From Gridiron to Rock Stage: Virginia Tech’s Wild Field Makeover for Metallica Show

Virginia Tech Transforms Lane Stadium for Metallica with Bold Turf Overhaul

Virginia Tech Uses Eye-Catching Turf Technique Ahead of Metallica’s Arrival

Lane Stadium is no stranger to roaring crowds and high-voltage entrances, especially when Virginia Tech’s football team storms the field to the pulse-pounding sounds of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” But come May 7, the legendary band behind the anthem will take center stage themselves—right on the same field they’ve unknowingly helped electrify for decades.

As part of their M72 World Tour, Metallica will rock Lane Stadium in what will be only the second major concert ever held inside the iconic venue. The last time the stadium hosted a performance of this magnitude was in 2007, in the wake of the Virginia Tech shooting, when a star-studded lineup that included Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer came together for a healing show. While various artists like NLE Choppa have performed outside the stadium, Metallica’s upcoming show marks a new level of musical history being made in Blacksburg.

To prepare for this high-profile transformation from gridiron to rock arena, Virginia Tech’s grounds crew is pulling off a meticulous field renovation—and it’s far from a simple stage setup. Step one in the makeover? Removing the sprinkler heads. But that’s just the beginning.

The real magic lies in a specialized turf preparation method called “fraise mowing.” Using a precision mower, the crew removes the top layer of grass—anywhere from a quarter to over an inch deep. This process, while extreme, is strategic. It strips away thatch (a dense layer of organic debris), improves soil exposure, and creates optimal conditions for aeration and future overseeding.

In this case, the fraise mow is preemptive. With heavy equipment and thousands of fans set to cover the field, the grass underneath is bound to take a beating. By removing it in advance, the grounds team ensures that once the lights go down and the amps go quiet, they can quickly reseed and rejuvenate the field for football season.

This turf transformation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about smart, long-term planning. And when Metallica hits the 50-yard line to play in the round, they won’t just be rocking out in Lane Stadium—they’ll be making history on a perfectly prepped field designed to rise again, just in time for fall Saturdays in Blacksburg.

Report: Colts Connect with Hokies WR Da’Quan Felton in Pre-Draft Meeting

 

Colts Show Interest in Virginia Tech’s Da’Quan Felton, a Sleeper WR Prospect with Big-Play Potential

As the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Indianapolis Colts are doing their homework—and their latest pre-draft meeting has them eyeing a potential late-round gem. According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Colts recently held a virtual meeting with Virginia Tech wide receiver Da’Quan Felton, a name that might not be on every fan’s radar but one that definitely carries intriguing upside.

Felton checks the boxes physically. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 213 pounds with 32 1/4-inch arms, he’s a prototypical “height-speed” receiver who could stretch the field and provide a red-zone presence—two areas the Colts could use more firepower in. During the 2024 college season, Felton started all 12 games for the Hokies, recording 32 catches for 360 yards (11.3 yards per reception) and two touchdowns. While those numbers won’t turn heads at first glance, they don’t tell the full story.

Scouting reports, including his NFL.com draft profile, suggest that Felton’s modest production was more a result of scheme limitations and inconsistent quarterback play than a lack of ability. He’s a vertical threat who thrives on deep routes—posts, fades, and go routes—where he can use his long stride and speed to gain separation. His route running and hands are still a work in progress, and he’s not known for his yards-after-catch ability, but teams could view him as a developmental deep threat who can grow into a more polished role.

Projected as a Day 3 selection, likely in the sixth or seventh round, Felton may not be a player who contributes immediately in a starting role—but that doesn’t mean he won’t make an impact. His size and speed make him a candidate to contribute on special teams from Day 1, and with some coaching, he could evolve into a situational vertical weapon who forces defenses to stay honest.

For a Colts team that’s still building around quarterback Anthony Richardson and looking to add more playmakers to the mix, especially those who can stretch the field vertically, Felton could be an intriguing late-round flyer. The virtual meeting is a sign that Indianapolis sees something worth exploring—and in the late rounds, that kind of raw athletic upside can be a steal.

Stuck at the Top? Exploring Panthers’ Options Without a Trade-Back in 2025 NFL Draft

What If the Panthers Can’t Trade Back? A Look at Carolina’s Options with the No. 8 Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away, the Carolina Panthers are firmly in the spotlight, holding the coveted No. 8 overall pick. Naturally, fans are buzzing with anticipation, wondering what the team’s next move will be. While there’s been plenty of chatter about Carolina trading back to accumulate more picks, a real question looms: What happens if that trade opportunity doesn’t materialize?

In this week’s Panthers Mailbag, a fan asked a timely question: “What should the Panthers do if they’re stuck at No. 8 and can’t trade back?” It’s a scenario the front office must be prepared for, especially in a draft class full of positional depth but no clear-cut consensus beyond the top handful of prospects.

The conventional wisdom is to “take the best player available,” but that phrase means more than just picking a name off the top of a draft board. Organizational philosophy and positional value play a massive role. The Panthers, for example, are not in the market for a quarterback at No. 8. That narrows the focus to premium positions like edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle.

Among those, edge rusher and wide receiver stand out as immediate needs. With a revamped defense under new leadership and an offense still searching for consistent playmakers, either of these picks could make an instant impact in 2025. Wide receiver, in particular, offers some electrifying talent near the top of the board—players who could give Bryce Young the support he’s lacked in his early development.

Meanwhile, positions like cornerback and offensive tackle are more about long-term planning. With contract decisions looming for veterans like Mike Jackson, Ikem Ekwonu, and Taylor Moton, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Carolina invest early in protecting its franchise quarterback—or strengthening a secondary that needs depth and youth.

Then there’s defensive tackle, a position Carolina has historically prioritized regardless of need. Despite some intriguing additions in free agency, the defensive front still needs help to shake off the stink of last year’s historically bad scoring defense.

So if no trade partner comes calling, expect the Panthers to stay strategic. At No. 8, they’ll have a real shot at a difference-maker—someone who can contribute now and grow into a cornerstone of this new era in Carolina.

Hokies Land Promising In-State Recruit for 2026 Football Season

Virginia Tech Lands Key In-State Linebacker in Big Recruiting Win for 2026 Class

The recruiting momentum in Blacksburg is building fast—and Virginia Tech just added a major piece to its 2026 puzzle. Head coach Brent Pry and his staff had a busy weekend, starting with the annual Spring Game and a strong wave of campus visitors. By the end of it, the Hokies had secured not one, but two new commitments. And on Monday, they struck gold with a significant in-state pickup that could set the tone for the rest of the recruiting cycle.

Joshua Pittman, a standout linebacker from Suffolk, Virginia, announced his commitment to Virginia Tech, becoming the Hokies’ first in-state pledge for the Class of 2026—and the third overall commitment in that group. Pittman’s decision is especially impressive given the competition; he chose the Hokies over offers from programs like Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Michigan State, Indiana, and others. He’s also made recent visits to Wake Forest and North Carolina, showing just how wide-ranging his recruitment had become.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Pittman brings a physical presence to the field and has the versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker. Known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks and shut down the run, he’s expected to fit well into the aggressive, hard-nosed defensive scheme Pry is building in Blacksburg.

This commitment follows two others in recent days: wide receiver Carnell Warren from South Carolina, who committed back in February, and kicker Will Love, the younger brother of current Hokie John Love, who announced his decision on Sunday. With talent being added across the board—offense, defense, and special teams—Virginia Tech’s 2026 class is starting to take shape in a promising way.

As the spring recruiting season heats up, the next few months will be crucial. Numerous high-priority targets are expected to visit campus throughout May and June, and the coaching staff will be looking to keep this positive momentum going. More commitments are likely on the horizon, especially as summer approaches and players begin narrowing down their choices.

For now, Virginia Tech fans can celebrate a strong early foundation in the 2026 class—and with an in-state playmaker like Joshua Pittman now on board, the future in Blacksburg is looking bright.

Minnesota Vikings Emerge as Potential Trade Destination for 7-Time Pro Bowler

Minnesota Vikings Rumored to Be Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for 7-Time Pro Bowl Cornerback

Could the Minnesota Vikings be preparing to make a major splash ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft? With the offseason heating up and teams jockeying for position, rumors are swirling that the Vikings may be targeting a massive defensive upgrade—none other than Miami Dolphins star cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Coming off a strong 14-3 season that ended in a disappointing early playoff exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ front office are determined to build a squad capable of going deeper in the postseason. While there’s optimism around rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the team’s overall talent, there are still a few gaps—particularly in the secondary—that could use immediate reinforcements.

Enter Ramsey.

According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, the Vikings have emerged as a potential trade destination for the seven-time Pro Bowler, who is reportedly on the trade block. NFL insider Ian Rapoport has confirmed that Ramsey and the Dolphins have agreed to “mutually explore trade options,” opening the door for several teams, including Minnesota, to make a move.

Moton laid out a possible scenario where the Vikings send their 2025 third-round pick (No. 97 overall) to Miami in exchange for Ramsey. It’s a price that may seem steep, but for a team in win-now mode, adding a seasoned, high-impact veteran to a defense that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed last season could be exactly what they need.

During the 2024 season, Ramsey played all 17 games and put up solid numbers: 60 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended. Despite the wear and tear of a long career, he’s still considered one of the top cornerbacks in the league and would bring instant leadership and experience to the Vikings’ young secondary.

Whether Minnesota pulls the trigger on a blockbuster deal remains to be seen, but with the draft just around the corner, all eyes are on what the Vikings will do next. If they’re serious about making a Super Bowl push in 2025, acquiring a player like Ramsey could be the kind of bold move that makes all the difference.

Back with a Bang: Phillies Prospect Hits Triple Digits in Long-Awaited Comeback

Heat Check: Phillies Top Prospect Hits 100 MPH in Long-Awaited Return to the Mound

After nearly three years away from live minor league action, Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter returned in jaw-dropping fashion — and the radar gun lit up. Pitching for the Single-A Clearwater Threshers, the 21-year-old flamethrower touched 100 mph three times and consistently sat at 98, sending a jolt of excitement through the Phillies organization and fanbase alike.

Painter’s outing, his first in 938 days, was a short but electric reintroduction. He threw 37 pitches across 1⅓ innings, striking out three, walking one, and allowing two earned runs. More importantly, he showed no hesitation letting the ball fly — a promising sign for a pitcher working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

In early 2023, Painter was on the cusp of making the Phillies’ Opening Day roster as a 20-year-old phenom. But that dream was cut short when elbow issues surfaced after his first spring training start, ultimately leading to surgery that sidelined him for all of 2023 and 2024.

The road back has been cautious but deliberate. Painter began facing live hitters again during the Arizona Fall League in late 2024 and is now ramping up for what the Phillies hope will be a healthy and impactful 2025. According to team president Dave Dombrowski, the organization is eyeing a possible major league debut around July — but there are no guarantees.

“As we’ve said all along, it’s July-ish,” Dombrowski told The Athletic. “He’ll be throwing innings in the minors before that… But will he force his way into the conversation? Only time will tell.”

Philadelphia’s rotation is already deep, headlined by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, with reinforcements like Ranger Suarez on the way back. If Painter continues to impress and earns a call-up, the Phillies are unlikely to shift to a six-man rotation. Instead, they could look to creatively pair him with Suarez in a “piggyback” setup — using Suarez to follow Painter and absorb innings as the young right-hander builds stamina.

For now, the focus remains on Painter’s health and endurance. After a 938-day wait, he’s finally back — and throwing gas. If he keeps this up, it won’t be long before the next stop is South Philly.

Hokies Legacy Grows as John Love’s Brother Commits to VT Football

Virginia Tech Adds Another Love to the Family: Kicker Will Love Commits to Hokies

If there’s one thing Virginia Tech football knows how to do, it’s recruit brothers. The Hokies doubled down on that tradition this weekend, landing a commitment from 2026 kicker Will Love — the younger brother of current standout kicker John Love.

Will, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound specialist out of Spartanburg High School in South Carolina, announced his commitment on Sunday, giving Virginia Tech its second pledge in the 2026 recruiting class. Though his offer list wasn’t stacked — Norfolk State was the only other school to officially extend one — Will was drawing quiet attention from several regional Power Four programs. That’s not unusual for specialists, who often fly under the radar until closer to signing day.

Despite that, Will Love has made a name for himself in the kicking game. He connected on 24 of 25 extra-point attempts in 2024 and nailed nine of 15 field goals, with several coming from long range. Notably, he shattered Spartanburg’s school record for the longest field goal twice in the same season — first with a 51-yarder, then later with a booming 54-yard bomb.

Of course, Will’s older brother is no stranger to breaking records himself. Redshirt junior John Love has anchored Virginia Tech’s kicking game for the past two seasons, becoming one of the most consistent legs in the ACC. He’s been nearly automatic on extra points (89-for-89) and has converted 88.6% of his field goals, including an impressive 11-for-12 from 40–49 yards and three successful makes from beyond 50. John has earned All-ACC honorable mentions in back-to-back years and still has two years of eligibility remaining.

With Will now set to follow in his brother’s footsteps — and possibly his cleats — the Hokies are setting themselves up for long-term stability at the position. By the time Will arrives on campus, John could still be kicking, depending on his future plans. Either way, Virginia Tech looks poised to keep the kicking game in the family — and in excellent shape — for years to come.

This commitment is more than just a feel-good family story. It’s a strategic win for the Hokies, who continue to build a foundation of consistency and continuity on special teams — one Love at a time.

What a Day To Win Big: Mariners Sweep Rangers with 3-1 Win

Mariners Play Bop It, Sweep the Rangers with 3-1 Victory on Little League Day

Seattle turned T-Mobile Park into a playground on Sunday afternoon, as the Mariners celebrated their first Little League Day of the season by playing a game of Bop It — and bopping the Texas Rangers out of town with a 3-1 win and a satisfying series sweep.

Pull it!
Cal Raleigh continued his slugfest tour, homering for the third straight game — this time launching a no-doubter over the right-field wall in the first inning. That shot gave the Mariners a quick 2-0 lead and pushed Raleigh even higher on the all-time franchise home run leaderboard. He now sits just one behind Ichiro for 16th place. With the way Cal is swinging the bat, cracking the top 10 by midseason feels inevitable.

Twist it!
Logan Gilbert took the mound following one of the strongest three-start stretches of his career, and while today’s outing wasn’t quite as dazzling, it was still solid. Gilbert struggled to locate his slider early, which the Rangers pounced on when Dustin Harris took him deep in the second. But Cal and Logan adjusted on the fly, leaning more on the four-seamer and splitter — a twist in approach that helped Logan rediscover the feel for his slider. The result? Five innings of one-run ball, seven strikeouts, and a step up the franchise’s all-time strikeout list.

Pull it!
At 94 pitches through five innings, Gilbert was pulled by skipper Dan Wilson — but not before laying a strong foundation. Enter Gabe Speier, who made quick work of the Rangers’ lefty-heavy lineup, retiring Corey Seager and company in order to preserve the lead.

Twist it!
The defensive highlight came in the sixth, and it was pure chaos. After Julio Rodríguez punched a single into play, Jorge Polanco hit a soft roller to first. Rangers first baseman Jake Burger, perhaps too focused on Julio’s speed, lost track of the obvious. Polanco danced around the tag like he was dodging cones at recess, turning a routine out into a spin move straight from the playground — and a safe call that extended the inning.

From start to finish, the Mariners twisted, pulled, and bopped their way to a confident 3-1 win, sweeping the Rangers and keeping the vibes high heading into the next series.

AUBURN PROBABLY LETTING GO? Auburn Star Safety Set to Enter Transfer Portal, per Reports

Auburn Safety Terrance Love to Enter Transfer Portal Amidst Rising Depth Chart Competition

As spring practice wraps up on The Plains, Auburn football is bracing for another wave of roster changes—this time from within its defensive backfield. Junior safety Terrance Love has announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it reopens on April 16, according to a report from On3.

Love, who spent two seasons with the Tigers, never managed to crack the regular rotation in Auburn’s defense. He saw action in 10 games during the 2024 season, recording just one tackle. In his freshman campaign in 2023, Love appeared in 11 games, contributing six tackles and one pass breakup. Despite flashes of promise, he ultimately struggled to find a consistent role in a competitive safety room.

Now, as Auburn continues to stockpile talent on the back end, Love finds himself facing even stiffer competition. This offseason, head coach Hugh Freeze and the Tigers reinforced the secondary with several key additions. Highly-rated freshmen AnQuon Fegans and Eric Winters—both considered blue-chip recruits—have arrived with big expectations. Additionally, the Tigers landed Georgia Tech transfer Taye Seymore, who brings both experience and versatility to the position group.

With a loaded safety unit and limited opportunities for playing time, Love’s decision to explore new horizons is understandable. While Auburn’s defensive staff continues to mold a championship-caliber roster, the depth chart squeeze is beginning to show its effects. For players like Love—who may still possess untapped potential—a transfer could be the ideal move to reignite their college careers elsewhere.

For Auburn, the spring portal window presents not only the chance to evaluate internal changes but also to pursue further reinforcements. The team will be eligible to add more players starting April 16, and with Freeze aiming to build depth across all units, fans can expect continued activity in the transfer market.

Love’s departure marks the latest chapter in Auburn’s ever-evolving roster reshaping as the Tigers gear up for what they hope will be a breakthrough 2025 season.

Virginia Tech Wrestling Adds 3-Time NCAA Qualifier

Virginia Tech Wrestling Lands Game-Changing Transfer in 3-Time NCAA Qualifier Ethen Miller

The Virginia Tech wrestling program just scored a major win off the mat.

On Sunday, head coach Tony Robie and the Hokies landed a pivotal commitment from Ethen Miller, a standout wrestler from the University of Maryland. The three-time NCAA qualifier is set to join Virginia Tech as a redshirt senior for the 2025-26 season, bringing experience, grit, and an impressive resume to a program already buzzing with talent.

Hailing from Kansas City, Miller is coming off an extraordinary season with the Terrapins where he went undefeated in the regular season (20-0) while competing at 157 pounds—a feat not seen at Maryland since 2013-14. His dominant performance earned him the top seed in the Big Ten tournament, where he ultimately finished sixth. That result was still strong enough to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships as the No. 10 seed, marking his third consecutive national tournament appearance. Over three seasons at Maryland, Miller compiled a stellar 68-23 career record.

Now, Miller arrives in Blacksburg to join a Hokies team that finished 11th nationally at the 2025 NCAA Championships, with nine NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans. His arrival adds firepower to an already formidable lineup, but it also raises questions—and excitement—about how Robie will reshuffle the weight classes to maximize the squad’s potential.

Virginia Tech already has strength at 157 pounds with redshirt sophomore Rafael Hipolito Jr., the reigning 2025 ACC Champion, holding down that spot. At 149 pounds, Miller’s former class before moving up, sits 2024 national champion Caleb Henson, a back-to-back NCAA finalist who’s not going anywhere. So where does Miller fit?

A move to 165 pounds could be on the horizon, offering a tantalizing solution. The Hokies have lacked a national-caliber wrestler in that slot since Mekhi Lewis captured the program’s first NCAA title in 2019. Miller’s strength, versatility, and proven track record make him a strong candidate to step up and anchor the middleweight group in 2025-26.

With Miller’s addition, Virginia Tech’s lineup gets even more dangerous. His presence not only deepens the roster but sends a clear message: the Hokies are building toward a legitimate run at national wrestling dominance.