Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – In its last week of spring ball, Virginia Tech football head coach Brent Pry and select coaches and players addressed the media on Wednesday during a press conference. Read what they had to say below.
HEAD COACH BRENT PRY
Opening statement:
"This morning, we had the Blacksburg Chief of Police, Chief Wilson, come and speak to the team about April 16, 2007. He was there that day and told the story through his eyes. It's part of the fabric of this university and we felt it was important that they heard the story. I know there are folks out there that would prefer we don't play our spring game on the 16th, and I get it. But I promise you that our football team and our staff will show tremendous respect and consideration for the 16th and we have several big plans for our football team to demonstrate that. On a brighter note, we have some exciting things going on in our program right now with the generous donation from Win Sheridan that is going to fund a brand-new football locker room for our football team. We're super excited and appreciative of such a generous gift that is going to be impactful to our football program. So, we're super excited about that and appreciative. The generosity blows my mind."
On the excitement for this Saturday:
"I get excited for every Saturday to be honest, the scrimmages, you know, to watch the improvement. There will be more people in the stands and that adds excitement to the event, which is great. This isn't just for our team, it's for everybody. It's for our fan base, the community and the students. It should be a good event for all. It's another opportunity to get better and continue to grow at our positions and get players closer to being the players we need them to be."
RELATED LINKS
- Practice Report (Tuesday, April 5)
- Mic'd Up: Offensive Coordinator Tyler Bowen
- Virginia Tech announces additional Hokies Football Spring Game details
- Virginia Tech Football ticket offerings announced for upcoming 2022 season
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR CHRIS MARVE
On the position changes:
"I think everything's an evaluation, right? So, spring ball is just phase two. We still have to go through the summer and fall camp to see who we really are, and how we're really going to operate as a defense. But we've seen some really promising things from all those guys. We feel good about the growth that we've made, and the direction that we had."
SAM LINEBACKERS/NICKELS COACH SHAWN QUINN
On creating the teams for the spring game:
"You have to do a good job of creating a balance, where you have functioning groups on both sides. You have to have enough offensive linemen on both sides. That's the biggest issue. Do we have enough linemen to finish the game if somebody gets hurt or something? What you try to do is get units or groups together to make it competitive and fun. I know whatever team I'm on we're going to want to win by 100. That's how every coach is I'm sure. But I think for us it's just chance to get in front of fans and celebrate."
RUNNING BACK MALACHI THOMAS
On his goals for the spring:
"I'd say just to learn the playbook and be the best I can be and just outwork everybody else."
RUNNING BACK CHANCE BLACK
On where he feels the most comfortable:
"Honestly, I feel more comfortable at the running back position. But, you know, being as versatile as I am, I feel like I can play anywhere. To be honest, I will do anything and play anywhere to have this team win."
DEFENSIVE BACK DJ HARVEY
On his relationship with Coach Marve:
"He really is one of the realest people that I've met since I got to Blacksburg besides Coach Pry and Coach [Derek] Jones. I mean, all of the coaches I've met on the offensive side, the defensive side and special teams, they have all been really cool. When Coach Marve speaks to you, he really gets through to you. He is straightforward and direct with you. He wants to help all of his kids and he treats us like we are one of his own"
Fans will be able to see the Hokies in action on Saturday, April 16 for their spring game at 4 p.m. ET in Lane Stadium. Tickets to Virginia Tech Football's 2022 Spring Game are now on sale for just $5.
Want more information on season tickets? Fill out the form below and a Virginia Tech representative will follow up with full details.