Player thoughts CFA Bowl: Day One

Virginia Tech arrived in Atlanta on Friday night in preparation for the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Thursday. Check out these quotes following the Hokies first practice on Saturday.

Kam Chancellor - Safety

On playing without ineligible cornerback Stephan Virgil?

"He's a big part of our defense so it does hurt a little, but we always have a good recruiting class, so we've got some good guys behind him who are just going to have to step up. It's up to (freshmen) Cris Hill and Jayron Hosley to step up and fill the hole that he left. (Hosley's) a pretty laid back dude, but when it comes to getting out there on the field, he's as competitive as it gets. Both of them have been getting the same amount of reps in practice, and I can see them both getting about the same playing time at the beginning of the game."

On Tennessee's offensive playmakers?

"(Freshman RB) Bryce Brown is an explosive player, and one of the best backs that we'll face this season. (Jonathan) Crompton is a good quarterback. He uses pretty good judgment and spreads the ball around to all of his different receivers."

Ryan Williams - Tailback

On facing Tennessee's defense?

"They've got a really good defensive unit. Any defense that can hold Florida down has got a lot of talent. Tyrod (Taylor) and the receivers have shown over the last few games that they can make some plays, and that we can be very dynamic on offense. If their defense is keyed in on stopping me, we feel like we can step up in other aspects of the offense."

On the time in between the regular season finale and the Chick-fil-A Bowl?

"I've been ready to go for a month now. I'm just excited to go out there and play the game."

Greg Boone - Tight End

On Tennessee's defense?

"They're a very talented group. Overall, they've got great team speed and hustle to the ball on every play."

On playing for ACC pride against an SEC opponent?

"It's always great to be playing for your conference, but for me it's a little more personal. We've played three SEC teams since I've been here - Georgia, LSU and Alabama - and gone 0-3. As a senior, I really want to go out with a win."