Virgil ruled academically ineligible for bowl

Virginia Tech cornerback Stephan Virgil was ruled academically ineligible for the Hokies’ meeting with Tennessee in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Virginia Tech had not made an announcement on Virgil’s status as of late Thursday night.

Either freshman Jayron Hosley or Cris Hill, a third-year sophomore, is likely to start in Virgil’s place. Hill made his first and only career start at cornerback against Marshall on Sept. 12.

For Virgil, a senior, the ruling that he will not be able to play in the bowl on Dec. 31 in Atlanta ends his career at Virginia Tech on a disappointing note.

Virgil, who was the Hokies best and most experienced cornerback entering the year, has battled a knee injury for much of the season. He missed two games after injuring his left knee against Alabama on Sept. 5. He was slowed by the injury in practice and during games.

Virgil missed some spring practices before the 2008 season in order to focus on academics. He said he has struggled with his schoolwork and that he grew up with what could be described as a learning disability.