Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
August 7, 2001

Suggs had the third best single season rushing mark in school history with 1,207 yards on 222 carries. (Allsport)

Virginia Tech's Lee Suggs knows that teams will be waiting for him this year, but that isn't going to stop him. After breaking almost every Hokie running record last year, Suggs is ready for another challenging year.

Virginia Tech running back Lee Suggs stopped by to chat about the start of the college football season, replacing Michael Vick and much more.

Suggs had a phenomenal sophomore year. He was the Co-BIG EAST Player of the Year and led the nation in scoring with 15.27 points a game. He smashed Hokie single season records by rushing for 27 TDs, 28 total TDs and 168 points.

Suggs had the third best single season rushing mark in school history with 1,207 yards on 222 carries. He set a conference record for touchdowns in a game with five against the University of Central Florida.

The Hokies are currently ranked 14th in the SportsLine.com/Lindy's preseason poll. Suggs is ranked as the fourth best running back. The receiving crew is ranked ninth and the defensive line is ranked fourth.

Lee Suggs: Hello! I am here to talk to you about Virginia Tech football!

Question: Describe what you want to accomplish as a team player and an individual this upcoming college football season at Virginia Tech?

Lee Suggs: For the team, we want a Big East championship and a National Championship. And an undefeated season. For myself, 1000 yards and an injury free season.

Question: Lee, does the remarkable improvement of Keith Burnell this offseason make you work even harder for the 2001 season?

Lee Suggs: I always work hard no matter what! And Keith and I work well together.

Question: Did you style yourself after any famous running backs?

Lee Suggs: Not really. I didn't style myself after any of them. There are a few I like though. But if I have to say I ran like someone, it would be Terrell Davis.

Question: What coach do you feel has really helped you develop your game and why?

Lee Suggs: Coach Gentry, the strength and conditioning coach. He got me stronger and faster and where I am today. He got me ready for college football. And of course Coach Hite.

Question: Who do you see as the toughest competition for you this year?

Lee Suggs: Of course, Miami. Pittsburgh and because of the rivalry UVA.

Question: How well do you think the Deuce and Larry Austin will play as the team starting cornerbacks?

Lee Suggs: I think they will do really well! They have had a good offseason and when the season comes they will be ready.

Question: Have you seen KJ play yet? How does he look? any thoughts on working with him?

Lee Suggs: I haven't seen him play. He's my teammate so I will be helping him out any way I can when we play together.

Question: Who will be the starting QB this year? Also, do you think Randall will get a lot of PT?

Lee Suggs: That is hard to say. I haven't seen any of the new freshmen play. But right now I think it will be Grant Noel as the starter.

Question: Describe how it feels being regarded as one of the top running backs in college football today?

Lee Suggs: It is a great honor. At the beginning of last season I never dreamed I would be rated this high now. I am thankful.

Question: Who do you hang around with the most, both on and off the team?

Lee Suggs: I hang out with Lamar Cobb, Marvin Erkhart, and Willie Pile sometimes

Question: What did you do to prepare for the up coming season?

Lee Suggs: I stayed in town the whole summer and worked out. I got bigger and stronger. I'm in pretty good shape going into the season.

Question: During the recruiting year, you hear a lot about the family atmosphere at Tech that attracts recruits. Did it have a big impact on you?

Lee Suggs: Yes, that was the main reason I came! I felt comfortable with the whole staff and the players. It wasn't like that at other schools.

Question: What sort of role do current players on the team play in recruiting?

Lee Suggs: The players take the recruits out and show them Blacksburg. We show them the social life and that is a big part of college.

Question: What's your favorite meal to eat on Game Day?

Lee Suggs: On Game Day I don't eat a lot. The night before we have steak and chicken, baked potatoes, green beans. That is my favorite meal of the week!

Question: What do you like to do that is not football related?

Lee Suggs: I like to play Playstation 2, listen to music, play basketball and swim. I try to get away from football at times.

Question: What has been your impression of the defense so far? There has been talk about them being better than the 1999 defense? What is your opinion?

Lee Suggs: I know the defense is going to be really good this year. I haven't heard comparisons to the 99 team. I am sure they will be up there though, maybe even better!

Question: Do you like the two back system Tech runs or would you prefer to carry more of the load?

Lee Suggs: Yeah, I like the two back system. It gives me a chance to get some rest.

Question: Have you played as yourself on NCAA 2002 on Playstation 2? I get at least 150 yards with you on that game every time.

Lee Suggs: Yeah, I played as myself a few times.

Question: Did you get any date requests Saturday after stripping for 500 women? ;-)

Lee Suggs: Nah, no date proposals. Most of them were married women!

Question: What do you think of the new playing surface on Worsham Field?

Lee Suggs: It is really fast. Way better than last year. If it rains it won't get as slippery as it used to. A real big upgrade.

Question: Who are some of the best defensive players you feel you have played against?

Lee Suggs: Keith Adams from Clemson is one. Dan Morgan from Miami.

Question: What kind of impact has your father had on your college football career?

Lee Suggs: Sometimes, in my first couple years when I wasn't playing, he gave me talks and kept my head up. He told me to keep going and it helped me out a lot.

Question: Describe what motivates you to play up to the best of your capabilities as a running back on the football field at Virginia Tech?

Lee Suggs: I guess it is just wanting to be good! You go out and play a game you love to play and you will do your best.

Question: Do you hope to play more of a receiving role out of tailback this year, or do you want to focus mainly on running the ball like last year?

Lee Suggs: I do want to help out on receiving. That will help the offense out and take pressure off the lineman and the running game.

Question: Do you ever read the message boards on TechSideLine.com? I've always wondered if the players stop by there an see what the fans are saying.

Lee Suggs: I used to. Sometimes it can get you mad, what people say. So I stopped.

Question: Do you think you will come back for you Senior season?

Lee Suggs: I don't know right now. I will weigh my options at the end of the season.

Question: Who do you think is going to have a breakout season on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball for VT this year?

Lee Suggs: I think Richard Johnson on the offense And Lamar Cobb on the Defense.

Question: What is your favorite NFL team?

Lee Suggs: The Raiders!!!

Question: Lee, it's an honor to talk with you! How do you think the O-Line is coming along?

Lee Suggs: In the spring they were coming along well! They worked hard in the offseason and got stronger. They watched a lot of film to get smarter. Now during the 2-a-days they will get even better. How much do you all follow all of the polls during the season? We don't really follow the polls. People tell us so much about them that we can't help but know.

Question: Do you think that if Vick came back this year that VT would have been ranked #1 in all the polls? Also, where do you think VT should be ranked in the preseason polls?

Lee Suggs: If Mike came back we would have been up there. I don't know about No. 1. But he isn't here and we have to move on. I like where we are ranked. I saw No. 9 in one poll and that is good to start the season.

Question: Does the team have the mental game down this year to go for a national championship

Lee Suggs: The team has always been strong mentally. That has never been a question.

Question: Lee, what are your personal goals for this season?

Lee Suggs: I want to run over 1000 yards. Stay injury free, win the Big East and a National Championship. And help my team any way I can.

Lee Suggs: Thanks for showing interest! Sorry I didn't get to all your questions. Time for me to go. Have a nice day!