Falcons' nest adds another ex-Hokie QB
Bryan Randall is one of six Hokies to sign free-agent contracts with NFL clubs.
By Randy King
981-3126
The Roanoke Times
No matter where Bryan Randall goes, it seems he can't evade the name Vick. This time it's Michael, not Marcus.
After spending a good part of his college days battling Marcus Vick for Virginia Tech's quarterback job, Randall will begin his professional career deep in line behind another Vick - Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick.
Little wonder Randall had to laugh a little when he agreed to a free-agent contract with the Falcons on Sunday night.
"I know it seemed funny when it happened. I was like, you know, 'Running behind another Vick ... competing with another Vick,'" Randall said Monday.
Randall, the ACC player of the year last season, harbors no illusions of beating out the elder Vick for the Falcons' starting job. With ex-Virginia standout Matt Schaub and 14-year NFL veteran Ty Detmer serving as Atlanta's second and third quarterbacks, Randall has no immediate visions of grandeur. He does see hope, however.
"If you look at Ty Detmer, he's 37 now, so his years are numbered and he's not going to be in the league too much longer," Randall said. "Schaub is going into the second year of his contract, and after his third year, his contract is going to be ending. But it might not even get that far. There might be a trade because of his value ... instead of [Atlanta] letting his contract run out and getting nothing in return.
"So the situation was good. Plus, Atlanta doesn't have a fourth quarterback and they don't have a guy in Europe [NFL Europe] right now. They've already told me that they plan to keep a practice-squad quarterback this year. So with me being the fourth quarterback, I would be the practice-squad guy unless something were to happen to Matt and Michael. So it's a good situation for a year and, hopefully, the next year I will be able to move up."
Randall signed with Atlanta shortly after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. He also talked to Arizona. He said Tampa Bay called after he had signed.
"I was disappointed at not being drafted," Randall said.
"I felt I had a lot to offer as a player. And I plan on proving that. I don't mind that at all, really. I've taken the hard route before so it won't be any different this time."
This time, though, he will be behind a Vick, instead of in front of one.
"I like the system in Atlanta and who could be a better guy to be behind than Mike," Randall said. "That's the best in the league.
"So I can't just sit there and say, 'I can't go behind Mike ... I've already dealt with one Vick and I've got to deal with another one.' I don't look at it that way. I look at it from a business standpoint. It's the move that I think is best."
In addition to Vick, Randall will join ex-Hokies DeAngelo Hall, Keion Carpenter, Kevin McCadam and Matt Lehr in Atlanta.
Randall was one of six Tech players to sign free-agent deals. Jim Davis, who wasn't among the 21 defensive ends taken in the draft, was signed by Jacksonville, tight end Jared Mazzetta went to St. Louis, linebacker Mikal Baaqee and safety Mike Daniels joined Washington, and deep snapper Travis Conway agreed to terms with New England.
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