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May 25, 2017

Hokie Adds Intrigue To Defensive Line

He may only be entering his second year of pro football but Luther Maddy already knows a thing or two about being around legendary coaches. As the Lions’ defensive line hopeful continues to get to know Wally Buono, he can’t help but look back at his four years at Virginia Tech. It was with the Hokies where Maddy developed under Frank Beamer, who retired as NCAA Division I football’s winningest active head coach after a thrilling 55-52 victory over Tulsa in the 2015 Independence Bowl.

“It was thrilling to send Frank out on a good note,” said Maddy on day one of Lions mini-camp in Kamloops.

“They were driving and about to score and we made two big plays. On the last one I got the sack. That was also my last game in front of Hokie nation. They were great fans that supported me.”

Maddy and the Hokies carry Frank Beamer off the field after his 280th and final NCAA win at the 2015 Independence Bowl.

As he transitions to the Canadian game, Maddy knows having renowned guys like Buono and defensive line coach Robin Ross.

“I’ve heard great things and I actually see a lot of similarities between coach Beamer and coach Wally,” explained Maddy.

“They really care about their players and not only give us good advice on the field but in terms of how to live life the right way.”

After getting his first taste of CFL action at the club’s mini-camp in Surrey last April, Maddy is looking to stick out amongst an impressive group of defensive linemen recruited by Ryan Rigmaiden and his scouting staff over the winter. Frank Alexander, Josh Shirley and former Seattle Seahawk Ken Boatright are among the other American rookies on hand.

“Ever since I was young I have loved to compete; whether that’s in the weight room or on the football field. All it does is make us better. Those guys you mention like Frank, Shirley and the guys we just drafted, all we’re going to do is push each other. It’s going to be great.”

Maddy’s fast track to the pros was initially put on hold when he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in New Orleans Saints mini-camp this time last year.

The setback kept him out for the entire 2016 season and put the former first team all-AAC selection on the back burner of most other NFL clubs. That’s when the call came from up North.

“Ryan hit me up and I’m real blessed and fortunate you guys gave me a chance,” said Maddy.

“I actually heard about this opportunity before the Saints called me last year. JC Coleman was my college teammate and good friend. I heard about the opportunity though him and I was up for it at the time but my agent wanted to give the NFL another try. This year teams were scared off because of the injury and Ryan still had an offer on the table. I am real thankful they still believed in me.”

Maddy (74) takes guidance from defensive line coach Robin Ross.

“I had seen him when he was at Virginia Tech and even though he’s short he’s got that power and explosion,” said Rigmaiden after opening day of mini camp.

“When they asked him to get vertical, he did and made a lot of plays in the backfield. He can do it all. He’s excellent versus the run and you saw his quickness today.”

Although Kamloops is his main priority now, Maddy could very well prove to be a fit on the west coast based on his love for the outdoors. He made sure to enjoy some of that before he left for camp.

“My fiancée and I go on lots of trips. A couple weeks ago we did a sightseeing cruise on the inner coastal tour of Ft. Lauderdale. It was great to see all of the million dollar houses and stuff like that. Coming up here my eyes are wide at how beautiful it is. It’s going to be fun.”

He can also smile at the fact he has the green light to take part in football drills after almost a year of rehab. That excitement certainly showed on day one of action at Hillside Stadium.

“Just to be on the field and running around after surgery is a great feeling. I’m excited to be out here and now we’ll try and get to the Grey Cup.”

Coach Beamer is no doubt proud of his dedication to the craft. Buono may soon be learning that too.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com