Here are some observations from the first day of practice. Check http://www.newsadvance.com later for my full notebook.

*Tech coach Frank Beamer said he was pleased with what he saw from his kickers and punters. Cody Journell and Justin Myer are competing for the starting kicking job. Senior Tyler Weiss is no longer listed on the Hokies’ roster. As for punter, senior wide receiver Danny Coale is still progressing as he tries to win the starting job.

*Freshman running back Michael Holmes didn’t participate in practice, because he’s waiting for final approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse.

*Hokies quarterbacks coach Mike O’Cain said there is still a lot Logan Thomas can prove between now and the start of the season. “He can prove a lot. He can prove a lot that he’s ready to play by his actions and improving every day,” O’Cain said. Thomas said he feels like this is his offense now.

*Ju-Ju Clayton and Mark Leal are neck-and-neck for the backup quarterback job, O’Cain said. Leal was a little bit ahead of Clayton after spring practice. O’Cain said there’s no timetable for picking a No. 2 QB. O’Cain said Leal, a redshirt freshman, will probably get more work this preseason because Clayton is a fourth-year junior and already gotten a lot of work.

*Starting linebacker Tariq Edwards is still hampered by the hamstring injury he suffered in the offseason, but defensive coordinator Bud Foster said he still participated with the first team in practice. Edwards ran very gingerly during post-practice sprints. He was right there with starting right tackle Blake DeChristopher, who is rehabbing a slightly torn left pectoral muscle.

*Dan River linebacker Trey Edmunds, ranked in the Rivals250 for 2012, is expected to make his college decision today at 1 p.m. The Hokies are in the final running, along with Virginia, Maryland and UNC. Edmunds is the son of former Maryland and NFL standout Ferrell Edmunds.