Notes and quotes from Tuesday's press conference

TECH FRESHMAN punter Michael Branthover will be put on scholarship in January, coach Frank Beamer said Tuesday. 

Branthover, a Dayton, Md., native, had a scholarship offer from Maryland, but “we knew we wanted him here, so we worked out that situation with him. He’s a quality kicker,” Beamer said.

Branthover is settling into the Hokies’ starting punter job after taking over the duties against Miami on Oct. 8. In two games, he has averaged 42.1 yards per punt with a long of 58 yards.

“I think he’s matured quickly,” Beamer said. “When he first started kicking, he was erratic. You could see talent. He would boom one, and then the next one wasn’t so good, but right now he’s