Fall practice is about to start for the Virginia Tech Hokies ahead of the first season of the Justin Fuente era in Blacksburg. Today, the Hokies announced via Twitter a surprising position change for one player from the 757.
Deon Newsome has moved from side receiver to safety as he looks to earn some playing time this fall after not gaining much traction this spring at WR. Newsome fell behind multiple younger receivers this spring and with no realistic path for him to get playing time at WR, a move to the defensive side of the ball makes sense in what is a last chance move to earn playing time.
Newsome will likely practice more at free safety as someone who doesn't have the size really to play rover. With Chuck Clark graduating after this season, Newsome knows that there will be an opportunity to potential replace Clark there next season.
For the Hokies, it's worth the shot to see if Newsome could be better there especially since he's on scholarship. However, Newsome's move does seem like a gamble and if it doesn't work out, a transfer could be coming to a school like ODU or JMU along with a move back to WR.
Deon Newsome has been losing playing time over the past year so a move to defense at this point seems worth the gamble if he is really committed to trying to earn playing time for the Hokies.
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