and one blocked kick. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman Second-Team.

In 2017, as a redshirt sophomore, he played in 13 games, tallying 36 tackles (12.5 for loss), four sacks, one pass deflection, two quarterback hurries, and one blocked kick. Following the season, he was named to the 2017 All-ACC Second-Team. On January 4, 2018, Settle decided to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the draft.(1)

Rookie DB Greg Stroman                 Doug Aylestock / CCS

Stroman originally also attended Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas. As a freshman, Stroman made an immediate impact for the Hokies on special teams as he fielded 36 punts for 249 yards. In his sophomore season, he recorded 27 punt returns for 109 yards and collecting 24 tackles on defense.

In his junior season, Stroman tied for second in the ACC in both pass breakups (11, including one for a touchdown) and interceptions (four for 47 yards). He added 20 total tackles and 36 punts returned for 397 yards and two touchdowns on special teams. Stroman ranks second all-time in Virginia Tech history with six career return scores, trailing just DeAngelo Hall (seven). In the 2015 Independence Bowl against Tulsa, he had a career-long punt return of 67 yards. (1)

Alexander, from Charlotte, NC attended Independence High School. Alexander played in 34 games for Virginia Tech, recording 35 tackles and 7 interceptions. (2)

The rookies all spoke with the media after Saturday's practice, that video can be seen below.

(1) Wikipedia (Settle, Stroman Bios)

(2) Hokiesports.com (Alexander Stats)

Beathard enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

On Saturday, Bobby Beathard became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Beathard worked for several different teams during his career but made his biggest impact as General Manager of the Washington Redskins from 1978 through 1989.

Beathard's finest hour came with the hiring of NFL Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs, who presented Beathard on Saturday. Beathard was also responsible for signing such greats as Hall of Famer, Darrell Green and fan favorite, wide out Gary Clark.

During the strike season of 1987 Beathard was responsible for putting together a strike team, along with Charley Casserly, that went 3-0 and helped propel the team to their first Superbowl victory.

Beathard was inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame during the homecoming alumni day game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Beathard during the 2012 Alumni Day Game        Moe Murphy / CCS

Davis shows no signs of slowing down

Vernon Davis enters his 13th season in the NFL     Doug Aylestock /CCS

RICHMOND, Va.-  As the heat beats down on the practice field at the Washington Redskins Bon Secours Training Facility, Vernon Davis remains after practice to catch bullet passes from the automated punting machine.

 "You enter into the NFL as a young guy, I mean you don't know too much, Davis said."You're trying to work yourself in,  you want to be the best player you can possibly be but you know it starts with hard work, dedication, perseverance and learning from the older guys.

As you go throughout your years in the NFL you either get better or you get worse. And I feel like I’ve been good as far as listening, observing, taking care of my body, making sure I’m mentally strong when it comes to challenges in life and in my career.

Davis enters his thirteenth season in the NFL, his third with the Redskins. He attributes his longevity in the league to  his mental and spiritual beliefs and proven work ethics.

Davis will reunite this season with his former San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith. He is very excited about that reunion.

"I think right now Alex, he's in the best space he could possibly be in." Davis said, " I respect him so much [for] his career, everything he stands for, his integrity, his character. He's a great asset to have to this team and I'm just extremely elated to have him."

Photo's by Doug Aylestock / Clarke County Sports  2018

DeAngelo Hall makes it official, he's retiring

RICHMOND, Va.- It's not like most people didn't know it was coming, but yesterday at the Washington Redskins training camp, Hall officially announced his retirement. "Yes  guys, so you probably have heard, I'm sure your heard months ago, but after fourteen seasons of professional football, I will be officially retiring today." Hall said.

The long time defensive leader of the Redskins had unofficially made it known he was retiring a while back, but in the case with many professional athletes that decision can be changed, it's a tough life changing decision.

 "To be a kid from Chesapeake, Va. to play at Virginia Tech and grow up a huge Darrell Green fan and Washington Redskin fan. I mean  it's been a dream to put on the Burgundy and Gold for the past 10 years." Hall said.

Hall talked with the media at last years mini camp. That video can be seen below.

Hall's official retirement press conference can be viewed at

DeAngelo Hall retirement press conference

Photo's by Moe Murphy / Clarke County Sports

Redskins Host Military Appreciation Day

RICHMOND, Va.-  The Washington Redskins held Military Appreciation Day on Saturday at the Washington Redskins Bon Secours Training Facility. Members of the Armed Forces were invited and treated as V.I.P.'s for the day's activities.

This was the third day of training camp and the first day of contact in pads.

Please enjoy our video highlights below and photography from the day from our senior photographer Doug Aylestock.  Go to our Facebook page for his entire gallery of photo's.

Our video highlights include player interviews with the trio of Virginia Tech Redskins Rookies. Adonis Alexander, Tim Settle, and Greg Stroman.  Veteran Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan also speaks with the media.

Photo's by Doug Aylestock

Redskins Military Appreciation Day Photo Gallery

Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden Press Conference 7/28/18

 Redskins Coach Jay Gruden        Doug Aylestock / CCS

RICHMOND, Va.- Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden speaks to the media prior to the Saturday morning practice. Clarke County Sports was on hand to cover Military Appreciation Day. Check back for more coverage including player interviews, and photography by senior photographer Doug Aylestock.

Mitchell Added to Football Staff

Mitchell Added to Football Staff: (Click link for story at SU athletics) Shenandoah University Head Football Coach Scott Yoder announced Monday that he has added former Hornets standout Byron Mitchell '14 to his full-time staff.

From our archives (15 years of covering CCHS Football)

Editors Note: Celebrating 15 years of covering CCHS Football we will be presenting various videos and articles from our archives leading up the 2018 season. Enjoy! #CLARKESTRONG

Game of the Week November 27, 2015   Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium, Berryville, VA
The Clarke County Eagles defeat Robert E. Lee 19-0 in the third round of the VHSL AA Eastern Region Football Playoffs.

Post game interviews with Matt Dang, Jordon Turner, Michael Fields, and head coach Chris Parker.