Hokie ClubHeading into its first spring practice later this week, Virginia Tech football had its head coach and three coordinators speak to the media for a press conference to preview spring ball on Tuesday.
Read below for some highlights of what was said.
Head coach Brent Pry
Opening statement:
"We just finished up Phase 1, which is our winter morning workouts, lifts, runs, agility, speed, change of direction, all of those things to form a brotherhood. Those would begin at 5:30 a.m. multiple days during the week. Our guys really came through strong. Our roster looks a lot different. The investment and sacrifice are much better. We're now heading into Phase 2, which is really good for us. It's taking everything we did in Phase 1 into Phase 2, which is spring. We are really excited about that. The roster looks completely different and we got some new coaching changes. Watching the guys work this morning, they're really efficient and smooth in what they're doing. I'm fired up we got an open practice for everybody on March 25. We did this last year and have another one this spring, which will be in Lane Stadium. I believe that's our fifth practice. It will be a chance for everybody to come out and see what we're about."
On if it's a crash course for the two new assistants jumping right into spring ball:
"There's some familiarity, right? Through the interview process you have a lot of discussions on Zoom. You can talk multiple times and talk technique and fundamentals. Where we're at. What they believe in. Philosophies. And then familiarity with the offenses they've been around. That was important in the process. It sure makes the transition better when there's a lot of familiarity."
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Tyler Bowen
On outlook heading into spring ball:
"As far as what we're looking for during the spring on offense, No. 1, we have to do a better job of establishing an identity. I thought at times last year we were searching for that, but got to a better place for that at the end of the year. I think the personnel we've been able to infuse our roster with will create a lot of competition. This spring, we're going out and focusing on three things – tempo/attack, vertical run/pass game and being physical at all 11 positions. Those are the things we're focusing on. From there, it goes along with our culture and what we expect to win football games."
Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Chris Marve
On how he accessed Phase 1 heading into spring:
"We have gotten some really good work in, since the last time we spoke. Again, just closing out Phase 1 of our winter programming. I've been really pleased with our approach, mindset and execution for what we're looking for. That work ethic, it's tangible. You can see it. You feel it. Even though we had a spring break this past week, we've been around them quite a few days and you can see the maturity and how it's continued over the course of a nine-day break. They're hungry, so I'm excited to get to some football."
Special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Stu Holt
On having previous experience of working with tight ends and getting back to coaching that position again:
"I'm excited for our team, because it's going to allow Coach Bowen, our play caller, to be closer to our quarterbacks. I think that's ultimately what you're looking at when you see this move to make us better offensively. He'll be in that room and working more heavily with the guys that will be pulling the trigger. For me, personally, I love coaching the tight ends and we got a chance every play. We're either run blocking, we're catching a pass, we're in pass protection. A lot of our success will come down to how those guys play, so I like being a part of that."